Skipwash

Wet clothes are the worst, especially if you need them in a hurry! There is a quick and easy solution to have all your clothes dried faster. You can begin by speeding up the machine-dry process and then add a clean and dry towel to the rest of the load and save time and energy!

Thrifted clothing purchased at second-hand stores, thrift shops, or garage sales can offer amazing bargains. However, it is important to clean each clothing item before you wear it. Since most of the items you find in second-hand stores and rummage sales have been worn, it's a good idea to sanitize them to reduce exposure to bacteria, fungus, and harmful insects that might tag along. And with thrifted clothes that are brand-new, washing before wearing can help wash out excess dyes and other chemical treatments, which can cause a variety of skin irritations and allergic reactions.

Cotton fabric is made from natural plant fibers and is widely used in clothes, table linens, bedding, and everything from delicate baby onesies to denim blue jeans. Cotton items can be easily washed in the washing machine or by hand though you have kept water temperatures lower to reduce fading in colored items. Though clothing needs washing after it's worn every few times, frequent washing and drying at higher temperatures can cause some shrinkage and wrinkling.

There are five laundry products you should always have on hand:

1. Laundry Detergent: Detergents are offered in liquid, powder, or single-dose packs formats. All of them clean clothes well.

2. Oxygen Bleach: Works more slowly and gently than chlorine bleach, it is safe to use on all washable fabrics—except silk, wool, and leather—and for all colors and white fabrics.

3. Disinfectant: There are times after an illness, or if someone in the family has an infection, that laundry needs to be disinfected.

4. Baking Soda: By adding 1/2 cup of baking soda to each laundry load, detergents can work more effectively to reduce bacteria and loosen soil.

5. Distilled White Vinegar: Has many uses as a fabric softener, odor remover, and stain remover in the laundry room.