Baby it's cold outside - FIVE Winter Tips

Love Brisbane in winter?  We do, the sunny warm days and the cool crisp mornings.   But, these shorter days and cool westerly winds sure do make it harder to dry your clothes on the line.  With our six BIG Dexter dryers that hold 2 - 3 baskets it's so easy for you to bring your washing in.  Get it done FAST, because nothing feels better than fluffy towels after you get out of that hot shower!  So, here are some of my favourite *Winter tips* to help you get the best results for your laundry.

1.  It might sound weird, but it works! Next time you wash a load, try adding ½ cup white vinegar mixed with ½ cup water to the fabric softener dispenser drawer.  It will help to keep your clothes soft – without the need for chemicals.  Reportedly, it also helps to reduce skin irritations whilst giving your clothes a fresh, clean smell.

2.  Most of us use way too much detergent – you could probably get away with using as little as a quarter of a cup, REALLY!   An excess of detergent is bad for your clothes and it makes them stiff, it causes a waxy type of build up that will eventually make your towels water repellent and cause skin irritations for those with sensitive skins.  In our Frontloaders it can also cause 'oversuds' problems.  Clothes will come out fluffier and feeling cleaner from the dryers if you use less soap powder and detergent.   A win win.

3.  This cold dry air also can create *static havoc*   So maybe instead of using Fabric Softener try using dryer sheets, they are gauze-like pieces of tissue paper you can pop into the dryer to reduce static electricity. They also add a pleasant fragrance and help to soften your clothes.

4.   Wool - Always ensure you read the label for specific care instructions, as they may vary.   It is recommended to turn the garment inside out for laundering and to avoid bleaches and biological detergents, unless they are Woolmark approved.  Use a gentle Woolmark approved detergent.  Put machine on a maximum of 40°C delicate/gentle/low cycle wash.  Wool garments can then be tumble dried but ONLY on a low setting or delicate cycle. Remember always read the label instructions first!

5.  Best results for your Flannel Sheets:  Flannel sheets are best washed in warm water, as opposed to hot water. Some manufacturers even recommend cold water. In any case, this will minimize color fading.  Use vinegar: The first time you wash your flannel sheets, wash them with one-half cup white vinegar. This will help keep pills (balled-up fibers) from forming on your sheets. It will also set the color in the fabric to help resist fading.  Avoid fabric softener: Fabric softener leaves chemicals behind that stiffen fabric fibers and reduce flannel's softness over time. The buildup from the softener also increases the appearance of pills.  Finally,  best results are to have the dryer on Medium to Low heat and to minimize pilling, remove your sheets from the dryer immediately you check and notice they are dry.  Leaving them in too long will dry and harden the feel and texture.

Hope this helps warm up your winter nights!