You’ve probably forgotten to check pockets for loose change, tissue packets and a variety of other items that can damage your expensive washing machine. Having a jar will remind you and your household to do a sweep of their pockets before dumping dirty clothes for washing, which can potentially save you money too.

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This might seem strange, but a trick to retain the colour of your black jeans is to add two cups of brewed coffee or tea to the rinse cycle. This helps prevent your darkest garments from fading easily.

Also, remember to turn them inside out before washing as this helps colour to stay too.

See also: 5 Ways To Stop Colour Run From Your Jeans

Get rid of unsightly yellow stains from shirts by applying lemon juice and baking soda, then letting it sit for one hour before washing as per normal.

Remove lipstick smudges from your favourite blouse by sponging the stain gently with bicarbonate of soda mixed with lemon juice before washing.

For wine stains on a cotton shirt, follow this simple two-step process:

1. Work glycerine into the stain to loosen it.
2. Rub in 1:2 parts paste of bicarbonate soda and white vinegar.

Then leave until the stain begins to disappear before washing as usual!

Here’s an easy way to remove grease stains from cooking bacon – rub white chalk onto the stains and the powder will absorb the grease so it’s easier to wash off. Baby powder works too.

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If you’ve no time to hand wash your bras and undergarments, make sure to zip them up in mesh bags before tossing into the washing machine. This makes them less vulnerable to twisting and becoming entangled with other pieces of clothing.

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Don’t you hate it that banging noise when your shoes are madly tossed about in the dryer? Keep your shoes in good shape and dry them more effectively by tying them by the laces to the door of your dryer.

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The towel helps to absorb even more moisture from wet clothes, thus speeding up the drying process.

Sweaters and blouses with flimsy material can sag and damage if you hang them on thin hangers. Simply follow the picture above to avoid making hanger marks and indents on your precious clothes.

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Prevent wrinkles and creases by unloading the dryer as soon as it’s finished drying.

Cut laundry time by sorting your clothes early with the help of a few laundry hampers. Have one for each category – darks, whites, brights and delicates.

For more laundry tips, read: How To Wash 10 Common Fabrics To Make Your Clothes Last Longer, How To Clean 5 Types Of Challenging Fabrics.

For more home hacks, read: 20 Practical Home Hacks To Make Your Life Easier, 15 Genius Food Hacks That Will Change The Way You Eat and Kitchen Hack: 5 Ways To Use Lemons To Get Rid Of Bad Odours.

Text:  Bauersyndication / Additional Reporting: Elizabeth Liew
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