How to Get the Mildew Smell Out of Towels (and Keep It Out)
Towels that smell sour as soon as they get wet usually hold residue and mildew. A hot reset wash, separate rinses and proper drying get them back.
Category: Laundry
Washing, drying and caring for clothes, towels and bedding: wash temperatures, detergents, care labels, whites, delicates and washer care.
How Often Should You Wash Sheets, Pillowcases, Duvet Covers and Pillows?
Weekly is the standard for sheets and pillowcases, with hot water if you have dust mite allergies. Here is how often to wash everything else on the bed.
How to Whiten Clothes Without Bleach: Oxygen Soaks, Bluing, Sun and Better Habits
Gray or yellowed whites are usually a residue and sorting problem. Oxygen bleach soaks, warmer washes and the right detergent dose bring most of them back.
How to Wash a Weighted Blanket: By Weight, Fill and Cover Type
The cover does most of the work. When the weighted insert needs a wash, its fill, its weight and your washer's capacity decide whether it goes in the machine or the tub.
How to Wash a Pillow: Down, Polyester, Memory Foam and Latex
Most fiber and feather pillows can go through the washer and dryer. Foam and latex cannot. Whatever the type, drying it completely is what prevents mildew.
How to Clean a Front-Load Washer Gasket and Stop Mold in the Seal
Black spots and a sour smell in the door seal are common in front loaders. A monthly scrub, a dry towel and an open door fix most of it.
How to Remove Sweat Stains: Yellow Underarm Marks on Whites and Colors
Yellow armpit stains build up from sweat and antiperspirant residue. Enzymes and oxygen bleach work; chlorine bleach usually makes them worse.
How to Wash a Down Comforter at Home or at the Laundromat
Most down comforters can be washed at home if the machine is big enough. The hard part is drying: low heat, dryer balls and patience.
How Often Should You Wash Towels? Bath, Hand and Kitchen Towels Explained
Bath towels can handle a few uses if they dry fully between them. Kitchen and hand towels need washing much more often, and softener does them no favors.
How to Read Laundry Care Symbols: Wash, Bleach, Dry, Iron and Dry Clean
Care labels use five basic shapes. Learn the tub, triangle, square, iron and circle, plus what the dots and lines add, and you can read almost any tag.