Doing laundry is probably one of the worst and annoying chores, and even more so when we put clothes in that have big stains… But that’s until now, because, guess what? Your washing machine has a function that practically no one knows about to remove those stains that get embedded, and no, this time we promise you that it’s not an old wives’ tale!
Dou you know how your washing machines work?
When it comes to removing stains from clothes… washing machines have an endless number of programs with which we could remove them, but there are times when those stains refuse to come out of the fabric and no matter how many times you put them in the wash, they don’t come off. And yes, there are very strong products that could remove them in a flash, but they could also damage the fabric of the clothes, so, in these cases, we have to resort to techniques that are hardly used anymore, do we remember rubbing, cleaning and soaking? Well, with one of these very simple steps we will be able to make those stains that have wanted to live on our sweater go away.
Soak, that’s the key!
We already know that our grandmothers were the wisest women on earth, and their trick of soaking the garment before putting it in the drum of the washing machine is still valid, but your washing machine will do it for you if you ask it to, you won’t even have to wet your hands if you select the “pre-wash” button. In case we don’t have the pre-wash button, you can soak the garment in a bowl of water for a while. We assure you that it works like a charm and you won’t even need to use bleach or stain removers that could damage the material of the clothing.
Of course, it will depend on the fabric you use and the soap you wash it with for this solution to be magical or to pass through your washing machine without pain or glory.
Just water?
Well, even if it’s just water, soaking it first will soften the stain, the water will penetrate the fibres of the fabric and will cause the stains that have adhered to it to lift little by little, so that, when you wash it with detergent, the wash will be much more effective.
Sweat, drinks, and some food remains are more likely to disappear with water, so, this process will help reduce the intensity of the dirt.
Do not try bleach!
Bleach can be a lifesaver for some stains, but it can also be so harsh on fabrics and colours if not used carefully. Instead, why not try something gentler, like Castile soap? This old-school yet effective product works wonders for soaking clothes without damaging them. It’s a perfect alternative to keep your clothes looking fresh and vibrant for longer.
Other tips
Did you know that your washing machine has three compartments? One of them is for the main wash, another for the fabric softener, and the third is for… the pre-wash! And, if you look even closer, you will see that this compartment has the number (1). In our modern washing machines, a different soap is usually used than the one you use to wash clothes (the one you normally use), and it will be put in this compartment.
Pre-washing clothes is a very easy way to extend the life of your clothes, let us know how this tip works for you!