Cold snap coming Brisbane!

brrrrr.... word is, our warm weather is likely to disappear with a cold snap and rain this weekend!  Time to pull out the woollies, blankets, doona's, jumpers, flannel pj's and get them ready for Winter.  Scoot on down to our Laundry, get them in our BIG Dexter *express* machines.  They are perfect for big fluffy winter items and only take 23 mins to wash.  Here are some old, but great winter tips from our Blog archive:

1. Colder weather, dries out our skin.  Using a gentler product in the wash, that is designed for sensitive skins, this will help the whole family's skin in Winter.  *Remember we offer FREE high quality, ECO, earth friendly, green, sensitive skin friendly detergent and fabric softener.  It's a wonderful Australian made and owned product, that gives terrific results and is much gentler on your skin. 

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.  Clothes will come out fluffier and feeling cleaner from the dryers if you use less soap powder/detergent.   A win win - softer blankets and clothes feel so much nicer to snuggle in to.

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.  Use a lower heat on the dryers too, remove any synthetic items as soon as they feel dry to touch.  If you leave these in too long, they are STATIC creating monsters!

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 harsh detergents, unless they are Woolmark approved.  Use a gentle Woolmark approved detergent.  Put the machine on a maximum of cold (delicate/gentle) cycle wash.  Wool garments can then be tumble dried but ONLY on a low setting heat 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 minimise 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.  For flannel it is best if you avoid Fabric softener.  As it leaves residue 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!  Discover how fast and easy our Laundromat is.