Baking Soda is an inexpensive way to boost detergent and bleach performance, soften clothes, clean irons and control suds. It is one of the best things to green your laundry by reducing your dependence on chemicals.

Odors in our laundry are caused by bacteria. They can usually be removed as the detergent molecules break up the bacteria cells. In certain types of water and with some bacteria, the detergent needs a boost to work more effectively.

Baking soda helps to regulate the pH level in the washer water by keeping it from being too acidic or alkaline. By adding 1/2 cup of baking soda to each laundry load, detergents can work more effectively and reduce bacteria.

As a natural mineral, baking soda is less harsh on the environment than synthetic perfumes that mask odors. This also makes it a good choice for those with sensitive skin and allergies.

Once your washing is done use a clothesline rather than the dryer. This saves energy and your laundry will smell fresher.

The Hills Supa Fold 70 Folding Frame is a totally new and revolutionary design in folding frame clotheslines.

Hills Clotheslines have specifically designed the Supa Fold 70 for smaller living spaces such as flats, units and townhouses.

With a handy 23 feet of drying line space, the Supa Fold 70 clothesline has proven to be a very popular product for those in need of dry laundry, but with limited space.

Its powder coated steel design assures the utmost quality in strength and finish, plus the Supa Fold 70 is not only easy to assemble and install, but the design allows it to fold away neatly when not in use.

For more information on this and other useful products go to:   http://www.urbanclotheslines.com/hills-supafold-70-folding-frame-clothesline

Do not place too many items in the dryer – Just as the clothes need room to circulate in the washer to be cleaned completely, the clothes will need room to circulate in the dryer in order dry properly and to avoid wrinkling, especially permanent press and synthetic fabrics.

Read care labels for proper drying temperatures.

Always clean the lint filter before drying every load, for safety and efficiency.

Do not over dry your clothing. Over drying causes your colors to fade, increases wrinkling and shrinkage. Try to fold your laundry right after the drying cycle has ended to minimize the need for ironing.

Regarding Dryer Safety – Do not dry anything containing rubber on a heated setting. Do not put anything in the dryer that has been in contact with flammable chemicals, for example turpentine, acetone, cleaning solvents, wax, etc., until you know that the chemicals have been removed completely. To be safe – line dry these items.

Even though many of the newer dryers have features for delicates, you should always hang items like bathing suits or bras (especially underwire) to dry.  Sweaters and some other items instruct you to “dry flat” or “reshape and dry flat” so you will need to either use a drying rack or a towel in order to maintain the item’s shape while air drying. Be sure to turn the item over during drying, to save drying time and circulate air evenly. Clothing that needs to be line dried should be removed from the washer as soon as possible in order to reduce wrinkling.

Whilst it is a good idea to fully fill your washing machine with dirty laundry before using it to save power and water,  you should not cram it to overflowing. The clothes will not get clean and you risk the machine overflowing and flooding your laundry. Follow the   instructions on the washing powder box – extra powder will not make your clothes cleaner and will just clog your machine.

Once your washing is done, consider hanging it up to dry on a clothesline or airer, rather than using your clothes dryer all the time. This will save a lot of electricity and your laundry will smell really fresh.

Using cold water can save you up to 80% of the energy used by your machine because for a typical warm wash most of the energy used comes from the process of heating the water.

Hot washing is tougher on clothes – shrinking and damaging  fabric as well as  fading the colours.

Once your washing is done, consider using a clothesline,  either indoors or outside, rather than an electric clothes dryer. By making these small and easy changes to your laundry routine you will save money for yourself and help the environment for everyone!

fold down clothesline

If you are having trouble drying your laundry why not try a fold down clothesline? Once your clothes are dry simply fold it down and use the space for other activities. Out of sight out of mind! Click on the links to find the one that’s best for you.

QUIKcloset fold away airer

Why not try an indoor airer or clothesline? There are many different designs to suit any situation.  An airer will help cut your power bills as you don’t need to use your clothes dryer.  Click on the link to find the best one for your home.

http://www.urbanclotheslines.com/indoor-airers-and-indoor-clothes-line