3 Essential Laundry Tips for Cleaner Clothes and a Healthier Home

Many new clients inquire about our laundry services, and yes, it’s a popular add-on offered by our professional cleaning service. If you have laundry facilities on-site, we’ll follow your specific preferences. We’re also frequently asked how to enhance the cleanliness of laundered items and maintain the efficiency of washing machines. Regular maintenance is essential for both the washer and dryer to perform at their best. Routine cleaning ensures these appliances properly clean your clothes while preventing wear and potential damage over time.

1. One of the most impactful changes you can make, though not always the most popular, is to reconsider the detergent you use. I started exploring clean detergents when I had my first child and chose cloth diapers, which made me realize that only a few detergents truly remove dirt and grime, rather than just covering stains. Many commercial detergents contain petrochemicals that coat fabric fibers and leave residue in your washing machine, reducing its efficiency over time. Fortunately, it’s now much easier to find “clean,” biodegradable options. My favorite is Charlie’s Soap—it’s highly effective, more economical than most mainstream brands, and helps prevent harmful buildup in both your clothes and machine.

2. Sometimes, switching detergents isn’t enough—you also need to regularly clean the washing machine itself. You can use a washing machine cleaner or run a few cycles with clean rags, baking soda, and either lemon juice or vinegar in the rinse cycle. For front-load machines, it’s particularly important to clean the rubber gasket, where mildew and mold can accumulate. A peroxide cleaner or a mixture of peroxide and water with small brushes is the most effective way to reach tight spaces. Depending on your machine’s model, you may need to remove certain parts for a deeper clean. Be sure to consult your machine’s manual for the best cleaning practices.

3. We all know that cleaning the dryer filter is essential, yet many people still forget to do it regularly. What often gets overlooked is the importance of cleaning the dryer vent. This should be done routinely to maintain efficiency and prevent hazards. You can find vent cleaning tools on Amazon, but if your clothes still aren’t drying properly, you may need to call in air duct professionals. A clogged vent isn’t just inconvenient—it can also be a fire hazard. If your vent is clean and clothes still take too long to dry, consider using wool dryer balls instead of dryer sheets. They can reduce drying time by up to 25%.

To wrap up, keeping both your washing machine and dryer clean is key to maintaining their performance and ensuring your clothes come out fresh and damage-free. Regular maintenance not only saves time and energy but also prevents potential hazards like clogged vents or inefficient appliances. For expert tips on how to remove tough stains from clothes, be sure to check out our next blog post, where we’ll dive into the best stain-removal techniques and products. Stay tuned!