Laundry Lowdown
The True and False of Garment Care
Laundry … everybody has it, but does everybody know how to do it? The Arizona Coin Laundry Association (AZCLA) reveals the following myths and answers a few mysteries about this never-ending household chore:
True or False: More detergent equals cleaner clothes.
False: Actually, water is responsible for cleaning. Excess suds can inhibit proper cleaning by holding the dirt in the water rather than washing it away. Don’t use more soap than manufacturers recommend.
True or False: All fading is caused by washed-out dyes.
False: Some fading is the result of an overcrowded washer. Clothes jammed into the washer rub against each other and this agitation produces color loss.
True or False: You can wash down-filled bedding and outerwear.
True: Contrary to popular opinion, you can wash down-filled bedding and outerwear. Check care instructions first, but most down can be laundered. Use a large-capacity machine, such as those found at your local Arizona Coin Laundry, and wash in a mild detergent. When drying, use two or three clean tennis balls to help fluff and distribute the down.
True or False: In cold climates, clothes actually get cleaner in the summer.
True: In the garment trade a “cold water wash” is defined as wash with a water temperature of up to 85º F. During the winter months, some parts of the country experience water temperatures below 40º F, which is not warm enough to clean effectively. A warm water wash is recommended for those who live in colder climates.
True or False: Too much fabric softener can decrease towel absorbency.
True: Skip the softener to restore absorbency.
True or False: Most wrinkles are a result of over-drying.
True: Remove clothes from the dryer promptly to prevent wrinkles and shrinkage.
True or False: Mysterious spots found after the wash is done could be the result of a liquid fabric softener.
True: Some fabrics have a tendency to absorb liquid unevenly, leaving spots where the softener soaked through. To prevent static cling and soften clothes, use a fabric-softening sheet as opposed to a liquid softener.
True or False: Is it more expensive to use a local Laundromat for my weekly laundry than doing it myself at home?
False: When calculating today’s cost of utilities, the cost of the washer & dryer and your time, you’ll save money by using your local Arizona Coin Laundry Association location for your weekly laundry chore. We have a machine size to fit your every need, (no need to do multiple loads at home when you can use large "state of the art" machines in less time). Click on “Locations” at the top of the page and find the store nearest you.
