Does leaving your clothes out for delivery seem strange?
It’s not! But, we hear it all the time. There is no need to be home for your scheduled pickup and delivery. In fact, most people prefer to just leave their clothes out for our drivers. So we talked with our delivery drivers to come up with some tips!
Our drivers operate on routes like UPS or FedEx. They have full routes all over the city. Because of this, we don’t offer custom delivery times.
We do however encourage you to add detailed pickup or delivery notes to your account. We’re happy to pick up or deliver to a designated spot to make this easier for you. And, this is how most people handle absentee pickups and deliveries.
Tip #1: Keep it Simple & Consistent
Miscommunication happens when things get complicated. Our drivers are all W2, full-time employees that stick to their routes daily. Just like your mailman and UPS driver, our drivers get in a rhythm after they get to know your pickups and deliveries.
Instead of changing it up weekly, you’ll find better, more consistent results if you keep your designated laundry location the same from order to order.
Instead of:
“On Tuesday deliveries drop off my clothes with my neighbor at 1234 Fake St. Unit B but on Thursdays deliver to my front door because my neighbor leaves early for yoga class. If you’re picking up before 11 am I’ll be home but if it is after 11am you can pick up my laundry from the leasing office – if they’re not out at lunch.”
Try:
“I’ll be leaving my clothes for pickup and delivery at the back door. Enter through the side gate and you’ll see the covered back door just up the stairs.”
Tip #2: Choose a Hidden and Covered Spot
If you’re worried about your clothes, you’re only human. We care about your clothes just as much as you. And, we would hate to see anything happen to them.
Unfortunately, porch theft is a thing. And, while we have never had a stolen laundry order, you may want to make an effort to be a little discrete with your designated pickup and delivery notes.
If at all possible, choosing a covered spot will help prevent rain or sun from causing any headaches. What good are clean clothes if they're soaking wet? Our drivers do their best to find cover for your bags on rainy days. Help us out by detailing this in your address notes. It's important because 2ULaundry is only responsible for orders while in our care, so it’s best to add notes for a covered area to ensure orders are protected against any unexpected weather.
Instead of:
“Left the laundry bags at the front door.”
Try:
“Laundry bags are just to the left of the front door behind the blue porch chairs.”
Tip #3: Leave a Note
Like, a real note! While we always keep your pickup and delivery notes as updated as possible in our system, a hand-written note helps our drivers find your where your laundry is.
A simple post-it note on the front door explaining where you moved your laundry to can prevent a driver from thinking you forgot to leave your clothes out and moving on with the route.
Instead of:
Leaving it up to chance or hoping our driver is good at hide and seek.
Try:
Leaving a note at the front door when you leave the house.
The note can say: “Hi, 2ULaundry! Love the laundry service! I moved the bags to the back door this time since it is raining outside. Please use my gate code on file to get access to the backyard.”
Tip #4: Keep it Clean!
Keeping your laundry pickup and delivery spot clean might not matter much when we are picking up, but it DEFINITELY matters when we’re delivering your clean laundry.
By sweeping or cleaning your designated laundry delivery location, you’re helping us make sure that we deliver your laundry as clean as possible.
Instead of:
Keeping your clean laundry on a dirty front porch.
Try:
Giving the porch as quick sweep when you set your laundry bag out. This makes the laundry delivery process much more enjoyable!
Tip #5: Use the Door Hanger
As part of your first Dry Cleaning delivery, you received a Door Hanger. This is yours to keep. Once you receive your Door Hanger, we need your help! This Door Hanger slides over your door and gives the delivery driver a place to safely hang your garments. It's like a Christmas Wreath hanger.
We encourage you to put your Door Hanger on your door when you leave your laundry out for us to pickup. That way, when we deliver your laundry, we don't need to hang your garments on the door handle or drape them over a chair. If there is no Door Hanger, delivery drivers do their best to deliver the hanging garments with minimal wrinkles.
Instead of:
Not using your Door Hanger.
Try:
Putting your Door Hanger on your door when you set your laundry out for pickup. That way, when we deliver, we have somewhere clean and safe to hang your garments.
2ULaundry is a premium laundry and dry-cleaning pick-up and delivery service available in Charlotte, Atlanta, Tampa, Austin, San Antonio, and Phoenix. Learn more about 2ULaundry and sign up on our website.
It’s not always clear how to best use it in unison with the rest of your life: budgets, schedules, work, school, family, etc. There is no one size fits all solution – but here is some advice from our current customers.
How do most people use 2ULaundry?
No matter how you use it, delivery laundry service helps everyone lighten the load. See where you find your sweet spot. Wherever it is, we’ve got a spot for you.
1. Every Week
For weekly laundry service, you just set it and forget it! We offer an option to make your schedule recurring. Instead of logging in to place an order every week, our recurring option allows you to set it and forget it. It’s similar to the recurring schedule that your pool cleaners, housekeeper, or landscapers offer their services.
Customer Tips - Weekly Laundry Service
“2ULaundry takes care of three-quarters of my family’s laundry on a weekly basis. We have a washer & dryer at home for the small stuff that is always needed like the kid’s school uniforms and soccer jerseys. The weekly recurring pickups is scheduled out for us just like the maid service and pool cleaners.” –Jessica B, avg. 2-3 bags per week.
2. Every Once in a While
You never know when you might run into a laundry emergency. So, a recurring schedule might not work for you! That’s ok!
You can still call in the professionals when you really need some help. Use 2ULaundry as your "get out of jail free" card when the laundry really starts piling up. You don’t need to be on a recurring schedule to order laundry service with 2ULaundry. You can simply place an order whenever you need some help.
Customer Tips - Every Once in a While
“I started using 2ULaundry to help out my to-do list when we have stressful things on the horizon. It’s usually just before we have house guests in town, when my husband is traveling for work, or right before we are going on vacation. Now that I think of it, when we get back from vacation is by far my favorite time to order!” –Erin P, avg. 5 bags per year.
3. Only with a Coupon
Do you love coupons? We do too!
When our driver’s routes are not quite full, we send a message out to households in that neighborhood letting you know. If you place an order via text message reply, your order is automatically discounted. These discounts range from $5-$15 based on both your neighborhood and the number of slots remaining on the route.
Customer Tips - Only with a Coupon
“I don't mind doing laundry for our family! However, I always place an order when there are coupons. The Customer Support team will send texts a couple of times per month offering discounts because the delivery driver in my area needs more stops on a certain day. It is a quick way to save $10-ish on the service. It's my little surprise treat to myself. ” – Rey A, avg. 1 bag per month.
4. Only Sheets & Towels
Maybe you’re not quite comfortable sending all of your personal laundry out to be cleaned. Laundry is very personal! We understand that!
You’re not alone! A large segment of our laundry service customers use 2ULaundry as a way to help out with those less personal sheets & towels. Sheets & towels are harder to wash in smaller, residential washing machines. Plus, when we beautifully fold them, unwrapping them is a real treat! We offer a Linen Bag at a lower price than our Wash & Fold Laundry Bag because of three reasons.
Customer Tips - Linen Laundry Service
“I keep three sets of sheets and towels for each bedroom and bathroom. When I’m on my last batch, I’ll schedule an order to restock my sheet & towel stock at the house. I’d like to think it’s once a season but it’s probably closer to once every six-months. Oops!” – Tina W, avg. 4-5 bags per year.
5. Only Kids Clothes
Sending your kids clothes to a laundry service is a serious parent hack. Kids clothes are always hard to fold! They’re so small and they take a ton of time. But, you know that.
Consider sending your kids clothes only. That helps you save significantly when compared to sending all of the laundry in the household. Plus, tiny kids clothes means you can really stuff a lot of laundry into our flat-rate bags...
Customer Tips - Only Kids Clothes
“I really like using for my kids laundry. That may not be conventional but it’s nice getting a head start on laundry every so often to help me never fall too far behind. Too far may be the keyword there. With my kids, I am always behind on laundry. 2ULaundry really helps!” – Amy P, avg. 2 bags per month.
2ULaundry is a premium laundry and dry-cleaning pick-up and delivery service available in Charlotte, Atlanta, Tampa, Austin, San Antonio, and Phoenix. Learn more about 2ULaundry and sign up on our website.
That’s exciting! But, we get it. This whole pick-up and delivery laundry concept is new. Here is what to expect with your first order.
How do I place an order?
Create an account by downloading our app for either iOS or Android devices. Enter your contact information, select your services, and set your cleaning preferences.
As part of signing up for the service, you’ll get a Welcome Kit which includes your own, personalized laundry bags. You’ll use these personalized laundry bags to separate your laundry and dry cleaning. These bags are yours to keep!
Your Welcome Kit - which includes your 2ULaundry bags - will be delivered the next business day. You can schedule your first order any day after that!
What is a Welcome Kit?
Since this is your first laundry service, you’ll notice we schedule the Welcome Kit to be delivered after you create your account. This means you will not be able to schedule your first laundry service before you have received your laundry bags.
These laundry bags make sure your laundry stays stays safe and garments get proper treatment.
If you need more bags or replacement bags, just ask!
How do the different laundry bags work?
We use different bags to differentiate services. You control the treatment & pricing of your order by which bag(s) you use. We offer four services - which are differentiated by different laundry bags.
Wash & Fold Bag:Wash & Fold Bags get treated like regular laundry – washed, dried, and folded. These bags hold your everyday clothing, towels, sheets, and other items that you would wash at home.
Dry Cleaning Bag: This Dry Cleaning Bag doubles as a garment carrier. Garments included in the dry cleaning bag are either laundered or dry cleaned based on garment standards. Dry Cleaning services are priced per item & returned on hangers.
Linen Bag:The Linen Bag holds up to 45 pounds and is perfect for your washable household items like sheets, bedding, towels, etc.
*Hang Dry Bag:The Hang Dry Bag is perfect for your delicate items, including undergarments, workout gear, swimsuits, and any items potentially vulnerable to shrinking. These items will returned on hangers.
*Message customer care for this bag.
Do I need to separate my whites and colors?
No, we sort for you! All wash and fold laundry is sorted multiple ways for washing – meaning your whites are never washed with colors.
As part of our standard practices, we sort and check all garments for stains in production.
However, to best treat stains we recommend you send the stained garment in your Dry Cleaning/Launder Press bag. The Dry Cleaning process is better at removing stains.
Do I need to be home for pickup and delivery?
There is no need to be home for your scheduled pickup and delivery. In fact, most people prefer to just leave their clothes out for our drivers.
If you have any notes on where to collect your clothes (ex. back porch, by the garage door, at the concierge desk, etc) feel free to include those in your order notes. These notes help guarantee that all pickups and deliveries are successful. You’ll be notified about our progress along the way and we will handle it from here!
Wash & Fold laundry is delivered the next available service day. In all of our markets, we operate Monday through Friday. In some markets, we do offer Saturday service. When you schedule your pickup, you will see if Saturday is available in your neighborhood.
Dry cleaning and launder-press is a much more manual process. This special treatment for your special garments takes a little longer. Dry cleaning and launder-press orders are delivered on a two business day turnaround.
Why are there service fees?
At 2ULaundry, we pay our drivers as full-time W2 employees that are covered by insurance and driving our company vans – you may have seen them around! We’re pretty proud of our fleet of bright pink delivery vans!
With that, our drivers are compensated a fair and responsible wage – unlike delivery services that pay their employees as contractors that rely on tips.
This fair wage and benefit plan is part of an initiative to make sure your laundry is always taken care of in the best way possible – from the van it is delivered in to the person delivering it.
How are clean clothes packed for delivery?
Wash and Fold: It’s not a science; it’s an art! We’re really good at folding laundry. All wash and fold garments are returned crisply folded. Your beautifully folded laundry is secured in air-tight plastic bags to help maintain the integrity of the folding.
Dry Cleaning: Your dry cleaning and launder-press garments are returned pressed on hangers as you would see at conventional cleaners.
How do most people use 2ULaundry?
There is no one size fits all solution – but here is a start.
Most families use 2ULaundry every week which allows them to get their clothes on a predictable rotation of about 1-2 bags per week. However, on the other end of the spectrum, there are some people who like to let their laundry pile up – meaning they only need one big order per month.
Some use it less as a replacement for their washing machine and more as a quick ‘get out of jail free card’ when things really start piling up. In that crowd, there is a big group of folks that only send their sheets and towels during their seasonal deep clean.
The point is delivery laundry is really a day-saver. Everyone can use some help lightening the load! But it isn’t a one size fits all service. Test it out a couple of times and see where you find your sweet spot. Wherever it is, we’ve got a spot for you.
2ULaundry is a premium laundry and dry-cleaning pick-up and delivery service available in Charlotte, Atlanta, Tampa, Austin, San Antonio, and Phoenix. Learn more about 2ULaundry and sign up on our website.
We’ve all seen the different cycle settings on our washing machines and dryers, but how many of us actually understand what each of them means?
Knowing which washer and dryer setting to use for which article of clothing can make all the difference in how your garments look and feel after they’re done washing and drying.
However, if you dont know, you’re not alone! Many people don’t understand the different settings, which can make doing laundry a confusing experience. Many people believe that all of the washer and dryer settings are more or less the same things, but they are not. Different washer and dryer settings use different temperatures and spin cycles, thus creating a different result.
Fortunately, we’ve compiled the basics of using each of these settings, so you can better understand how to use them for your laundry.
What is the Permanent Press setting on washers and dryers?
Permanent Press is for clothes that can get wrinkly during a regular wash and dry cycle. The term refers to the fabric composition – not the washer or dryer settings. This new fabric composition was invented by Ruth R. Benerito in 1990 to help eliminate the need for ironing cotton after every wash.
She developed a process called cross-linking, which replaced the ineffectual hydrogen bonds with stronger ones. The new chemical bonds act like the sturdy rungs of a ladder, snapping the polymer chains back to crisp, unwrinkled attention. The term refers to fabric that has been chemically processed to resist wrinkles and hold its shape.
The washer and dryer settings simply cater to the time, temperature, and tumble that is most beneficial to this textile type.
Permanent Press in the Washing Machine
The permanent press cycle works to release creases in the fabrics placed within the washing machine by beginning the wash with warm or hot water, and then switching to cool while rinsing. The cycle ends with a slow spin, as a way to reduce wrinkles.
In essence, the permanent press cycle reduces the wrinkles in your clothes. It also helps to preserve the finish on your wrinkle-free items, allowing them to last longer. But, the hot water in the cycle can damage delicates if you’re not careful! Typically, you want to avoid the Permanent Press washing machine cycle with your delicate laundry.
Permanent Press cycles are also used to reduce the fading, shrinking, and pilling of certain synthetic materials. In comparison to the regular cycle, the Permanent Press cycle is gentler. However, it isn’t gentle enough for certain delicate garments, such as lingerie, athletic wear, or woven throws.
Permanent Press Settings in the Dryer
The Permanent Press setting on your dryer is designed to reduce wrinkles in clothing when drying without damaging fabrics that may shrink if exposed to high temperatures.
The cycle works by combining a high-heat drying period with a low-heat drying period and then a cool-down period at the end. This helps to relax wrinkles out of fabrics while reducing heat exposure during the cycle, which prevents shrinkage and damage to delicate fabrics.
This setting is great for items like blouses, button-up shirts, and khaki pants – items that typically need to be ironed. However, it can ruin athletic wear or delicates that should not be exposed to high heat.
The permanent press setting differs from other settings on your dryer because it uses both high and low heat combined with a cool-down period at the end. For example, regular heat settings are designed for tougher items like jeans or towels that can tolerate higher temperatures.
Prevent Wrinkles with These Amazon Laundry Products on Amazon
No one likes dealing with wrinkled laundry – wrinkles can ruin a great fit! Fortunately, following these simple Amazon laundry products can help keep wrinkles at bay so that after each wash cycle, you have clean and crisp clothing.
Allertech Reusable Dryer Sheets- If you want the efficiency and ease of use of dryer sheets without the harmful side effects, Allertech has a great option in their reusable dryer sheets. These sheets are unscented, chemical-free, and hypoallergenic. Each sheet is good for over 500 loads of laundry.
Friendsheep Wool Dryer Balls- Made of organic New Zealand wool, Friendsheep’s dryer balls are cruelty-free and last for 1000+ loads of laundry. They are made in Nepal and hand-felted in ethical working conditions by women. A set of six can be used for large loads of laundry.
The Laundress Fabric Conditioner- It’s not laundry softener – it’s fabric conditioner. That’s how you know it’s fancy. Just an ounce of fabric conditioner per load leaves my clothes much softer than supermarket brands. However, I do find that all The Laundress products have a strong scent which I would describe as anything but fresh and natural – artificial really. But, still smells quite good!
The Laundress Detergent- If there is a specific type of Permanent Press fabric that you are trying to wash, finding a detergent meant specifically for that fabric could be beneficial. The Laundress makes a detergent meant specifically for denim and other Permanent Press type garments. It protects fibers while also cleansing and conditioning in a concentrated formula.
What are the Gentle or Delicate Cycles on washers and dryers?
When using both your washing machine and dryer’s delicate cycles, keep in mind that these cycles are designed specifically for fragile fabrics such as silk, cashmere, wool, linen, and other embellished garments – not for everyday items like t-shirts or jeans. Be sure to read the care label carefully before putting any item into either machine so that you can ensure that you choose the best setting possible for protecting those special garments while still getting them clean! With a proper understanding of how both machines’ delicate cycles work together, you’ll be able to keep all of your delicates looking their best!
The gentle cycle, also known as a delicate cycle on some machines, is best for garments with weaker fabrics, as well as some blankets and other bedding items.
Gentle or delicate laundry settings begin with a quick, cold wash, and end with a slow tumble and spin cycle. The delicate materials that most commonly should be washed on a gentle or delicate setting include, but are not limited to:
The delicate cycle on a washing machine is designed to be used for items that require gentle handling. This includes lingerie, bathing suits, and any other clothing with embellishments (such as sequins). It also includes materials such as cashmere and silk.
The delicate cycle can also be used for wool sweaters that are labeled “hand wash only” or any other item with a similar label.
The washing machine’s delicate cycle uses less agitation than the regular cycle does which helps protect fragile fabrics from damage. It also typically operates at lower water temperatures which helps prevent shrinkage and fading in color-sensitive materials like wool.
Additionally, most washers have an extra rinse option associated with their delicate cycles which can help ensure that all of the detergent has been removed from your clothing items before they go in the dryer.
The delicate cycle on a dryer is designed to help reduce wrinkling in fabrics that are prone to wrinkling when they are dried – such as cotton and linen.
The low heat setting of the delicate cycle helps keep these types of fabrics from becoming over-dried, while still providing enough heat to evaporate moisture from your clothes so they don’t come out damp.
Most dryers will have a timer associated with their delicate cycles so you can set it to run for shorter periods if needed – this ensures that your delicates don’t get over-dried and become brittle or faded due to excessive heat exposure.
Tips for Drying Different Types of Clothing
When selecting a cycle for drying clothes on your dryer, it’s important to note that some fabrics are more sensitive than others and require special care when laundering them. For instance, delicate fabrics like silk should never go in the dryer; they should only be air-dried flat or hung up so they don’t stretch out over time.
Similarly, natural fibers such as cotton have a lower tolerance for heat so they should always be washed with cold water and then dried using the permanent press setting or air dry option. On the flip side, synthetic fibers such as polyester or nylon can handle higher temperatures so they can usually go in any regular heat cycle without the worry of shrinking or damage to fabric integrity.
Rule of Caution: If you are worried about maintaining the integrity of your delicate item, you can opt for hand washing instead.
At the end of the day, as long as you are cautious and mindful of your delicate items, they should be fine!
Ultimately, understanding how each cycle works on your dryer can help you keep your clothes looking new longer! Knowing which type of fabric should go into which cycle will help you avoid shrinking clothes or ruining delicate materials with too much heat exposure over time. So next time you’re doing laundry at home make sure to pay attention to those settings—your clothes will thank you later!
2ULaundry now offers a Delicate Laundry Bag!
Still not sure if you should use Permanent Press or Gentle Cycle? Send your laundry off for professional laundry service!
You can now choose which items get which treatment at 2ULaundry! Our Delicates Bag is a flat-rate bag that you can fill with your delicate laundry.
The Delicates Bag is for your wash-and-fold garments that need gentle wash and low-temperature or air drying. For some people, it’s a few pairs of their favorite jeans. For others, it’s workout gear and leggings. However, if you decide to use this delicates bag, rest assured that the garments in this bag are getting specialized and separate treatment from the rest of your order.
2ULaundry is a premium laundry and dry-cleaning pick-up and delivery service available in Charlotte, Atlanta, Tampa, Austin, San Antonio, and Phoenix. Learn more about 2ULaundry and sign up on our website.
Given how important cleanliness is, Airbnb hosts need to know how to make their rentals shine–– in the most efficient manner possible. Here are some tips to speed things up!
Fit Four Hours of Cleaning into ONLY Two Hours:
When it comes to a guest’s rating on Airbnb or other home-sharing services, cleanliness is often the deciding factor between a good review and a bad review. Airbnb surveys conducted on guests’ experiences have reported that a vacation home’s poor cleanliness is the number one reason they might leave a bad review.
Of course, cleaning a rental isn’t like cleaning your home––you may not notice a couple of dust bunnies floating around, but a guest will. On top of that, a rental’s cleaning window is often very slim, and a host can easily find themselves cleaning their Airbnb right up to the minute before their next guests arrive.
In this article, our goal is to walk you through how to take a 4-hour cleaning block and turn it into only 2 hours of cleaning. Ready to clean your Airbnb twice as fast?
Clean Your Airbnb Twice as Fast:
Thankfully, hosts can set their timeframe for cleaning their homes in between guests. Most people allow themselves around 4 hours, which is a perfect amount of time to thoroughly clean the entire unit with special attention to guest “pain spots.” These are the highly frequented areas where guests are most likely to notice spots or dirt, such as the linens, towels, floors, and bathrooms.
A host should begin their cleaning with a load of laundry––ideally, with the linens and towels washed separately. We recommend starting with laundry because the cycles can run in the background while you start other areas of the house. If you wait to start laundry until the end of the cleaning, you and your staff will be sitting around waiting for laundry cycles to finish. This alone will save you one hour––with 30 minutes of the wash cycle and 30 minutes of the dry cycle happening while you are cleaning other parts of the house.
Other quick Airbnb cleaning tips include:
Using a lint roller to collect hair (pets and otherwise): No one likes to see someone else’s hair in their space. Using a lint roller is the easiest way to collect strands from sheets and cracks in the floor.
Don’t be a clutter collector: While adding small sentimental touches to your home can make a guest feel more at ease, if your house is filled to the brim with tiny trinkets, dust can easily collect. By keeping things orderly, your home will appear cleaner and more modern. Save time cleaning by simply not storing all of ‘the extras’ on your rental shelves.
Don’t be afraid to hire a laundry service: If you know you won’t be able to clean or finish the laundry in a concise amount of time, don’t be afraid to hire a third-party laundry service to take care of the laundry for you. You can always add a cleaning fee to your guest’s charges to offset the expenditure. And, a close relationship with a commercial laundry service provider will help to manage inventory and to prevent damage.
Make sure your house smells nice: Guests will always notice how your home smells when they first enter. Don’t use chemical products for fake freshness. Instead, use essential oils in a diffuser, or, if you don’t have a diffuser, place two or three drops of your preferred oil onto a tissue and tuck it into your window’s blinds. This will keep the tissue out of sight and diffuse the scent throughout the room.
A Two-Hour Airbnb Cleaning Checklist:
Finally, the best way to tackle efficient cleaning is to have a concise method. The best way that we’ve found to clean a home FAST is by following this order of chores. If you’re reserving a four-hour time slot to clean, your goal should be to limit cleaning to two hours, giving yourself a safety net if something needs more time.
Gather dirty linens and towels and load them into the washer––separately. Once they’re in the dryer, it’s best to check on them after every chore to see if they’re done. This will ensure more thorough drying and prevent damage from frequent washes.
Clean any dirty dishes––start a dishwasher load if necessary.
Clean the bathrooms starting with the sink tops, shower/tub, toilets, mirror, faucet, and finally, door handles.
Clean the kitchen. Be sure to check the fridge and cabinets, and clean the microwave, oven, and any other appliances.
Vacuum and sweep floors.
Wipe down tables, ledges, windowsills, and other dusty places.
Mop the hard floors.
Straighten outdoor furniture and sweep the patio, stoop, or porches.
Fast-Track Your Airbnb Cleaning with Commercial Laundry Services
Keeping a clean rental home is essential for making guests happy and learning how to do so quickly is a must. If you have any doubts about whether you can successfully clean your property in a short amount of time, don’t make the mistake of passing on a cleaning or laundering service.
2ULaundry is a premium laundry and dry-cleaning pick-up and delivery service available in Charlotte, Atlanta, Tampa, Austin, San Antonio, and Phoenix. Learn more about 2ULaundry and sign up on our website.
If you’re sick and tired of spending so much time on laundry, you’re not alone. Laundry is the third most time-consuming chore, behind cleaning and cooking. On average, you’ll spend over 480 hours per year on laundry!
The average American parent dedicates almost a full day’s worth of time to general cleaning and housework each month. That’s a lot of time!
It’s no secret that laundry can be a time-consuming process. It’s a chore that is – unfortunately – a necessity. Depending on the size of your household, you may be spending multiple hours a week walking to and from the laundry room, piled up baskets in hand.
We’ve all had the experience of realizing you don’t have any clean work clothes or you need to clean your kids’ clothes for practice or dance class. That is when things get inefficient. You have to rush to get the laundry done at a time that isn’t ideal for your schedule.
If you’re sick and tired of spending so much time on laundry, you’re not alone. So, how much time do people spend on laundry? Here’s what we found:
Studies show that people spend 3 hours each week washing their laundry.
For some households, laundry days stretch throughout the week with a little here and there, while others have one day that is devoted to laundry alone. It all depends on the household size and laundry situation—if families can’t separate whites from colors and need to frequently keep up with laundry dirtied by different family members, laundry may be a long process.
How Much Time Do People Spend on Laundry?
On average, women spend approximately 17 minutes per day doing laundry chores.
On average, men spend approximately 4 minutes per day doing laundry chores.
Laundry is the third most time-consuming activity for women, behind interior cleaning and cooking.
Laundry-related chores are ranked eighth in terms of daily time spent by men, behind cooking and lawn or garden activities.
Women typically spend three times as much time doing laundry than men.
ARM & HAMMER Clean & Simple conducted a survey which looked at how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected habits and household dynamics when it comes to cleaning and housework.
In good news, respondents aren’t missing out on as much quality time in recent months, as their family is now more likely to be helping out when completing housework.
Results revealed that 39 percent of parents surveyed said their children have been more involved with doing the laundry since the start of the pandemic.
In that same timeframe, 59 percent said laundry has been split more evenly between them and their partner — but 46 percent are still spending more time on laundry now than before the start of the pandemic.
In the last decade, household dynamics seem to be changing, 80 percent of respondents believe housework is being split more evenly between different partners— with millennials most likely to think so.
Some respondents were so keen on having help with the housework that they’d even forgo a date night with their partner — results found that 22 percent would choose to have help with laundry over being taken out on a date.
While more and more parents are tackling housework together, a quarter of participants (25 percent) did admit to doing a poor job at some point on purpose — in hopes of getting out of doing the task again.
A third (34 percent) of respondents said their partner has pulled that trick, while 14 percent said they both have. Men were almost twice as likely as women to have tried this (32 percent vs. 18 percent).
The majority (78 percent) have taught their partner how to properly do a chore, with vacuuming (32 percent), laundry (30 percent), and making the beds (30 percent) revealed to be the top three chores people needed a lesson in.
There’s power in teamwork, 85 percent percent of respondents agree: Doing the cleaning and housework with a partner allows them to do it better.
Furthermore, results found 84 percent of respondents agree using a detergent that is good for you and your family, but just as effective, makes the laundry process less stressful.
How Much Money Do People Spend on Laundry?
In addition to time spent on laundry, people also spend quite a bit of money on laundry detergent. Consumers spend an average of $15-25 once or twice a month on detergent. Simple math shows that people spend between $180 – $600 per year (or every 300-390 loads) on laundry detergent. That’s a lot of laundry detergent!
According to Procter & Gamble Co., the average American family washes 300-390 laundry loads per year, which means they’re spending between $180-$600 per year on detergent.
How much does it cost to do an average load of laundry? Combining all of these factors, the average cost of a load of laundry is $1.27. At this cost, if you do one load per week, doing laundry costs $66.04 per year. If you do four loads per week, doing laundry costs $264.16 per year. If you average eight loads per week, doing laundry costs $528.32 per year.
When it’s all said and done laundry costs Americans an astounding amount of money each year. Documents from laundry service providers suggest the average American household spends at least $1,500 yearly on laundry – from washing machines to laundry detergent, bleach, and fabric softeners. And this doesn't even count your water bill!
Despite laundry being expensive, it is a necessary part of survival. Not only does laundry help maintain hygiene standards that keep people healthy, but it also extends the life of clothing pieces. Spending money on laundry allows us to look our best and protect our wardrobes for a relatively reasonable price – making laundry costs well worth it in more ways than one.
How Americans Stack Up: Unveiling Laundry Habits Around the World?
It’s generally accepted that laundry is a universal chore, however how often we do laundry and how we go about it can vary enormously from country to country. When it comes to Americans, laundry habits have evolved, but market research shows that laundry continues to play an important role in the typical American household. Surveys indicate that American households average five loads of laundry per week, with many families doing laundry more than once a day.
By comparison, other countries such as France typically average three laundry loads each week. Certain cultural norms may be at play; for instance, in family-centric European societies laundry is traditionally done with the entire family pitching in around the same time each week – making certain laundry tasks perhaps less of a burden. However you look at it, laundry remains a time-consuming global activity inextricably linked with the complexities of everyday life.
While laundry habits vary from country to country, Americans tend to do laundry more than other cultures. This may be traced back to the laundry machines available in most American homes, allowing laundry to become a task that is easier and quicker than hand washing. Furthermore, certain countries have different laundry concerns; for instance, laundry in South Korea often involves traditional methods like sun-drying. As American culture continues to modernize, it can be assumed that laundry habits will continue to develop as well.
Looking For Another Option?
If you’re looking for a way to cut back on your time spent on laundry, you may want to consider a laundry service.
It’s simple to say goodbye to your days spent washing and folding with the help of some laundry professionals. Many laundry services provide a cost-effective and high-quality answer to your laundry difficulties.
In most cases, it’s as easy as dropping off at a location and picking them up at a scheduled time, fresh and folded. At 2ULaundry, we offer pickup and delivery laundry service!
How Much Time Do You Spend on Wash & Fold Laundry?
Our 2ULaundry laundry delivery services make it easy to skip laundry day, with delivery right to your door. Sign up for a weekly service, or use us when the laundry piles up. We’re here to help lighten the load.
But, we’re not just another pickup and delivery app. Our new take on wash and fold laundry and dry cleaning is simple. We obsess over every detail throughout the cleaning process because, as you know, cleaning your clothes is an art — not a science.
2ULaundry is a premium laundry and dry-cleaning pick-up and delivery service available in Charlotte, Atlanta, Tampa, Austin, San Antonio, and Phoenix. Learn more about 2ULaundry and sign up on our website.
Have you ever wondered if choosing the wrong temperature setting on your washing machine can ruin your clothes? Or which temperature is the best for different types of fabrics?
Why the Right Washing Machine Temperature Matters for Laundry
Does it matter what the temperature is when washing a load of laundry? Yes, it does! Fabric, condition, and detergent all play a part.
Should the Washing Machine Temperature Consistent for Every Load? No! This is a crucial bit of information your grandma probably knows but was somehow lost in generational translation.
Can’t you just set it and forget it? This is a common practice in most homes but one that will end up wasting money on unnecessary utility costs and could also damage your clothes.
Why not? Incorrect temperature settings can leave odor-causing bacteria and cause clothes to wear out more quickly. Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know to save money and keep clothes looking fresh!
Choosing the right temperature setting can help preserve the color and shape of your clothing over time. Using too hot of a temperature setting can shrink clothes or fade colors faster than normal. Additionally, fabric softener can break down when washed in hot water which can cause it to build up on your clothing over time. If you’re using fabric softener, make sure to use a cold wash cycle instead!
What’s the Big Difference When it Comes to Washing Machine Temperature?
Most washing machines have a hot water setting of 130°F and a steam setting is even higher. Warm water settings range from 90°F to 110°F, while cold water is typically between 60°F and 80°F.
Most washing machines have three main temperature settings: cold, warm, and hot.
Cold water is perfect for washing more delicate items such as lingerie and hosiery.
Warm water is great for washing most items like towels and sheets.
Hot water should only be used for items that are heavily soiled or stained, like jeans or bedding with pet hair or fur. It’s important to note that while hot water may seem like the best option for killing germs and getting rid of dirt, it can also damage certain fabrics such as dress clothes, athletic wear, and older cotton garments.
So what temperature do you use? Let’s think about cooking a steak.
Not all cuts of steak are the same and, even if they were, not all people want their steaks cooked the same way. Some steaks get cooked at high temperatures for less time while others are cooked at cooler temperatures (but not cold!) for a longer time. It all depends on the steak and the chef!
Laundry is no different. We created these images below to help you out!
Hot vs. Cold Washing Machine Temperature: Choosing the Best Settings for Clean Laundry
For many years, it was thought that the only way to get clothes clean was with hot water. Old-school washing practice was to boil them for hours. It’s amazing the washed garments lasted at all! Most had considerably shorter lifespans.
Now we know that the type of fabric you’re washing plays a big part in how it should be treated. Caring for your clothing, your time, and the environment all play a part in the change in thought process around washing machine temperatures.
1. Read Your Labels
If you want your clothes to last and still fit, take the time to read the care labels on each new piece. This should tell you the best water temperature as well as the recommended washing cycle. At 2ULaundry, we train our laundry attendants to know that “you can do more damage in a washer than you can in a dryer.”
If you are taking the time and effort to read laundry care articles, you are likely very cautious about drying your clothes too long or at too high of a temperature to prevent damage.
Remember, you can do more damage in a washer than you can in a dryer. Take time to read your clothing’s care tags. We suspect after reading these, you’ll start washing on colder washing machine temperatures…
2. Sort Dirty Laundry Before Washing
This can be a tedious task but is one that will save you time and money in the long run. At 2ULaundry, we teach our laundry attendants to sort by the “Three T’s” – time, temperature, and texture.
Sorting Wash Cycles by Time: Your more delicate garments that are less soiled require shorter and colder wash cycles. Laundry that is heavier and more soiled (like jeans and towels) requires more time and warmer temperatures.
Sorting Wash Cycles by Temperature: This is where care labels come in. Your initial sort will get you started, now you are making sure nothing in the warmer washing machine temperature requires colder washing machine temperatures by checking the garment care tags.
Sorting Wash Cycles by Texture: By now, texture has likely worked itself out. However, if you have any thicker textured garments, these need longer wash cycles and warmer washing machine temperatures. The opposite is true for more slick textured garments like leggings, workout gear, etc. These lighter textured garments require shorter wash cycles and colder washing machine temperatures.
On top of general clothing care, this sorting practice will reduce lint and prevent color bleed by keeping similar items together. You might save some money on your energy bills too!
3. Water Temperature Guidelines for Your Washing Machine
Thanks to improvements in modern washing machine technology and improvements to detergent performance, cold water is king! Cold water washing machine temperature is recommended for the average laundry load, but there are times when a little heat is necessary.
Hot Water Washing Machine Temperature
If your garment or item needs to be sanitized or aggressive stain removal is required, opt for hot water. This is ideal for white cotton, undergarments, household towels, bed linens, and workwear. Keep in mind that always washing in hot water can cause shrinkage, fade bright colors, and set protein stains.
Warm Water Washing Machine Temperature
Warm water is best for lightly soiled synthetic fabrics like spandex, polyester, nylon, and other blends. This setting makes it easier for detergents to dissolve and is more efficient than hot water. Like hot water, warm water can cause some fading and isn’t suitable for heavy stains or sanitation.
Cold Water Washing Machine Temperature
A colder temperature is better for bright and dark-colored garments or delicate pieces. Cold water is the most energy-efficient temperature, saving you money in utility bills, and is less likely to damage your clothes. Stains should be pretreated before washing as cold water is less effective against heavy stains.
Do Different Washing Machine Cycles Spin at Different Speeds?
Have you ever wondered why your washing machine has multiple cycles? Sure, some are for heavier loads and others are for more delicate fabrics—but do they spin differently? The answer is yes! Washing machines spin at different speeds depending on the cycle. Let’s take a closer look.
Most modern washing machines have two motors, one to wash and one to spin. When the washer is in a certain cycle, it uses both motors to run the system. Depending on the type of load being washed or dried, each motor works differently. During a delicate cycle, for example, the motors will use less energy so that fragile items won’t be damaged from high-speed spinning. On a heavy-duty cycle, however, the speed will increase so that items can be thoroughly cleaned and dried within the same amount of time.
Programmable Spin Cycles
Some newer models offer programmable spin cycles, allowing you to adjust the speed of spinning manually. This can be useful if you need to adjust for different types of clothes or fabrics – like wool sweaters or silk lingerie – which require a slower spinning speed than jeans or towels. You can also use this feature if you want your clothes to come out slightly damp after spinning to reduce ironing time later on.
Understanding Load Size
It’s important to understand that your washing machine’s spin speed will also depend on how full the drum is as well as what type of fabric is inside. If you overload your washing machine with too much laundry, it won’t be able to properly spin all of it at once; instead, it may end up just tumbling around in circles without achieving any real cleaning action. Additionally, heavy items like blankets and coats should not be placed in with lighter garments such as underwear; this could cause uneven loading and damage your washer over time.
Need Some help from a Laundry Delivery Service?
Knowing what temperature to choose when doing laundry is essential to keep your clothes looking their best for longer. Always read care instructions before washing any item; if not specified, then stick with warm water for most items and reserve cold or hot only if necessary. And remember—cold water will always save energy compared to warmer temperatures! Now that you know how to use different settings on your washing machine correctly, you’ll never have to worry about accidentally ruining something in the laundry again.
Tired of dealing with laundry? Leave it to the pros at 2ULaundry! 2ULaundry is the laundry delivery service that lets you skip laundry day and delivers a fresh, clean wardrobe right to your door.
2ULaundry is a premium laundry and dry-cleaning pick-up and delivery service available in Charlotte, Atlanta, Tampa, Austin, San Antonio, and Phoenix. Learn more about 2ULaundry and sign up on our website.
You’ve been to the dry cleaners or sent your formalwear to a dry cleaning delivery service before, no doubt. But, do you know the treatment differences between the services offered at the cleaners?
Most people don’t. They just want their clothes cleaned, pressed, and ready to wear. But, there are a few different treatment services that traditional cleaners provide to get your clothes cleaned.
Let’s break down launder press vs. dry clean!
What’s the difference between dry cleaning and launder press?
“Dry-clean only” is listed on a lot of formal, delicate, and natural fiber garments, but it looms large over most home laundry washers like a quiet threat. You want these items (usually expensive, high-quality pieces) to stay sharp, hold their color, and be handled carefully.
When you send your clothes to the dry cleaner, it is sorted into two treatment types: launder press and dry clean.
Simply put, the difference is whether the garments are washed in dry cleaning solvent or water.
So, how does dry cleaning work? Dry cleaning garments are cleaned with non-water-based solutions and remain dry-ish. They are washed in a washer that does not use water – hence the “dry” reference – but the clothes do tumble in a solvent instead of water. There’s no water involved in the dry-cleaning process. Solvents are used for stain removal, and then each piece is pressed.
The launder press process involves water, much like washing at home. Garments are washed with detergents in commercial machines and pulled out while still damp. Each piece is then pressed until crisp.
Who Chooses the Treatment Type?
Most often, the cleaner will make the decision on which treatment each garment requires. If you have a preference, you can let the cleaner know. Sometimes customers with sensitive allergies will opt for pressing instead of dry cleaning. However, if possible, letting the cleaner make a judgment on a case-by-case basis is typically best. After all, they are the experts.
At 2ULaundry, we do the sorting for you. Our Dry Clean Bag is for both your dry cleaning and launder press garments. Our team sorts by treatment type before cleaning.
When to Dry Clean
Dry cleaning is ideal for garments made of natural fibers such as silk or wool. Water washing these fabrics can cause damage and even ruin the entire piece. When they come in contact with water, these fibers become rigid, which can cause the fabric to fade, shrink, or become misshapen.
When you have a garment dry-cleaned, it also goes through the “pre-spotting” stain treatment process which is sometimes the only way to remove certain stains. Each garment is examined to find any stains and figure out what caused them to apply the appropriate solution. Some experienced pros have decades of experience in pre-spotting and stain treatment and are in high demand!
One of the most valuable tips you can arm yourself with before using a dry cleaner is to tell them in advance of any stains and what the source is. Grime, mustard, wine, and pasta sauce could all be treated differently and require a specific approach.
When to Launder and Press
The launder press process is more gentle on fabric than the chemicals used for dry cleaning. Those harsh solutions can cause fabrics to break down more rapidly, shortening the lifespan of your clothes. The launder press process will remove everyday grime and tough stains but with gentler solutions.
Traditional laundering is more effective at removing sweat and oil from garments than dry cleaning. The launder-and-press process would be the best option for cotton tops, blouses, or polos. You still get that fresh off-the-rack look after clothes have been washed when they go through pressing and hanging.
Leave Complex Washing to the Pros!
Read your labels! If the care instructions don’t explicitly say to “dry-clean only,” your wardrobe will last longer with laundering and pressing.
Premium laundry services like 2ULaundry take the time to check labels on your clothes to ensure your garments are treated properly, helping you maximize the longevity of your wardrobe. It’s okay to skip laundry day and get fresh, clean items delivered right to your door!
2ULaundry is a premium laundry and dry-cleaning pick-up and delivery service available in Charlotte, Atlanta, Tampa, Austin, San Antonio, and Phoenix. Learn more about 2ULaundry and sign up on our website.
If you’ve got a knack for DIY projects and enjoy finding new uses for household products, you might be interested in making your own laundry detergent. While the idea of saving a few bucks and making your own laundry detergent might sound attractive, you might also be wondering what the process is like and just how effective homemade laundry detergent really is. If you’re curious about DIY laundry detergent and are dying to learn more, read on!
Before laundry detergent was commercially available, everyone made their own. Hard to believe there was a time before being able to get whatever you need at Target and Amazon, right? As supermarkets began to stock laundry detergent, DIY’ing fell out of fashion as most people chose the convenience of premade laundry detergent as opposed to the cost savings of making their own.
Today, families across the country are discovering just how much money they can save and just how much control they have over the ingredients they include in their homemade laundry soap. DIY’ing is coming back into favor. You can personalize your detergents in many different ways; essential oils, active ingredients, or even by choosing to create a liquid vs. a powder detergent. Below, we curated two base recipes to follow for laundry detergents, one liquid, and one powder form.
Liquid Laundry Detergent:
To start, you’ll want to gather your ingredients. For this recipe you’ll need:
1 cup of Washing Soda (click here to see how you can turn baking soda into washing soda, as they are two different chemical compounds)
1 cup of Borax
2 cups of liquid Castille soap
3.5L (15 cups) water
25 drops of essential oil (optional)
Next, In a large pot, bring half of the water to an almost boil and dissolve the borax and washing soda before removing from the heat. Add in the rest of the water (room temperature) and liquid soap and stir to combine.
Finally, after cooling, you’ll want to transfer your mixture to a closed container and add essential oils if desired. You can use something as small as a mason jar or as large as a resealable bucket to store the mix.
Powder Laundry Detergent:
To start, gather the following:
2 cups of Borax
2 cups of Washing Soda (click here to see how you can turn baking soda into washing soda, as they are two different chemical compounds)
1 bar of soap or 1 cup of soap flakes (preferably natural and unscented)
10 drops essential oil (Optional)
Next, grate the bar of soap (if needed), combine all of the dry ingredients then mix in optional essential oils.
Store this mixture in a sealable Tupperware in your laundry area for easy access.
The last step of the process is using your homemade laundry detergent! When you use your laundry detergent, you’ll use it just as you would with any other detergent. For liquid, aim for about 2-3 tablespoons per regular-sized load of laundry, with a bit more for a large load. For powder, 1-2 tablespoons will be enough for an average-sized load of laundry. Remember, you’ll want to avoid overdoing it with laundry detergent to avoid any residue and unwanted odors.
As you get more experienced making your laundry detergent you can experiment with slightly different formulas and with adding scents to your mix. Lemon, orange, and eucalyptus essential oils all make for a clean, fresh scent. In time you’ll likely wonder why you ever bought laundry detergent in the first place!
2ULaundry is a premium laundry and dry-cleaning pick-up and delivery service available in Charlotte, Atlanta, Tampa, Austin, San Antonio, and Phoenix. Learn more about 2ULaundry and sign up on our website.
Do you have a favorite outfit that you don’t want to shrink? How about those expensive garments that you want to be extra careful with? Drying delicate clothing can be a bit daunting because it’s usually laundry you need to take extra care of when cleaning.
We get it! These are your favorites. You don’t want the fabric to shrink, you don’t want the color to fade, and you don’t want the material to rip.
Delicately drying your delicate laundry is possible. The fact that you’re here puts you ahead of most. It’s best to air dry delicate materials, as opposed to machine drying. But you can use air-dry settings on most residential and commercial dryers. We’ve outlined some of our top tips for drying your delicates below.
Let’s Talk Air Drying
If you’re here, you’re probably wondering, “How can I avoid the risk of shrinking a beloved piece of clothing?” or “How can I dry my clothes without using a dryer?”
It’s best to begin with the most gentle possible option when it comes to drying your delicate laundry. Then, work your way up to different options if the others don’t work out for you.
The best option is to allow them to air-dry. There are plenty of techniques for air-drying your delicate items, like using an outdoor clothesline or clothes drying rack. Air-drying your clothes is far gentler on fabrics than machine drying, and it is also more energy-efficient.
Using a machine dryer causes clothes to wear quicker than they would if they were air-dried, due to the increased friction and heat that comes with machine drying. Drying your clothes on clothes drying racks or outdoor clotheslines can reduce the impact that comes with machine dryers. Flat drying is leaving your damp garments on a flat, perforated surface – so there is no gravity stretching your heavy, damp garment.
Air-drying also eliminates the need for dryer balls or dryer sheets by preventing static cling, so you’ll save money and minimize garment damage as well.
How Can I Avoid Shrinkage?
To avoid clothing shrinkage, the most important thing to do when drying your delicate items is to read the tags, especially if you’re wearing expensive or irreplaceable clothing.
Air drying prevents delicate fabrics from shrinking. But, there are still ways to stop your clothes from shrinking if you’re using a machine dryer.
If you do put your delicates in the dryer, make sure to put them on the gentlest, coolest setting. You should not put an item in the dryer if it should be hand washed or washed on the delicate cycle. This typically means that machine dryers will be too harsh for that particular material.
When in Doubt, Air it Out
As a good rule of thumb, if you’re concerned at all about your clothes shrinking, tearing, or fading, it’s best to let them air dry. But, if you do use a machine dryer, just make sure to be careful and mindful and use the gentlest, coolest setting.
You can now choose which items get which treatment! This Delicates Bag is a flat-rate bag that you can stuff full of your delicate laundry.
The Delicates Bag is for your wash & hang dry garments that need gentle washing and low-temperature or air drying. For some people, it’s a few pairs of their favorite jeans. For others, it’s workout gear and leggings. However you decide to use this delicates bag, rest assured that the garments in this bag are getting specialized and separate treatment from the rest of your order.
2ULaundry is a premium laundry and dry-cleaning pick-up and delivery service available in Charlotte, Atlanta, Tampa, Austin, San Antonio, and Phoenix. Learn more about 2ULaundry and sign up on our website.
You can learn a lot of interesting laundry-related facts from hotel housekeeping, including the importance of water temperature during the wash cycle.
Gone are the days of simply boiling anything and everything for hours on end, causing long-term damage, color fading, and shrinking. Who better to ask for best practices than the pro housekeepers who wash by the ton?
Here’s what we learned about washing from hotel housekeeping!
Commercial Washing
Hotel laundry consists mostly of sheets, towels, comforters, and other large, bulky items. Most commercial washers are set up to wash over 275 pounds at a time (Thats over 45 regular loads at once!) with water set at roughly 160 degrees. The average residential washing machine temperature runs between 110 to 130 degrees.
This hotter temperature increases the effectiveness of a commercial wash in three essential ways:
Gives heavily used fabrics a fresh, clean look
Stain removal is much easier in hot water
Sheets, towels, and restaurant linens are disinfected and treated for bacteria
Let’s Get Scientific
Physics tells us that a higher water temperature lowers the surface tension of the water so that it soaks into fabric fibers and stains more easily. Higher-temperature water also separates fabric fibers to help release any dirt and grime that might be hiding deep in the fabric.
Commercial washers automatically release any detergents, bleach, and fabric softeners into the wash on a timed schedule. Higher-temperature water allows the chemical ingredients to get to work quickly and more effectively.
Drum Size Matters
The drum is the part of the washer that holds and rotates clothes in a washing machine. The water and detergents need room to circulate in and around the fabric to achieve a good clean, so making sure you don’t overfill your drum is key. Most small or residential machines aren’t designed to process the amount of laundry most people put in at once.
Customize Water Temperature
The temperature of the water you use for laundry could cause damage, be inefficient at stain removal, or not provide proper sanitation.
Cold water washing is recommended for the average home laundry load to lengthen the lifetime of your garments by protecting color and reducing shrinkage. Unfortunately, it does not remove stains as effectively as warm or hot water.
The benefits of cold water for clothing are a downside in the commercial hotel hospitality industry where sanitation and pristine stain removal are important.
A warm water wash works best for lightly soiled, low-use synthetic fabrics such as polyester, spandex, nylon, or rayon blends. Detergents can easily dissolve in warm water and it’s more energy efficient than hot water. Warm water can cause colors to fade and will not be as effective at stain removal or thorough sanitation.
For true sanitization and aggressive stain removal, hot water is the only way to go. This setting is ideal for household fabrics and what’s primarily in the laundry room at hotels such as cotton-based sheets, curtains, comforters, towels, and pillowcases.
Hotel Laundry Housekeeping Horror Stories
When staying at a hotel, be sure to take your makeup off before going to bed, or else you’re likely to get it all over the sheets and pillowcases. One Reddit user shared this was the most annoying thing for them when housekeeping.
“I would have to spend extra time in the laundry room trying to get the stain out and I would usually end up leaving late because of it,” they shared. Make sure you also don’t use the hand towels to take your makeup off, or you’ll stain those too and possibly get charged, running up your hotel bill when you’re trying to save.”
Another housekeeper shared this story. “One time, while an older man was checking out, he handed my manager an extra $50 for the “inconvenience” — but didn’t go into detail. When housekeeping went to his room, there was blood everywhere: on the floors, the bathroom mirror, even the shower! We never figured out where it all came from. It legitimately looked like he murdered someone in there. We had to call the police and have a special hazmat cleaner come in.”
Think hotel laundry is easy? Our final story includes food in bed. “I was a housekeeper, and one day I went into a room after a guest checked out. It smelled a little funky, but I couldn’t find the source of the stench. I went to strip the bed, pulled the sheets back, and the bed was filled with coleslaw. COLESLAW! I had no idea why, and I do NOT want to know why!
2ULaundry is a premium laundry and dry-cleaning pick-up and delivery service available in Charlotte, Atlanta, Tampa, Austin, San Antonio, and Phoenix. Learn more about 2ULaundry and sign up on our website.
Have you been trying to figure out how to get massage oil out of your massage table linens? Here are 5 tips and tricks to help you in removing these troublesome spills with ease:
5 Commercial Laundry Tips For Removing Massage Oil from your Massage Table Linens
There is nothing more unappealing for clients than lying on a massage table that appears dirty with oil stains. Thanks to advances in modern detergents, keeping your massage table linens blemish-free is easier than ever. Here are 5 tips and tricks on how to get massage oil out of massage table linens:
#1: Tackle The Problem Fast
If you notice that massage oil has spilled on your massage sheets, it’s important to treat the stain as quickly as possible. When the oil stain is treated while it is still wet, it is much easier to remove than a stain that has already dried and settled into the fibers of the sheet.
To begin removing the stain, pat the wet spill instead of rubbing it to soak up the excess stain. Then, rinse the area with cold water. Remember, don’t rub the stain; this spreads the stain and pushes it deeper and deeper into the garment!
#2: Use Baking Soda and Stain Remover
Both baking soda and stain remover products are excellent products to treat an oil stain, as they both do a great job at pulling the oil from the sheet’s fibers. Apply the baking soda or stain remover to the oil stain and let these products sit for at least fifteen minutes. Then, wash the sheet in the hottest water indidicated on the massage sheet’s care label. After washing, inspect the stained area before tossing it into the dryer. The high heat of the dryer, especially for synthetic fabrics, can make the stain very difficult to remove. Repeat the treatment if necessary.
This lightning-fast, commercial-grade formula is the perfect spot remover for quick action. Originally made for moms on the go, it is pocket-sized for immediate application.
These plant-based enzymes are effective and work by attacking the source of stubborn stains for easy and quick removal while also eliminating unwanted odors.
#3: Pretreat Stain With Detergent
If your stain is set in or you are worried it will not come out, it is helpful to soak the sheet in hot water mixed with detergent before washing your sheets as you normally would. Plus, with a high-quality detergent in place, resorting to harsh chemicals like bleach isn’t usually necessary.
Note: Liquid detergents tend to work better on oil stains. When purchasing your detergents, stay away from powder or pod detergents for your massage table linens.
Each bottle contains just four ingredients. No suds, just a deep clean that leaves your laundry fresh and soft.
#4: Hot Water Is A Must
When removing massage oil stains, using the hottest water setting on your washer is essential. This is because hot water is much better at breaking down the oil from the sheet than cold water ever could.
#5: Partner With A Commercial Laundry Service
If you struggle to remove massage oil alone, don’t hesitate to turn to commercial laundry services. While DIY methods can be effective for removing massage oil stains, they can only take you so far. Plus, as a massage professional, your time is money. Instead of booking extra clients, you’ll be spending time in the laundry room.
Working with a commercial laundry service ensures that your stains are removed on the very first try. Commercial laundry services have professional detergents and solvents that massage table linens need to get treated quickly and then return to your clean inventory circulation. And, keeping inventory in circulation is the name of the game!
2ULaundry Commercial Laundry Service Is Here To Help
Working with 2ULaundry for your commercial laundry service needs takes the stress out of pesky massage oil stains on your massage table linens. Rest assured, our tried and true cleaning methods, experienced team, and high-efficiency commercial equipment will keep your massage table linens looking spotless and brand new.
Massage oil stains on your sheets will be a thing of the past! For unmatched services delivered right to your door, get started with our laundry solutions today!
2ULaundry is a premium laundry and dry-cleaning pick-up and delivery service available in Charlotte, Atlanta, Tampa, Austin, San Antonio, and Phoenix. Learn more about 2ULaundry and sign up on our website.
When you’re separating laundry, it’s easy to think you can wash sheets and towels together. Not only does it cut down on loads of laundry, but it could save some time and money. But that’s a big laundry mistake that might end up costing you.
Should I Wash Sheets and Towels Together?
Airbnb owners all have so many questions about maintaining the linens in their rental units, especially when it comes to washing sheets and towels. Keeping an inventory of sheets and towels in circulation is important! You do not want to damage inventory that is expensive to replace.
It may seem like a good idea to wash sheets and towels together to save time and housekeeping costs, but is it a good idea? Let’s take a look at the washing differences between sheets and towels, what damage can occur if sheets and towels are washed together, and how this impacts the lifespan of linens.
You’ve probably heard different opinions on whether you should wash sheets and towels together. Well, we’re here to provide you with a definitive answer: NO.
We spoke to laundry service professionals to learn why they separate their sheets and towels in their commercial laundry businesses. And, while you might not be running a commercial laundry business, you should be caring for your linens like a pro!
Why You Shouldn’t Wash Sheets and Towels Together?
Linens and towels should be washed separately for the following reasons:
Material Weight: Different material thickness means sharing a wash cycle can cause damage!
Different Material: Pilling can be prevented by washing with similar materials and textures.
Temperature Control: It’s hard to believe but, you’ll do more damage to fabric in a dryer than you will in a washer! Be careful…
Different Sizes: Different sizes of linens prevent tumbling which can mean less cleaning & more complaints!
Airbnb Laundry Service: An Airbnb laundry service can increase the cleanliness and lifespan of your linens.
1. Towels And Linens Have Different Material Weights
By weight, we’re talking about the thickness of the laundry. Their thickness can affect how long they take to dry in the dryer. Sheets, a lighter weight, will dry faster than thicker towels. This means either towels won’t dry fully–which could lead to the formation of mold or mildew–or sheets will be over-dried resulting in damage and shortening their lifespan.
If you wash sheets and towels together it can make it difficult for your washer machine’s drum to move effectively during its spin cycle; this could lead to unnecessary wear-and-tear on your washer which may reduce its longevity over time if not corrected promptly. By separating your wash cycles into different loads based on temperature settings and material types (sheets vs towels), you ensure that both items are properly cleaned without increasing wear-and-tear on either item or your washer machine itself. Not only will you get cleaner linens faster with separate loads, but you’ll also extend the life of your linens by avoiding any potential damage caused by improper washing techniques.
“Not separating your sheets and towels is a one-way ticket to higher utility costs! The balance between linens in the dryer is like a dance. You can’t have one dancer dancing to a different song than the other. Everything will get tangled up! And tangled linens take forever to dry. Instead, limit your dry cycles to one type of linen so the tumble dance can be harmonious!” – Randy R., Columbus Express Laundry Service
2. They’re Made Out of Different Materials
Sheets are typically made from a lighter fabric than towels, meaning they require a gentler cycle in the washer and or dryer. Towels are much thicker, so they need a longer or stronger cycle to get them clean.
At first glance, this may not seem like a huge concern, but because towels are typically made out of cotton, they’re more likely to produce lint. Because of the material difference, your sheets can end up covered in lint, changing their appearance and texture, and shortening their lifetime. Beware, new towels produce a lot of lint.
Sheets can be sensitive to certain laundry detergents or fabric softeners, so these should be avoided when washing them. On the other hand, towels are usually quite durable and can stand up to most detergents without any problems.
“Lint on sheets will get itchy! Whether you are washing your own sheets and towels at home or providing a service as a commercial laundry service, scratchy lint on soft sheets is a surefire way to lose sleep and lose clients! -Kent W., Happy Landry and Dry Cleaning
3. They Require Different Temperatures
Sheets require a lower washer temperature setting than most towels. Sheets are generally made of a fabric blend that includes some natural fibers, so they need to be washed at a lower temperature to reduce shrinkage in the fabric.
That being said, there are also certain types of sheet fabrics (such as polyester microfiber) that will tolerate higher temperatures without shrinking or fading. Always read the care labels on your sheets before laundering them! Also, always use delicate laundry detergent for washing your sheets. Any harsh detergents or bleach can cause damage to the fabric over time.
Towels, on the other hand, need higher temperatures with harsher detergents to ensure proper cleaning. This is because towels tend to accumulate bacteria from frequent use and need strong detergents to kill germs effectively. Furthermore, high temperatures help remove oils from the skin which may build up on towel fibers over time.
“Because towels come into contact with skin cells and dampness frequently, you should wash them with hot water to rid them of any lingering bacteria. However, sheets don’t need to be washed in hot water. If you do, it could damage the finer fabric.
Most people are afraid to wash in hot cycles. As a commercial laundry service, we know the benefits of hot cycle washes. But, you don’t want to process your delicate linens in hot cycles. These sheets can’t stand the heat like the towels can!” -Matt P., Washed Commercial Laundry
4. They’re Different Sizes
This is important because it also affects drying time. If a towel becomes tightly wrapped in a sheet, it won’t dry properly resulting in mildew and mold. Additionally, if towels or other pieces of clothing are getting caught in sheets, they’re not rubbing up against other items of clothing which is an essential part of the cleaning process in a washer.
When washing sheets and towels together, remember that towels can cause damage to sheets due to their size and thickness. This is because thicker fabrics will cause friction between them during the wash cycle which can lead to pilling or tearing of the delicate fabric of your sheets over time. Also, towels tend to collect lint during the wash cycle which can then transfer onto your sheets.
“Also, when you are heading to fold, it helps to have all the sheets with the sheets and towels with the towels. When you are folding a lot of laundry, the consistency helps. Muscle memory takes over and folding gets a lot easier!” -Ayad M., Orange Bag Laundry Service
Protect the Lifespan of Your Airbnb Linens
Despite how convenient it might be, you should not wash sheets and towels together.
Different materials require different care instructions, which means mixing these two types of linen during one wash cycle can result in damaged linens over time. It’s a gradual decline that will slowly deplete all of your Airbnb linen inventory – causing you to replace linens quicker.
That is a big price tag caused by simple improper laundering techniques!
Separating linens into separate loads based on their material type (sheets vs. towels) will not only give your linen a better clean, but it will also help prevent unnecessary wear-and-tear on your linens and your washer – extending the life of your linens & washer significantly!
Our Recommendations for Airbnb Sheets & Towels
As an Airbnb laundry service, we see a ton of sheets and towels. The cheap ones never last! If you are looking for a good return on on your inventory investment, we recommend GhostSheets Bedsheets and American Soft Linen Bath Towels for all Airbnb laundry service customers.
Ghost Sheets
Ghost Sheets, the sheet set from Ghost Bed, is a linen set that is built to last. These TENCEL® sheets are a laundry service favorite because they are easy to stain-treat, wrinkle-resistant, and stand the tough conditions of commercial laundry cycles.
American Soft Linen Towels
The American Soft Linen Bath Towels are the perfect Airbnb towel. The hint of geometry in its dobby-border adds personality to the greeting without adding color – allowing easy stain treatment. The ELS Combed Cotton means quick drying too.
2ULaundry is a premium laundry and dry-cleaning pick-up and delivery service available in Charlotte, Atlanta, Tampa, Austin, San Antonio, and Phoenix. Learn more about 2ULaundry and sign up on our website.
We’ve all seen the different cycle settings on our washing machines and dryers, but how many of us actually understand what each of them means?
Knowing which washer and dryer setting to use for which article of clothing can make all the difference in how your garments look and feel after they’re done washing and drying.
However, if you dont know, you’re not alone! Many people don’t understand the different settings, which can make doing laundry a confusing experience. Many people believe that all of the washer and dryer settings are more or less the same things, but they are not. Different washer and dryer settings use different temperatures and spin cycles, thus creating a different result.
Fortunately, we’ve compiled the basics of using each of these settings, so you can better understand how to use them for your laundry.
What is the Permanent Press setting on washers and dryers?
Permanent Press is for clothes that can get wrinkly during a regular wash and dry cycle. The term refers to the fabric composition – not the washer or dryer settings. This new fabric composition was invented by Ruth R. Benerito in 1990 to help eliminate the need for ironing cotton after every wash.
She developed a process called cross-linking, which replaced the ineffectual hydrogen bonds with stronger ones. The new chemical bonds act like the sturdy rungs of a ladder, snapping the polymer chains back to crisp, unwrinkled attention. The term refers to fabric that has been chemically processed to resist wrinkles and hold its shape.
The washer and dryer settings simply cater to the time, temperature, and tumble that is most beneficial to this textile type.
Permanent Press in the Washing Machine
The permanent press cycle works to release creases in the fabrics placed within the washing machine by beginning the wash with warm or hot water, and then switching to cool while rinsing. The cycle ends with a slow spin, as a way to reduce wrinkles.
In essence, the permanent press cycle reduces the wrinkles in your clothes. It also helps to preserve the finish on your wrinkle-free items, allowing them to last longer. But, the hot water in the cycle can damage delicates if you’re not careful! Typically, you want to avoid the Permanent Press washing machine cycle with your delicate laundry.
Permanent Press cycles are also used to reduce the fading, shrinking, and pilling of certain synthetic materials. In comparison to the regular cycle, the Permanent Press cycle is gentler. However, it isn’t gentle enough for certain delicate garments, such as lingerie, athletic wear, or woven throws.
Permanent Press Settings in the Dryer
The Permanent Press setting on your dryer is designed to reduce wrinkles in clothing when drying without damaging fabrics that may shrink if exposed to high temperatures.
The cycle works by combining a high-heat drying period with a low-heat drying period and then a cool-down period at the end. This helps to relax wrinkles out of fabrics while reducing heat exposure during the cycle, which prevents shrinkage and damage to delicate fabrics.
This setting is great for items like blouses, button-up shirts, and khaki pants – items that typically need to be ironed. However, it can ruin athletic wear or delicates that should not be exposed to high heat.
The permanent press setting differs from other settings on your dryer because it uses both high and low heat combined with a cool-down period at the end. For example, regular heat settings are designed for tougher items like jeans or towels that can tolerate higher temperatures.
Prevent Wrinkles with These Amazon Laundry Products on Amazon
No one likes dealing with wrinkled laundry – wrinkles can ruin a great fit! Fortunately, following these simple Amazon laundry products can help keep wrinkles at bay so that after each wash cycle, you have clean and crisp clothing.
Allertech Reusable Dryer Sheets- If you want the efficiency and ease of use of dryer sheets without the harmful side effects, Allertech has a great option in their reusable dryer sheets. These sheets are unscented, chemical-free, and hypoallergenic. Each sheet is good for over 500 loads of laundry.
Friendsheep Wool Dryer Balls- Made of organic New Zealand wool, Friendsheep’s dryer balls are cruelty-free and last for 1000+ loads of laundry. They are made in Nepal and hand-felted in ethical working conditions by women. A set of six can be used for large loads of laundry.
The Laundress Fabric Conditioner- It’s not laundry softener – it’s fabric conditioner. That’s how you know it’s fancy. Just an ounce of fabric conditioner per load leaves my clothes much softer than supermarket brands. However, I do find that all The Laundress products have a strong scent which I would describe as anything but fresh and natural – artificial really. But, still smells quite good!
The Laundress Detergent- If there is a specific type of Permanent Press fabric that you are trying to wash, finding a detergent meant specifically for that fabric could be beneficial. The Laundress makes a detergent meant specifically for denim and other Permanent Press type garments. It protects fibers while also cleansing and conditioning in a concentrated formula.
What are the Gentle or Delicate Cycles on washers and dryers?
When using both your washing machine and dryer’s delicate cycles, keep in mind that these cycles are designed specifically for fragile fabrics such as silk, cashmere, wool, linen, and other embellished garments – not for everyday items like t-shirts or jeans. Be sure to read the care label carefully before putting any item into either machine so that you can ensure that you choose the best setting possible for protecting those special garments while still getting them clean! With a proper understanding of how both machines’ delicate cycles work together, you’ll be able to keep all of your delicates looking their best!
The gentle cycle, also known as a delicate cycle on some machines, is best for garments with weaker fabrics, as well as some blankets and other bedding items.
Gentle or delicate laundry settings begin with a quick, cold wash, and end with a slow tumble and spin cycle. The delicate materials that most commonly should be washed on a gentle or delicate setting include, but are not limited to:
The delicate cycle on a washing machine is designed to be used for items that require gentle handling. This includes lingerie, bathing suits, and any other clothing with embellishments (such as sequins). It also includes materials such as cashmere and silk.
The delicate cycle can also be used for wool sweaters that are labeled “hand wash only” or any other item with a similar label.
The washing machine’s delicate cycle uses less agitation than the regular cycle does which helps protect fragile fabrics from damage. It also typically operates at lower water temperatures which helps prevent shrinkage and fading in color-sensitive materials like wool.
Additionally, most washers have an extra rinse option associated with their delicate cycles which can help ensure that all of the detergent has been removed from your clothing items before they go in the dryer.
The delicate cycle on a dryer is designed to help reduce wrinkling in fabrics that are prone to wrinkling when they are dried – such as cotton and linen.
The low heat setting of the delicate cycle helps keep these types of fabrics from becoming over-dried, while still providing enough heat to evaporate moisture from your clothes so they don’t come out damp.
Most dryers will have a timer associated with their delicate cycles so you can set it to run for shorter periods if needed – this ensures that your delicates don’t get over-dried and become brittle or faded due to excessive heat exposure.
Tips for Drying Different Types of Clothing
When selecting a cycle for drying clothes on your dryer, it’s important to note that some fabrics are more sensitive than others and require special care when laundering them. For instance, delicate fabrics like silk should never go in the dryer; they should only be air-dried flat or hung up so they don’t stretch out over time.
Similarly, natural fibers such as cotton have a lower tolerance for heat so they should always be washed with cold water and then dried using the permanent press setting or air dry option. On the flip side, synthetic fibers such as polyester or nylon can handle higher temperatures so they can usually go in any regular heat cycle without the worry of shrinking or damage to fabric integrity.
Rule of Caution: If you are worried about maintaining the integrity of your delicate item, you can opt for hand washing instead.
At the end of the day, as long as you are cautious and mindful of your delicate items, they should be fine!
Ultimately, understanding how each cycle works on your dryer can help you keep your clothes looking new longer! Knowing which type of fabric should go into which cycle will help you avoid shrinking clothes or ruining delicate materials with too much heat exposure over time. So next time you’re doing laundry at home make sure to pay attention to those settings—your clothes will thank you later!
2ULaundry now offers a Delicate Laundry Bag!
Still not sure if you should use Permanent Press or Gentle Cycle? Send your laundry off for professional laundry service!
You can now choose which items get which treatment at 2ULaundry! Our Delicates Bag is a flat-rate bag that you can fill with your delicate laundry.
The Delicates Bag is for your wash-and-fold garments that need gentle wash and low-temperature or air drying. For some people, it’s a few pairs of their favorite jeans. For others, it’s workout gear and leggings. However, if you decide to use this delicates bag, rest assured that the garments in this bag are getting specialized and separate treatment from the rest of your order.
2ULaundry is a premium laundry and dry-cleaning pick-up and delivery service available in Charlotte, Atlanta, Tampa, Austin, San Antonio, and Phoenix. Learn more about 2ULaundry and sign up on our website.
Given how important cleanliness is, Airbnb hosts need to know how to make their rentals shine–– in the most efficient manner possible. Here are some tips to speed things up!
Fit Four Hours of Cleaning into ONLY Two Hours:
When it comes to a guest’s rating on Airbnb or other home-sharing services, cleanliness is often the deciding factor between a good review and a bad review. Airbnb surveys conducted on guests’ experiences have reported that a vacation home’s poor cleanliness is the number one reason they might leave a bad review.
Of course, cleaning a rental isn’t like cleaning your home––you may not notice a couple of dust bunnies floating around, but a guest will. On top of that, a rental’s cleaning window is often very slim, and a host can easily find themselves cleaning their Airbnb right up to the minute before their next guests arrive.
In this article, our goal is to walk you through how to take a 4-hour cleaning block and turn it into only 2 hours of cleaning. Ready to clean your Airbnb twice as fast?
Clean Your Airbnb Twice as Fast:
Thankfully, hosts can set their timeframe for cleaning their homes in between guests. Most people allow themselves around 4 hours, which is a perfect amount of time to thoroughly clean the entire unit with special attention to guest “pain spots.” These are the highly frequented areas where guests are most likely to notice spots or dirt, such as the linens, towels, floors, and bathrooms.
A host should begin their cleaning with a load of laundry––ideally, with the linens and towels washed separately. We recommend starting with laundry because the cycles can run in the background while you start other areas of the house. If you wait to start laundry until the end of the cleaning, you and your staff will be sitting around waiting for laundry cycles to finish. This alone will save you one hour––with 30 minutes of the wash cycle and 30 minutes of the dry cycle happening while you are cleaning other parts of the house.
Other quick Airbnb cleaning tips include:
Using a lint roller to collect hair (pets and otherwise): No one likes to see someone else’s hair in their space. Using a lint roller is the easiest way to collect strands from sheets and cracks in the floor.
Don’t be a clutter collector: While adding small sentimental touches to your home can make a guest feel more at ease, if your house is filled to the brim with tiny trinkets, dust can easily collect. By keeping things orderly, your home will appear cleaner and more modern. Save time cleaning by simply not storing all of ‘the extras’ on your rental shelves.
Don’t be afraid to hire a laundry service: If you know you won’t be able to clean or finish the laundry in a concise amount of time, don’t be afraid to hire a third-party laundry service to take care of the laundry for you. You can always add a cleaning fee to your guest’s charges to offset the expenditure. And, a close relationship with a commercial laundry service provider will help to manage inventory and to prevent damage.
Make sure your house smells nice: Guests will always notice how your home smells when they first enter. Don’t use chemical products for fake freshness. Instead, use essential oils in a diffuser, or, if you don’t have a diffuser, place two or three drops of your preferred oil onto a tissue and tuck it into your window’s blinds. This will keep the tissue out of sight and diffuse the scent throughout the room.
A Two-Hour Airbnb Cleaning Checklist:
Finally, the best way to tackle efficient cleaning is to have a concise method. The best way that we’ve found to clean a home FAST is by following this order of chores. If you’re reserving a four-hour time slot to clean, your goal should be to limit cleaning to two hours, giving yourself a safety net if something needs more time.
Gather dirty linens and towels and load them into the washer––separately. Once they’re in the dryer, it’s best to check on them after every chore to see if they’re done. This will ensure more thorough drying and prevent damage from frequent washes.
Clean any dirty dishes––start a dishwasher load if necessary.
Clean the bathrooms starting with the sink tops, shower/tub, toilets, mirror, faucet, and finally, door handles.
Clean the kitchen. Be sure to check the fridge and cabinets, and clean the microwave, oven, and any other appliances.
Vacuum and sweep floors.
Wipe down tables, ledges, windowsills, and other dusty places.
Mop the hard floors.
Straighten outdoor furniture and sweep the patio, stoop, or porches.
Fast-Track Your Airbnb Cleaning with Commercial Laundry Services
Keeping a clean rental home is essential for making guests happy and learning how to do so quickly is a must. If you have any doubts about whether you can successfully clean your property in a short amount of time, don’t make the mistake of passing on a cleaning or laundering service.
2ULaundry is a premium laundry and dry-cleaning pick-up and delivery service available in Charlotte, Atlanta, Tampa, Austin, San Antonio, and Phoenix. Learn more about 2ULaundry and sign up on our website.
Whatever business you’re running, a commercial or business laundry service partner is one of the most important partnerships you can make. If you are still debating whether or not to take the plunge into a commercial laundry service partnership, here are some tips to help you learn more about the benefits of a business laundry service partnership!
The Top 5 Differences Between a Business Laundry Service vs Doing The Laundry Yourself
You wouldn’t hesitate to hire a plumber when the pipes are leaking, right? Would you hesitate to hire a web developer to help build and maintain your website, right?
Why would you hesitate to hire a commercial laundry service to help with your business’s laundry? Hiring a professional laundry service comes with plenty of benefits and perks – ranging from the equipment, process, and efficiency used. Let’s explore the 5 key differences between commercial laundry service vs doing the laundry yourself:
#1: Less Time and Hassle On Your End
With work, social, and family responsibilities contributing to your busy daily life, the last thing that you want to worry about is staying on top of your laundry chores. Lucky for you, all of the time spent sorting, folding, and transferring your laundry is gone with the help of a professional laundry service, all of which will save you time and hassle in the long run.
#2: Much Higher Load Capacity
The chances are your home has just one washer and dryer available to wash your linens in, which isn’t always enough to do all of the laundry needed for your business or family. Professional-grade washers can withstand much larger loads without the risk of breaking over constant use as a piece of at-home washing equipment would.
#3: Money Saved On Replacing Washer
There is no denying that the upfront cost of commercial laundry services is greater than that of an at-home job. However, it is important to note that there is ample money saved in other ways. Not only will outsourcing your laundry save you on the money it would take to replace an overused washer at home, but there is also no need to constantly purchase detergents, dryer sheets, and other smaller laundry fees that add up across the years.
#4: More Thorough and Precise Clean
Even if you’re using the best of at-home laundry techniques, there is nothing quite like the level of cleanliness accomplished through a professional clean. This is because commercial laundry services have stronger detergents and higher-quality washing and drying equipment to get the job done right and clear away pesky stains each and every time.
On top of that, the team of professionals found at commercial laundry services knows exactly how to handle a variety of materials, linens, and clothes to achieve the best clean possible.
2ULaundry is a premium laundry and dry-cleaning pick-up and delivery service available in Charlotte, Atlanta, Tampa, Austin, San Antonio, and Phoenix. Learn more about 2ULaundry and sign up on our website.
At 2ULaundry, we’re committed to providing a quality experience for all of our laundry & dry cleaning customers, unlocking more free time with each pickup. The team has been hyper-focused on pivoting to still provide the same level of service while navigating the updates around COVID-19. Due to the unique set of circumstances that we’re all attempting to navigate, our team took a moment to assess the overall future of 2U.
In January, the team rallied behind the launch of our third market, Raleigh! We have spent the last three months or so building out the team, getting our 2U vans on the road, and providing our customers with a best-in-class laundry & dry cleaning service.
Unfortunately, we didn’t have quite enough runway to sustain and then grow a new market during these uncertain times. And as a company, we have to be able to provide a quality experience to our customers, which has proven to be more complicated as customer behaviors have adjusted. At this time, we have decided to suspend all service in Raleigh, indefinitely.
2ULaundry will end service in Raleigh, effective Friday, March 27.
Our last pickups in Raleigh will be Thursday, March 26.
This is an extremely tough decision that wasn’t made lightly. We wanted to fully understand the impact on our team and the lives we’ve already changed before even considering the possibility of an exit.
“And we haven’t totally given up on Raleigh, it’s still an exciting market for us. As we all figure out our new normal, the team plans to revisit our return to the Triangle Area.” –Alex Smereczniak
As a startup, we were (naturally) excited about the growth and amped to get the chance to get our feet under us as we focused on expanding, changing the way folks take care of their clothing in an area as progressive as Raleigh. The full implications of COVID-19 are yet to be determined, but we plan to still be around for years to come. And our service suspension in Raleigh will help guarantee that for us.
“Who knows, we may be back soon! But we wanted to give ourselves a chance to provide the best service possible to all of our customers while ensuring we’re setting ourselves up for future success.” – Dan Daquisto
Thank you to all of those Raleigh customers that tried 2U since January. And those few customers who still have items in our possession have received additional communications about their delivery. Any outstanding gift card balances or bag bundles will be refunded for the total remaining value. If you have any questions along the way, our team is ready to support in any way we can. Reach out to us in our Mobile App, via SMS at 545-55, or email us at Care@2ULaundry.com.
We look forward to continuing to serve our Charlotte and Atlanta customers for years to come, as we all navigate these challenging times.
Alex & Dan, Co-Founders of 2ULaundry
2ULaundry is a premium laundry and dry-cleaning pick-up and delivery service available in Charlotte, Atlanta, Tampa, Austin, San Antonio, and Phoenix. Learn more about 2ULaundry and sign up on our website.
At 2ULaundry, we’re committed to not only providing a quality service but also being transparent every step of the way. Currently, we are following the developments around COVID-19 very closely and want to keep you updated on the measures we’re taking to protect our valued employees and our customers. We also wanted to provide our customers with the most recent information about service updates and impacted schedules. We’ll use this blog post as the main source of information for 2U’s response to COVID-19.
Our Team
First, we are advising any employee who feels any sign of the symptoms to stay home for a minimum of 14 days, based on the guidelines communicated from the CDC. With our unlimited vacation policy, our employees can focus on getting healthy and not worry about any financial impact.
Additionally, we have provided employees with an excess of the items meant to help keep us all safer, including hand sanitizer, gloves, and face masks. We’ve also implemented increased usage of disinfectants to ensure a healthy and clean work environment in our offices and facilities.
Pursuant to the North Carolina Governor’s reopening plan, all employees have their temperature screened and are asked a series of questions surrounding if they have any symptoms prior to starting work. We have also created more space within our facility to allow our teams to spread out more while working.
Our Cleaning Process
Thankfully, our current cleaning process aligns with the recommended guidelines for your clothing care. Both of our detergent options and the heat from our commercial grade dryers will continue to act as powerful disinfectants, as we clean your clothes. Here is an article we recommend reading covering five tips when washing your clothes in response to COVID-19.
Our Service Plans
2ULaundry has updated its service to varying degrees in our markets. Please continue reading below to find out up-to-the-minute updates in your location. In the locations we are still operating, we continue to maintain a focus on keeping our employees and customers safe.
For any further adjustment to our current services, we will ensure you’re directly informed and also keep this blog post updated. We will also continue preventive measures like frequent (and thorough!) hand washing and more frequent surface disinfection.
Our Schedule Updates
If you have any scheduled services that are impacted by any updates, you will receive direct communication with more information and any next steps. However, if you have any questions along the way, please don’t hesitate to contact our Customer Care team at Care@2ULaundry.com.
Our Community
2ULaundry has partnered with Charlotte Medi to deliver more than 50,000 face shields and counting for local medical practices and health care workers in Charlotte. You can find out more about the initiative here.
We are also providing a way for you to get involved with a Buy One Give One deal. For each face mask that you purchase from here, 2ULaundry will donate a face mask to frontline healthcare employees in Charlotte.
Below is a current list of our city-by-city service updates. This list was last updated on Monday, June 1 at 9 am.
Charlotte
There will not be any order pickups on Fridays. However, customers with a Thursday pickup will still get their order deliveries on Fridays.
Atlanta
⚠ All services have been temporarily suspended, starting Friday, March 27. The final pickup for the foreseeable future is Thursday, March 26.
Raleigh-Durham
⚠ All services have been suspended, starting Friday, March 27. The final pickup for the foreseeable future is Thursday, March 26. You can read more about our announcement to exit Raleigh-Durham here.
We want to remind you to adhere to the CDC guidelines during this sensitive time. Wash your hands, practice social distancing, and take advantage of the beautiful summer weather in a safe, responsible manner.
Additionally, we have a gift card offer for a 20% bonus on every purchase over $50 to help remove one more thing from your to-do list right now (or in the future!). We’re a small team, but we’re confident that we’ll come out of this ready to provide you with more free time and clean clothes to all of our amazing customers.
If there’s anything we can do to help make this moment just a bit easier for you, please let us know by reaching out to our Customer Care Team at Care@2ulaundry.com.
2ULaundry is a premium laundry and dry-cleaning pick-up and delivery service available in Charlotte, Atlanta, Tampa, Austin, San Antonio, and Phoenix. Learn more about 2ULaundry and sign up on our website.
No one understands the gift of time more than Lauren.
When Charlotte native, Lauren Palmer, and her family found out that their young son, Jennings, was diagnosed with a rare form of childhood leukemia, an entire community rushed to support them in any way they could. Whether it was through home-cooked meals, grocery delivery, babysitting services, or prayer, one of the most significant gifts they received was the gift of time.
Raising newborn twins who were born two weeks after her child’s diagnosis while striving to maintain a “normal” life for her then 4-year old daughter, all the while dedicating all of her “free” time at the hospital to be at Jennings’ side, there was never any time to focus on the day-to-day. A community of neighbors and community members collected a large sum in the form of a 2ULaundry gift card, and it was our privilege to match the amount to give Lauren and her family back the time they needed to focus on what mattered most.
Flash forward almost two years, the Palmers have recovered and Jennings has made it through a major bone marrow transplant where his older sister, Caroline, was his bone marrow donor. It’s the strength and support she found in that trying time,that has made her a nominee for theLeukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Woman of the Year.
We got to catch up with Lauren and talk about her family’s journey and understanding the gift of time through 2ULaundry.
How did you come to learn about 2ULaundry?
I was pregnant with boy-girl twins in the Fall of 2017, I already had a 4-year old daughter and a 2-year old son. When you’re pregnant with twins, you get more uncomfortable a lot faster, and I was physically so tired all the time. A friend of mine (and 2U customer) told me about you guys and I started using 2ULaundry once a week as I prepared to welcome the twins.
What was the moment when everything changed?
On December 4, 2017, we found out our 2-year old son, Jennings, was diagnosed with a very rare and aggressive form of childhood leukemia. That event started the period of time when 2U became such a godsend for my family. We have an amazing preschool community that just wanted to help, and one of the ways they wanted to help was through 2ULaundry!
Do you remember how you felt when you received the 2ULaundry gift card?
I can’t really articulate what a gift it was during that time. I was trying to care for a critically ill child but also raise twins, and try to keep my 4-year old daughter’s life somewhat normal. Being able to be freed up from laundry gave me the time I needed to focus on my family. We will be 2ULaundry customers for life.
What does this LLS Woman of the Year campaign mean to you?
It means a great deal to us personally, because we have lived the nightmare of dealing with pediatric blood cancer. This campaign is our way of giving back big as a family and helping the next generation of children diagnosed with blood cancer. I am so thrilled to have 2U’s support in this endeavor.
How would you tell other people about 2U?
Even if you can’t use the service, gift it. Whether it’s for a new mom or someone in a time of crisis, give them the gift of 2ULaundry. When people are in crisis, they don’t need stuff, they often need support with their day-to-day. This is a great way to do that.
What are some goals your family has this year outside of the LLS campaign?
We are excited just to be a normal family and enjoy family time together like beach trips and camping and even routine things like school, which were taken from us when Jennings was sick. We are just thankful to a normal family with a healthy child.
Lauren Palmer has been nominated for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Woman of the Year. Without help from 2U, her church community, and fellow 2U customer Jenny Helms, Lauren, and her family wouldn’t have been able to make it through such a difficult time.
To support Lauren and her efforts to ensure that all children get their survivor story, please help us in supporting her efforts by making a donation to her campaign for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society here.
2ULaundry is a premium laundry and dry-cleaning pick-up and delivery service available in Charlotte, Atlanta, Tampa, Austin, San Antonio, and Phoenix. Learn more about 2ULaundry and sign up on our website.
When searching for the best laundry detergent, who better to ask than the laundry experts? Our service unanimously chooses Frey detergent for its unmatched cleaning power and fabric care. But why exactly do pros prefer this eco-friendly formula over cheaper mass-produced brands?
For starters, big box detergents may be inexpensive but they often contain harsh chemicals that can damage clothes and irritate skin over time. On the other hand, Frey is free of dyes, fragrances, and parabens.
And as consumers grow more health and environment-conscious, boutique "green" detergents have flooded the market. With fancy labels and aggressive marketing, it's tough to decipher what's safe and what works. But as laundry professionals, we've vetted them all. We recommend Frey Laundry Detergent.
Its plant-powered formula is uniquely engineered to penetrate deep into fabric fibers, lifting stains while preserving fabric integrity. We've yet to find another detergent that combines eco-friendly ingredients with such cleaning potency.
Here’s the Frey products we recommend:
The Classic Package
Keeping it simple to start – The Classic Package includes detergent and dryer sheets in any of the four scent options. It contains 50 concentrated loads of detergent (16 oz bottle), and 40 dryer sheets in each package.
The Complete Package
Do you use fabric softener too? The Complete Package includes a 50-wash count of fabric softener too. With 50 concentrated loads of detergent, 50 loads of fabric conditioner, (16 oz each), and 40 dryer sheets, you’ll have a fully stocked laundry room with one purchase.
Keeping People & the Planet Healthy
Frey Laundry Detergent goes above and beyond to try and improve, not only for their customers, but for the environment too.
When Frey Laundry Detergent got into the laundry and personal care industry, they made a conscious choice to create sustainable products that are safe for their customers and benefit the world at the same time. That sounds like a lot, right? But Frey has found a way to do it.
First, by using natural ingredients, Frey created a formula that cleans clothes and also goes easy on your senses. Although they offer some stunning scents, each fragrance is curated with essential oils that won’t overwhelm you like leading laundry detergents do.
After all, a scent should invite curiosity, not overpower everyone around you.
Frey also paid special attention to the environment to make sure their products aren't contributing to pollution. The biodegradable, natural ingredients in their formula break down easily. They’ve skipped synthetics, parabens, and animal testing as well, so you can be sure you’re truly not harming the environment by choosing this detergent. Additionally, for every order placed, Frey plants one tree. They’ve chosen not only to protect, but strengthen the environment.
Simple Design, Big Impact
Visually, Frey Laundry Detergent’s laundry line is incredibly calming. With pastel colors and simple packaging, you can feel confident and comfortable with the brand as a whole.
The detergent itself comes in a concentrated formula, cutting down on the size of the bottle and eventual waste. It’s compatible with high-efficiency systems and works great with cold water.
Each fragrance option blends over twelve essential oils to come up with its unique scent. Frey Laundry Detergent has done a great job of identifying not only the standout notes but also the “feel” you’ll get from each. For example, their cedarwood/oakmoss/amber detergent is identified as a bold, warm fragrance; on the other hand, the jasmine/rose/white cedar is a sweet and gentle scent.
For those with sensitive skin or noses, Frey offers an unscented option, Free + Clear. They’re conscious that even the most natural scents can irritate, but you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for clean clothes.
Innovation in the Mix
You’ve heard of dryer sheets, but have you ever heard of laundry sheets?
Frey has designed laundry sheets to cut down on waste, add convenience, and change the way you do laundry.
Detergent sheets come in small boxes, so no plastic is used or wasted in their packaging. They’re vegan, waterless, and derived from plants. Frey estimated that manufacturing detergent sheets cut down on 90% of carbon emissions – it’s hard to argue against that statistic if you’re environmentally conscious.
As with the detergent, these sheets come in three different scents. Unfortunately “unscented” isn’t an option here, yet. The sheets and the box they come in are 100% recyclable and biodegradable. Each box contains 50 sheets; one for each load.
If you’re interested in innovating the way you do laundry, Frey’s laundry detergent sheets may be just the product you’ve been looking for.
Making it Personal
If you’ve tried Frey Laundry Detergent and love it or just want to take a deep dive after reading all of the reasons why Frey goes above and beyond, the company also offers an impressive array of bundles. Because in reality, detergent isn’t always enough when it comes to your laundry.
Frey Laundry Detergent goes the extra step with travel kits, stain removers, and wrinkle releasers too. No matter what your clothing situation, they have a product to fit your needs right then and there.
Frey Laundry Detergent
As a company, they’re incredibly environmentally conscious and work hard to ensure their products are not harmful. They’ve taken the extra step to benefit the environment wherever they can and manufacture products that are biodegradable and made from natural ingredients.
And that’s good for you, too!
They are as conscious of their customers as they are of the earth, Frey Laundry Detergent has curated a variety of unique scents and products that won’t irritate your skin or nose. Clothes maintain their durability and come out fresh and clean.
If you’re buying big-box or grocery store-branded laundry detergents, the switch can be intimidating. But, we think your clothes will thank us! Start simple with their liquid laundry detergent or laundry detergent sheets, and if you fall in love, give some of their other products a try!
Still not sure the best route to take for your laundry? Call in the experts! 2ULaundry will clean your clothes according to your preferences and have them back to you in 24 hours! We’re pros, so we know how to take care of stains, smells, and more!
2ULaundry is a premium laundry and dry-cleaning pick-up and delivery service available in Charlotte, Atlanta, Tampa, Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and Phoenix. Learn more about 2ULaundry and sign up on our website.
Picking the right laundry detergent is crucial for both your clothes and your budget. With so many options available, it can be challenging to know whether powder or liquid laundry detergent is the better choice. In this guide, we'll explore the differences, provide recommendations, and help you make an informed decision.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Powder or Liquid Laundry Detergent
How gentle is the laundry detergent? Even if you wash your laundry frequently, you don't need a high-powered detergent. A gentle detergent helps maintain your fabrics and prevent damage from chemicals. Trust us––a gentle detergent is the number one thing you should look for.
Is it hypoallergenic or specifically for sensitive skin? You never know if you will react negatively to a new type of detergent. According to Healthline, it’s not uncommon for people to experience adverse skin reactions to the ingredients in standard detergents. Fragrances, preservatives, dyes, and other chemicals in laundry detergent can cause rashes in both children and adults. Most people can prevent laundry detergent rashes by using fragrance-free and dye-free detergents.
What does it smell like?Fragrance can have a huge impact on your laundry. It’s important to know what you prefer when choosing a detergent fragrance. Options include no scent, a very light scent, or a fragrance that aids in relaxation, such as lavender.
Does it have any toxic side effects? When you’re using your washing machine every day or every few days, the chemical output from the products you use can affect the environment. In this day and age, it’s more important than ever to be aware of the environmental impact of your products. It’s best to use a natural detergent with biodegradable ingredients.
Eco-friendly laundry products can be just as effective as traditional laundry detergents—and they’re often better for your budget. While environmentally friendly laundry detergent isn’t new, the types, effectiveness, and affordability of greener cleaning options have improved in recent years.
Does it thoroughly clean your laundry? At the end of the day, you need your laundry to be clean. Balancing the elements of gentle and environmentally friendly detergents can factor into your decision– but most importantly, your detergent needs to be reliable enough to disinfect.
Best Laundry Detergent for Stains
Clothes get stained from time to time. Kids, food, paw prints, and work can all leave clothes looking a little worse for wear. You can learn more about stain removal in our Laundry Stain Removal Guide.
For grease and oil stains, liquid detergent is the best choice. It’s easy to pour a little onto the stain and dab out the worst of it before placing it in the wash.
When it comes to mud or grass stains, powder detergent contains more powerful cleaning agents. Be sure to apply this powder detergent while the laundry is wet. Some powder detergents can stain clothing if applied directly to the garment.
Best Laundry Detergent for Easy Measurement
If you put too much detergent in your machine, l you’ll be left with a filmy residue on your clothes. If you put too little in, your clothes won’t come out properly cleaned. An overload of detergent can also leave your machine with smelly odors.
Both liquid and powder detergents come with measuring cups or caps, but powder is easier to measure. The smaller cap of a liquid detergent bottle makes it trickier to see how much you’re using and it can create a mess in your laundry room.
Best Laundry Detergent for the Environment
Liquid detergent wins the environmental battle when it comes to cleaning power. Because it’s already a liquid, it dissolves regardless of water temperature. Washing clothes at a lower temperature saves energy, making it one of the greenest ways to do your laundry. And even better, the liquid detergent doesn’t leave any undissolved powder residue in your washing machine.
However, when it comes to packaging, powder detergents are generally packaged in a paper-based box rather than the plastic of liquid detergent bottles. The production and recycling processes of cardboard packaging are both more eco-friendly than plastic bottles.
Whatever you choose, be sure to recycle your detergent packaging to minimize the environmental impact.
Best Laundry Detergent for Hard Water
For hard water, liquid detergent is the best option becauset doesn’t react as much with minerals in the water. If you decide to use powder detergent in hard water, you’ll need to increase the amount of detergent used.
Best Laundry Detergent for Your Clothes
Some powder detergents contain a small amount of bleach. The bleach is there to help keep the whites brighter for longer. But this also comes with a downside.
Colored clothes start to fade when they come into contact with bleach. This can happen when you wash your clothes with powdered detergent too often. Liquid detergent doesn’t contain bleach, so your clothes will stay brighter.
Liquid Laundry Detergent Recommendations
Liquid laundry detergent is incredibly popular! But, this means there are many options to choose from. Here are some of our favorites:
Dropps Detergent Pods
Dropps Laundry Detergent offers a range of captivating scents. Crafted with the environment in mind, every pod is designed to make a minimal environmental impact while delivering a powerful punch against stains. The commitment to sustainability even extends to the packaging, as all Dropps laundry detergent pods are packaged in recyclable cardboard boxes.
The Laundress
The Laundress Laundry Detergent blends the finest modern perfume into the brand’s best-performing detergent formula.
Charlie’s Laundry Liquid
Each bottle of Charlie’s Laundry Liquid has just four ingredients, providing a deep clean without unnecessary suds, and leaving your laundry fresh and soft.
Powder Laundry Detergent Recommendations
Powder laundry detergents aren’t as commonly used, but there are great options available! These are our top picks:
Biokleen Powder
With mineral-based cleaning agents and chlorine-free oxygen bleach, Biokleen Powder excels at tackling the toughest stains and odors.
Charlie’s Laundry Powder
Each bag of Charlie’s Laundry Powder only has four ingredients. With no suds, it provides a deep clean, leaving fabrics fresh and soft.
Nellie’s Laundry Soda
With only a tablespoon of Nellie’s Laundry Soda needed for a regular-sized load, this all-natural, non-toxic, and vegan alternative guarantees a laundry experience that is both clean and gentle.
Whether you choose powder or liquid laundry detergent, always use the correct amount and clean your washing machine regularly. This way, you’ll always enjoy fresh-smelling clothes.
Still not sure the best route to take for your laundry? Call in the experts! 2ULaundry will clean your clothes according to your preferences and have them back to you in 24 hours! We’re pros, so we know how to take care of stains, smells, and more!
2ULaundry is a premium laundry and dry-cleaning pick-up and delivery service available in Charlotte, Atlanta, Tampa, Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and Phoenix. Learn more about 2ULaundry and sign up on our website.
Welcome to our comprehensive "Wash and Fold Laundry Stain Removal Guide"! If you dread seeing stains on your favorite clothes, this ultimate stain removal guide is for you. We'll share how to treat stains and prevent them from ruining your clothes.
Consider this your stain salvation handbook. We'll dive into effective solutions for all types of stains - from red wine to grease and everything in between. With our insider tips, you'll be able to rescue stained clothes and keep your wardrobe looking brand new. Say goodbye to wardrobe mishaps and hello to spotless attire with our expert insights!
The Key to Laundry Stain Removal is Acting Quickly!
For the most effective stain removal, deal with the stain as quickly as possible. The less time a stain has to soak into your clothing, the easier it is to remove. Whether you’re stuck at a backyard BBQ with limited options or in the comfort of your home with a laundry room nearby, act quickly!
Pre-treat with a stain remover and allow it to soak in. Remember, the longer you let it soak, the easier it will be to remove.
Launder the stained piece of clothing according to the instructions on the garmet, using the hottest setting the fabric allows. If the stain persists, repeat the process and try scrubbing the stain out of the damp garment. It’s important that you do not to put it in the dryer until the stain is removed!
How to Pretreat and Soak Stained Laundry
Pretreatment is critical for effective stain removal.
The size of the bucket depends on how much clothing you are soaking. If it’s more convenient, you may want to wait and soak everything together to save time, but keep in mind that stains can become more stubborn the longer you wait.
You’ll also need a place to leave the bucket while it soaks, such as in an empty bathtub or shower that you don’t often use. Ensure that children do not have access to the bucket.
Oxi Clean is a powerful stain remover, but it can be harsh on the skin. Prioritize your safety by wearing rubber gloves to shield your skin from potential irritation, itchiness, and redness during the cleaning process.
Follow these steps for effective stain removal:
Read the product instructions and measure the appropriate amount of Oxi Clean into a bucket. Remember, a little goes a long way, especially with an extended soak time.
Fill with warm or hot water to help the Oxi Clean dissolve.
Use your gloved hand to gently mix the Oxi Clean as it dissolves into the water.
Submerge your stained clothes into the mixture, ensuring they are fully saturated.
Allow the clothes to soak. You can choose to leave them for a few hours or days – just check on the clothes periodically for noticeable color changes.
Treating Stains with Laundry Detergent
When dealing with most wash-and-fold laundry fabrics, effective stain removal begins with a careful process. Start by blotting any of the excess stain and then rinse the affected area with cold water. It's crucial to avoid rubbing the stain, as this can push it deeper into the fabric. Thanks to advancements in modern detergents, keeping your favorite clothes in pristine condition has become more effortless than ever.
Prewash stain removers are concentrated solutions specifically crafted to be applied directly onto stains. On the other band, detergents, which mix in with ample water during the washing process, may have their stain-removing power diluted. However, if you apply a small amount of detergent directly to the stain before washing and allow it to sit, the detergent alone can effectively eliminate stains. This simple yet strategic application ensures that the detergent's stain-fighting properties are fully utilized for optimal results.
Here are our favorite detergents for removing laundry stains.
Frey Detergent
Frey Detergents are made with biodegradable, natural ingredients and have a concentrated formula that helps tominimize waste and maximize stain removal. Frey detergents do not include parabens, synthetic dyes, and are not tested on animals.
Dropps Detergent
Dropps laundry detergent offers a range of captivating scents. Crafted with the environment in mind, every pod is designed to make a minimal environmental impact while delivering a powerful punch against stains. The commitment to sustainability extends to the packaging, as all Dropps laundry detergent pods are packaged in recyclable cardboard boxes.
Treating Stains with Prewash Stain Removers
Over-the-counter prewash stain removers, available in the form of sprays, sticks, and liquids, are effective on a wide array of fabrics. But how do they work, and what makes them so effective?
Basically, their effectiveness largely hinges on the simple principle of keeping the stain wet. Preventing the stain from drying—even just with water—is more beneficial than letting it dry. However, these versatile products go beyond the hydrating effect of water.
Most prewash stain removers leverage a combination of hydrogen peroxide, detergents, surfactants, and water to disintegrate stain molecules. Striking a balance between strength and gentleness, these formulations are strong enough to tackle most laundry stains while ensuring the preservation of your clothing.
It is important to use a stain treatment quickly and many of these removers conveniently come in pocket-size packaging, allowing for immediate application.
Here are some of our preferred options for on-the-go stain removal:
Miss Mouths
Miss Mouths stands out as a nontoxic and remarkably effective stain remover tailored for the wide spectrum of stains that come with handling kids. Its’ swift and safe treatment ensures stains are dealt with efficiently.
Emergency Stain Rescue
Accidents happen, but stains shouldn’t. Emergency Stain Rescue is an on-the-spot solution that swiftly and safely rescues your clothes, carpets, and upholstery from life's unexpected mishaps.
Treating Stains with Bleach & Laundry Whiteners
When faced with whites who have lost their luster, many people consider reaching for the iconic bottle of Clorox bleach. Not so fast.
Bleach is very powerful. We like to say it’s like using a tractor to pick a single weed in your yard. Opt for a milder laundry whitener instead, as there are big differences between bleach and various laundry whitener subsets.
Molly’s Suds, a laundry booster infused with 100% natural lemon essential oil, serves as both a stain treatment and a versatile stain remover without synthetic additives.
Seventh Generation
Perfect for sensitive skin, Seventh Generation Oxygen Bleach is U.S. EPA Safer Choice-certified, ensuring safer ingredients for both human health and the environment.
Most Common Stains & Stain Treatment
Dealing with common stains equires specific strategies. Here are our favorites to remove sweat, poop, grease, blood, wine, and more:
Best Way to Remove Sweat Stains?
Mix a quick stain remover using white vinegar, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide. It's crucial to use white vinegar exclusively, as other types do not offer the same results. Combine one cup of white vinegar with ½ cup of baking soda, adding one tablespoon of salt and one tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide to create a paste-like consistency.
Next, scrub the solution into the sweat stain using a toothbrush or laundry brush.
After scrubbing, let the shirt soak. For newer stains, a 10 or 15-minute soak should do the trick. For older stains, let the shirt sit for a few hours, although it’s best to leave it overnight.
Lastly, machine wash the shirt and follow the garment instructions.
Keep in mind that vinegar is highly acidic, which makes it very effective against tough sweat stains. However, use caution with certain fabrics, as vinegar may be too harsh. Additionally, avoid using chlorine bleach or club soda for sweat stain removal. Bleach can cause damage and may darken pit stains further, while club soda is only effective when applied before the stain sets.
Best Way to Remove Poop Stains?
Parents understand the challenge of dealing with baby poop – it gets everywhere, and it leaves stubborn stains, especially with newborns and breastfed babies.
Pretreat: Soak the Outfit in Cold Water
Run the outfit under cold water to remove as much of the poop as possible. If you’re not able to wash it right away, leave the outfit to soak in a bowl of cold water. This prevents the stain from setting in, making it easier to remove later. Letting the fabric dry makes the stain more challenging to tackle.
After pretreating, wash the outfit according to these steps:
Step 1: Use Oxi Clean following the load size directions. This can be added to pretreatment or the warm water wash cycle.
Step 2: Wash the clothing in warm water. Cold water may not effectively remove the stain. For difficult stains, the agitation of a normal wash cycle is essential. For delicate outfits, consider the gentle cycle, though it may be less effective at stain removal.
Step 3: Air dry outside in the sunlight, so you can use the sun's powerful bleaching qualities. Avoid using the dryer, as wet clothes may disguise stains, and the dryer could set any remaining stains.
Best Way to Remove Grease Stains?
Treat the grease stain with a small amount of dishwashing soap that is about the size of a button.
Use your fingers to rub the soap over the entire stained area and allow a few minutes to let the soap set. The cleaning agents in the detergent grab and hold grease until the stain is washed away in the rinse cycle.
Toss the stained garment into the washing machine with similar items and wash normally.
Best Way to Remove Blood Stains?
Apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide directly to the blood stain and watch as the stain disappears. In the case of old or stubborn stains, reapply as needed. After the stain is removed, rinse the area with cold water to remove any peroxide that may be left behind.
Best Way to Remove Juice Stains?
Spray a diluted dishwashing soap solution on the juice stain to remove sugars. Use an eyedropper of vinegar followed by hydrogen peroxide to remove any remaining color. Finish with an enzyme detergent to remove residue before washing.
Best Way to Remove Grass Stains?
Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with a few drops of hydrogen peroxide to form a thick paste. Apply this to the grass stain and let it sit for about 30 minutes. Scrub with a brush, rinse with cool water, apply detergent, let sit, then rinse again in cool water.
Best Way to Remove Wine Stains?
Mix equal parts dishwashing detergent and hydrogen peroxide. Pour the mixture over the wine stain and let it soak in. You should see the stain begin to fade almost immediately. After you have allowed the mixture to soak, launder the clothing normally.
Best Way to Remove Coffee Stains?
Coffee stains are not permanent but can be difficult to remove depending on the soak time and the stain size. Most coffee stains can be removed, although the process varies and can be lengthy.
For dried coffee stains, you’ll need water, clean cloths or paper towels, liquid laundry detergent, and, in tough cases, white vinegar. If your clothing has a dried coffee stain, wet the stained area, and apply a few drops of laundry detergent while gently rubbing the stain with your fingers. Use a few drops of white vinegar if the stain persists.
Best Way to Remove Chocolate Stains?
The best way to remove chocolate stains from any fabric is to soak the fabric in a mixture of water and dishwashing soap, detergent, or vinegar to loosen and lift the stain. Use an enzyme cleaner for more stubborn smudges, and then wash and air dry until the stain has lifted.
Best Way to Remove Lipstick Stains?
Begin by pretreating the stain using a solvent-based stain removal product. If you don’t have a solvent-based pre-treater handy, apply a bit of heavy-duty liquid detergent to the stain and work it in by gently rubbing it with your fingers or a soft-bristled brush.
Allow the stain remover to sit for at least fifteen minutes, then wash the garment in the hottest water appropriate for the fabric following the guidelines on the care label. After washing, inspect the stained area before tossing it into the dryer. The dryer's high heat can make the stain very difficult to remove, especially for synthetic fabrics. . Repeat the treatment if necessary.
Best Way to Remove Ink Stains?
Rubbing alcohol should be your first choice for neutralizing and removing ink stains. When it comes to small ink stains, you can apply the rubbing alcohol to a clean cloth or paper towel and start soaking the stain. After a few minutes rinse and blot.
Your goal here is to soak up the ink and not scrub it away so make sure to focus on creating pressure instead of wiping or scrubbing. If you have an old or large ink stain, soak the area in rubbing alcohol for 10 to 15 minutes. After the rubbing alcohol has removed the ink, soapy water may also help.
Best Way to Remove Mud Stains?
Allow the mud to dry. Washing wet mud will only make the stain worse! Shake or brush off any dried-on mud that will come loose then spot-clean the stained area with liquid laundry detergent.
Need Some Help with Your Stained Laundry?
Our Wash and Fold Laundry Stain Removal Guide is a great place to start. But, some stains are best left to the professionals!
At 2ULaundry, we take pride in offering convenient and professional pickup and delivery services. Whether you require weekly laundry services for your everyday clothes or occasional assistance for your wash and fold laundry, we have you covered.
With fast, contactless pickup and delivery, special treatment preferences, and top-tier professional results, you won’t ever go back to doing your laundry again. Learn more about our services and schedule your first pickup today.
Ready to get started?
2ULaundry is a premium laundry and dry-cleaning pick-up and delivery service available in Charlotte, Atlanta, Tampa, Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and Phoenix. Learn more about 2ULaundry and sign up on our website.
Sick of wasting your weekends stuck doing laundry? With wash and fold laundry services, you can get back your free time while still having clean, expertly cared-for clothes. This convenient approach handles the washing, drying, and folding for you so you don't have to. Simply schedule a laundry pick up for your everyday laundry like clothing, towels, and sheets in the morning and neatly folded piles will be delivered the next day. Commercial machines provide professional-level cleaning while specialized care preserves delicate fabrics. With wash and fold laundry, you can upgrade your laundry routine and reclaim your weekends.
What is Wash and Fold Laundry?
If you’re new to the professional laundry industry, you might not know all the lingo. So, what is wash and fold laundry?
Laundry Terms You Should Know:
Wash and Fold Laundry: What is wash and fold laundry? This is your everyday laundry including clothing, towels, sheets, and other items that you would run through a personal washer and dryer.
Dry Cleaning: Despite the name, dry cleaning is a process that uses liquids other than water to clean clothes, bedding, upholstery, and other types of fabrics.
Launder & Press: These garments are pressed like dry cleaning garments. However, they are laundered in water – not in non-water dry cleaning solvents.
What is Wash and Fold Laundry?
What is wash and fold laundry? The term “wash and fold laundry” refers to your everyday laundry. Most commonly, it is used when referring to a laundry service, as opposed to washing your clothes on your own. However, technically, the two processes are the same – wash laundry in a washing machine, dry laundry in a dryer, and fold laundry to put back in your dresser.
For example, taking your laundry to a laundromat or another type of laundry service to have them professionally cleaned would qualify as wash and fold laundry, though you can find these services outside of just laundromats.
You may have also heard it described as “fluff and fold” before, which is the same thing.
How does the wash and fold laundry process work?
Wash and fold laundry services are very simple. With most, it’s as easy as dropping off the clothes you want professionally cleaned in the morning and picking them up the next afternoon, just like a dry cleaner.
Wash and fold laundry services differ from normal home laundry practices since commercial machines are used to do the cleaning and drying. With these services, you can ensure that your clothes are receiving the best possible care, as they’ll be double-checked to certify professional levels of cleanliness.
If you have investment pieces in delicate fabrics, you can rest assured that they’ll also be cared for properly.
Additionally, professional launderers will work to enhance the quality of the clothing material, adding to the “fluff” aspect.
Once your clothes are cleaned and dried, they’ll be folded before your scheduled pickup time. That way, all the stress is taken out of the laundry process – simply drop off and pick up, good as new!
Don’t have time to add a drop-off and pick-up to your schedule? That’s where 2ULaundry comes in! We will pick up and deliver your laundry in 24 hours!
2ULaundry is a premium laundry and dry-cleaning pick-up and delivery service available in Charlotte, Atlanta, Tampa, Austin, San Antonio, and Phoenix. Learn more about 2ULaundry and sign up on our website.
Are you still buying laundry detergent from the grocery store? Try one of these four boutique options for a smaller batch, higher-quality wash, without the extra chemicals.
We get asked for recommendations a lot! What’s our favorite laundry detergent?
Big box laundry detergents are easy to find and they’re relatively inexpensive. There is a reason these soaps are cheap. They’re mass-produced in large facilities using industrial, low-cost ingredients. These ingredients can include heavy fragrances, unhealthy parabens, synthetic dyes, and a host of other chemicals that aren’t great for your clothes or your skin.
With the world becoming more and more health-conscious, there has been a wave of boutique laundry detergents popping up online. With so many labels, certifications, and complicated ingredients, how do you narrow down the options?
As a laundry service, we know laundry. We know cleaning chemicals. And, we know detergents. Here’s a list of our favorites.
Frey Detergent offers a variety of laundry products, not just detergents; they also manufacture dryer sheets, softeners, and allow you to purchase laundry bundles of varying sizes. Their focus is on creating incredibly simple scents using just three ingredients – all while keeping your skin and your clothes healthy.
The company has three signature scents:
Jasmine/Rose/Cedar
Cedarwood/Oakmoss/Amber
Sandalwood/Bergamot/Clove.
The ingredients in these detergents are biodegradable and will break down to minimize waste. Frey’s detergent concentrate is free of harsh chemicals, parabens, dyes, and phosphates. Plus, it comes in smaller bottles, which results in 70% less plastic than most brands.
Frey Detergents are blended with biodegradable, natural ingredients and a concentrated formula to minimize waste. None of the Frey lines of boutique detergents include parabens, synthetic dyes, or animal testing.
As a bonus, for every purchase, one tree is planted – and 10% of the company’s profits go to its Wash for Wash program.
Charlie’s Soap Natural Laundry Liquid Detergent only comes in one scent.
Its trademark scent is naturally sourced with cleaning agents that are gentle on the skin, and safer for the environment. Hypoallergenic, paraben-free, sulfate-free, and dye-free, the liquid laundry detergent formula is also safe for sensitive skin.
Most laundry detergents contain dyes and perfumes that mask odors and cover stains. When you use traditional detergents, the fresh smell is due to the additives that are lingering in the fabric. For people with sensitive skin, these additives can cause discomfort and rashes.
Charlie’s Soap Liquid Laundry Detergent is different. Charlie’s Soap contains none of these additives. With Charlie’s, each fiber is wholly rinsed, leaving you with laundry that doesn’t just smell clean — it actually is clean.
Charlie’s Liquid Laundry Soap is scientifically proven to be safer for the environment than traditional brands. the formulas surpass thresholds for ultimate biodegradation, are proven to have a low environmental impact, and has earned the EPA’s Safer Choice Certification.
Clean rinse, clean products, and clean clothes every time you wash your clothes.
Ingredients Matter is a company with a vibrant punch of marketing. Their laundry powder is packaged simply and sustainably in a bright, attractive box. Wait, a box?
They make laundry soap, not detergent, in powder form. The company has made the distinction because “detergents” are technically made with petroleum; even plant-based ones. They’ve also cut out synthetics and heavy perfumes that could be damaging to your system.
Each package translates to roughly 72 loads. With no petroleum or plastic used to make the soap, it’s gentle on skin and clothing. Ingredients Matter has perhaps the simplest line of fragrances – lemongrass, lavender, and fragrance-free.
Ingredients Matter laundry soap powder is powerfully good for clothes, you, and the earth—because it’s real soap made with coconut oil instead of hidden petroleum, synthetic ingredients, and needless plastic
Ingredients Matter also has an expanded line of laundry and kitchen-based products, such as dryer balls and stain remover sticks.
Dropps Laundry Detergent has one of the larger laundry lines available on this list. It’s also one of the more well-known brands.
Their products span a range of stain & odor removal, sensitive skin, and active wash. The latter is designed specifically for activewear and synthetic fabrics, finding a niche for those with extremely active lifestyles. Using this detergent ensures that your workout clothes won’t be left worn thin.
Their sensitive skin detergent is a great option for those with infants, pets, or young children. It cleans gently while still leaving laundry smelling great. And lastly, the stain & odor line is geared toward powerful cleaning and stubborn stains.
Across all three options, there is a wide variety of scents ranging from lavender eucalyptus to rose energy. For those who prefer their laundry detergent unscented, that is also an option.
Each unique Dropps laundry detergent has a variety of scents. Each pod is cruelty-free and is manufactured to have a positive environmental impact. All Dropps laundry detergent pods come in recyclable cardboard boxes.
Unfortunately, both sensitive skin and activewear detergents are available only in pods. Pods vs. powder vs. liquid is always a preference. We stay away from pods using front-loading washing machines. But, for those of you with top-loaders, pods might be preferred!
Why Should You Try Small-Batch Detergent Brands?
Have you ever stopped to consider what goes into the products that are cleaning your clothing and then coming into contact with your skin? Not only can detergents be packed with artificial fragrances that are strong enough to bother your neighbors, but most are also filled with chemicals that can lead to skin irritation, trigger allergic reactions, and even harm the environment. That’s why it’s so important to find a laundry detergent that’s as safe as it is effective.
2ULaundry is a premium laundry and dry-cleaning pick-up and delivery service available in Charlotte, Atlanta, Tampa, Austin, San Antonio, and Phoenix. Learn more about 2ULaundry and sign up on our website.
Doing laundry always seems like an endless cycle of washing, drying, folding, and putting away your clothes. When you are caught up on laundry, it’s never long until you have to start all over again. Want a break? That’s where using a delivery laundry service can help!
A home laundry service, also known as a laundry delivery service, is exactly what it sounds like – a laundry service for your home! Instead of doing your laundry yourself, you can send it out to be professionally cleaned and delivered back to you. Using a home laundry service takes the hassle out of doing laundry – because it’s done for you!
It’s an easy way to lighten the load when it comes to all those neverending household chores. In the same way you might order takeout when you don’t want to cook or hire a landscaper when you don’t want to mow the lawn, you can hire a home laundry service when you want a break from doing laundry.
Have you tried a home laundry service yet? This innovative approach is a total game-changer for your laundry routine. Here are six reasons why you should give it a try.
1. It’s Convenient
You can’t get more convenient than a service that picks up your laundry and returns it to you fresh, cleaned, and ready to wear. But seriously, you no longer have to worry about carving time out of your week to dedicate to laundry. A local pick-up laundry service like 2ULaundry will handle everything for you. You can even have your clothes picked up or delivered to the office—score!
According to the 2021 State of Delivery Report, 68% of consumers reported that they’re more likely to purchase delivery service options than they were before the pandemic. And, this trend is only growing. People love the convenience of a home laundry service!
Most families use 2ULaundry every week. This allows them to get their clothes on a predictable day each week. These folks use it as an insurance policy to make sure they stay caught up on laundry. On a weekly schedule, laundry reinforcements are never far away!
2. It Saves Valuable Time
What’s the worst part of doing laundry? Everyone has their preference. Some don’t mind washing but hate folding. Others don’t mind folding but can never remember to flip their clothes from the washer to the dryer. And, don’t even get us started on putting the clothes away…
Although hiring someone to do your laundry or clean your house may seem superfluous considering you can do those chores yourself, this Harvard Professor argues that the benefits of outsourcing your most disliked activities far outweigh the cost of hiring someone to do them. The boost is the equivalent of 18,000 happiness dollars.
3. It’s Fast
Need your lucky shirt washed for the big presentation tomorrow? No problem. Services like 2ULaundry accommodate next-day delivery!
Have family coming in to visit? You’ll spend all day washing your guest bedroom linens in a smaller, residential washer and dryer. Instead, try sending these to a home laundry service. You’ll have them delivered back before the guests arrive.
4. You Get Professional Quality
We’re experts in garment care! Laundry services, like 2ULaundry, hire and train experienced professionals. We do a lot of laundry. And, we’re really good at it!
As a result, your laundry comes back crisp, clean, and beautifully folded.
Our new take on laundry and dry cleaning is simple. We obsess over every detail throughout the cleaning process because, as you know, cleaning your clothes is an art — not a science.
Unlike old-school laundromats, we believe wash & fold doesn’t mean washing it all together, folding it, and stuffing it back into one big, wrinkled mess. That’s why we take pride in the lengths we go to in separating and treating your laundry based on manufacturer laundry recommendations.
Unlike other delivery options, we operate our own production facilities. We know laundry; we don’t just resell to the local laundromat. We believe that you should know who is doing your laundry – not just ordering from any app you find online.
At 2ULaundry, we’re real people who do real laundry. Our production facilities are staffed with W2 production attendants and top-of-the-line Laundry machinery and storage systems.
5. It’s Cost-Effective
Sometimes you don’t want to cook. What do you do? You order takeout!
Using a laundry service is no different. Cooking dinner at home might be cheaper, but can you put a price on the convenience?
You’ll save time, utilities, and machine maintenance. Not to mention, you save money on laundry detergents and other laundry supplies as well.
In addition to time spent on laundry, people also spend quite a bit of money on laundry detergent. Consumers spend an average of $15-25 once or twice a month on detergent. Simple math shows that people spend between $180 – $600 per year (or every 300-390 loads) on laundry detergent. That’s a lot of laundry detergent!
According to Procter & Gamble Co., the average American family washes 300-390 laundry loads per year, which means they’re spending between $180-$600 per year on detergent.
How much does it cost to do an average load of laundry? Combining all of these factors, the average cost of a load of laundry is $1.27. At this cost, if you do one load per week, doing laundry costs $66.04 per year. If you do four loads per week, doing laundry costs $264.16 per year. If you average eight loads per week, doing laundry costs $528.32 per year.
The average American household spends at least $1,500 yearly on laundry – from washing machines to laundry detergent, bleach, and fabric softeners.
6. It’s Environmentally Friendly
Thanks to the energy and water-efficient equipment that home laundry service providers use, laundry businesses use far fewer resources than individuals washing their own clothes.
The good news is that most laundromats and laundry services are greener than they’ve ever been due to improvements in machinery and more environmentally friendly cleaning solvents and detergents.
Skip Laundry Day by Using a Home Laundry Service!
Do you have an overflowing hamper? What about loads of wrinkled clothing sitting in the dryer for days? Using a home laundry service is a great cheat code for staying on top of your laundry responsibilities.
Most families use 2ULaundry every week and schedule a weekly pick up. On the other end of the spectrum, some people like to let their laundry pile up – meaning they only need one big order per month.
Some use it less as a replacement for their washing machine and more as a quick ‘get out of jail free card’ when things really start piling up. In that crowd, there is a big group of folks that only send their bedding and towels during their seasonal deep clean.
The point is: delivery laundry is a day-saver. Everyone can use some help lightening the load! But it isn’t a one-size-fits-all service.
Test it out a couple of times and see where you find your sweet spot. Wherever it is, we’ve got a spot for you.
2ULaundry is a premium laundry and dry-cleaning pick-up and delivery service available in Charlotte, Atlanta, Tampa, Austin, San Antonio, and Phoenix. Learn more about 2ULaundry and sign up on our website.
If you’re like me, you probably have a hamper full of damp and dirty laundry in your bathroom or closet. Some of our readers might even leave that dirty hamper sitting there for weeks. Am I describing you?
Nooooo… You’d never do that!
Well, for everyone else, it’s an awful idea to continue this bad habit. Here’s why…
1. Fecal Matter
Did this catch your attention? It caught ours! Dr. Charles Gerba, renowned microbiologist at the University of Arizona, said that
When you add dark and damp conditions, this can actually be quite dangerous. Especially these days in the midst of the Coronavirus outbreak.
2. Salmonella
Every year, about 1.3 million people are infected with Salmonella, with 26,500 individuals hospitalized due to the infection and 420 dying from it, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Contamination typically happens after infected feces comes into contact with animals, crops or water and people then consume or touch those items and don’t wash their hands. This makes you take our #1 a little more serious doesn’t it?
Salmonella, aka Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium, can live in your dirty hamper for weeks as they don’t die off as fast as fungi or some viruses. So that dirty hamper of yours may be more dangerous than you think.
3. Staphylococcus aureus
This nasty bug causes staph infections. And if you’ve ever seen someone with a staph infection, you’d place your order with 2ULaundry right now! The worst part about Staphylococcus aureus is that it can survive for months as it’s extremely hardy.
According to the Department of Health, It’s the leading cause of skin and soft tissue infections such as abscesses (boils), furuncles, and cellulitis. Although most staph infections are not serious, S. aureus can cause serious infections such as bloodstream infections, pneumonia, or bone and joint infections. Did we mention this can live in your laundry?
4. E. Coli
Germs such as E. coli, salmonella, and Klebsiella oxytoca can cause pneumonia, skin infections, abdominal cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea, especially in people with compromised immune systems.
In fact, this nasty germ can live in the place that you clean your dirty clothes. That’s right. Your washing machine rarely gets cleaned itself. And germs like E. coli are very tough, lasting for weeks inside your dark and damp machine.
Experts say that the newer, eco-friendly machines are doing you no favors in this regard either. Because they generally wash your clothes on lower temperatures, it never gets hot enough to kill the bacteria. Therefore, it’s best to wipe it down every now and then with disinfectants.
2ULaundry is a premium laundry and dry-cleaning pick-up and delivery service available in Charlotte, Atlanta, Tampa, Austin, San Antonio, and Phoenix. Learn more about 2ULaundry and sign up on our website.
Ahh spring time, there’s nothing quite like the fresh scent of spring on the breeze, flowers blooming brightly in the garden and a fresh and tidy house for the new season. While the fresh scent of spring and blooming flowers might come naturally with the turn of the season, you’ll have to put in some work if you want the tidy house that spring calls for. Lucky for you, we’ve rounded up the very best spring cleaning tips and tricks to help you get your house under control with as little stress as possible. Check out the spring cleaning hacks below and your house will be spring-ready in no time!
While you can probably squeeze your regular cleaning sessions between your other regular to-do’s and must-do’s, a spring cleaning session calls for a clear calendar so you can truly focus and get the job done without leaving any lingering jobs. Take a peek at your calendar, designate a day as your spring cleaning day and don’t make any other plans for that day.
3. Enlist help
While a lot of people find deep cleaning relaxing and gratifying, spring cleaning can be tiresome for even those who typically love to clean. Instead of trying to do it all yourself, enlist the help of your partner, children or roommate to give you the helping boost you need!
4. Clean by category, not room
When you clean room by room, it’s easy to accidentally carry piles of clutter from one place to the next without ever really getting rid of them. Instead of cleaning by room, make a plan to clean by category so that everything that gets clean stays that way. Start with a category like surfaces, floors or upholstery to get going.
5. Make sure you have the right tools and products
There’s nothing more frustrating than getting into a cleaning groove only to discover that you don’t have enough furniture polish to get the job done. Before you start cleaning, take inventory of your products and make sure you have enough of everything to finish the job. If you want to be extra thorough of everything at home, look into downloading a home inventory app.
6. Clean your cleaning tools
When you’re spring cleaning you want to make sure everything is truly clean and sanitized when you’re done. To do that you’ll probably need to do some pre-cleaning before you get started. Sanitize your sponges or purchase new ones, clean your broom, mop and vacuum and run a sanitize cycle on your dishwasher and washing machine before you ever start your spring cleaning session.
7. Just do it!
Once you’ve made a list, cleared your calendar, inventoried your cleaning products and made sure your cleaning tools are ready to go, there’s nothing left to do but jump in and get it done! Take small breaks as you go but do your best not to get distracted and leave the job half done. Spring cleaning is a major undertaking but, once it’s done you’ll have the benefit of living in a clean, organized space you can enjoy all season!
2ULaundry is a premium laundry and dry-cleaning pick-up and delivery service available in Charlotte, Atlanta, Tampa, Austin, San Antonio, and Phoenix. Learn more about 2ULaundry and sign up on our website.
If you didn’t come over here from our Spring Cleaning Guide page, make sure to download and print out the checklist from there so you’re on top of all your to-do’s this season. Since you couldn’t get enough of the tips from there, here are some more spring cleaning hacks heard straight from our customers!
Julianne, one of our 2020 Timekeepers, has a few hacks that she and her family are keeping busy with to make their whole house clean. This includes sweeping the garage, organizing the pantry, planting flowers and seeds, washing their car, and even donating their extra clothes to 2ULaundry! Outsourcing the smaller tasks to her children while working cooperatively on the larger ones is a great way to bond with your family during spring cleaning!
Lauren & Julie, 2ULaundry Legacy Brand Ambassadors have a couple tips for you as well. When the weather starts getting better, they use 2ULaundry to wash their winter clothes. Like every wash, dry, fold as well as dry cleaning orders, 2ULaundry returns them in airtight plastic bags. They like to store them until the next winter season comes around! You can put them away with the peace of mind that they’ll be clean when winter rolls back around. It’s a great way to keep clothes clean for months and seasons at a time!
2ULaundry is a premium laundry and dry-cleaning pick-up and delivery service available in Charlotte, Atlanta, Tampa, Austin, San Antonio, and Phoenix. Learn more about 2ULaundry and sign up on our website.
Amidst the novel Coronavirus pandemic, you – like most of the world—are probably social distancing yourself right now, working from home, and possibly going a little stir-crazy. If you need a break from working, vacuuming, Netflix-ing, and scrolling endlessly through Instagram and Facebook, we have some ideas for you. And no, they aren’t the traditional ideas you’ve heard (baking, learning guitar, or reading). While all those activities are great for the potential weeks of isolation, we suggest that you take time to do some deep cleaning.
We all (hopefully) wash our sheets once a week, our towels every 3 days, and our clothes as often as needed, but when was the last time you washed your pillows?
Not your pillowcases – your pillows.
When was the last time your couch got that scrub down it’s been needing? Never? Okay, well now is your chance! Stop putting those daunting tasks off and get clean!
Washing pillows is something most people don’t think of doing, but do you know how much bacteria 1 pillow can harbor? A lot. More than your toilet seat. It’s said that 1/3 of your pillows weight is due to skin, dust mites and bugs – gross! Luckily, it’s easy to clean pillows!
Follow these steps:
1. Remove pillow case 2. Fill washing machine with the hottest water setting and your favorite detergent 3. When cycle is complete, rinse 2-3 times 4. Pop pillows in the dryer, or air-dry them 5. Put on (clean) pillowcases 6. Sleep like a baby
Now that you’re done with your pillows, let’s move onto the couch. Yes, the couch where you fall asleep watching Sunday afternoon golf, the couch your kids have spilled food on, the couch you have spilled wine on, the couch that is harboring millions of germs, dust mites, and bacteria. This couch can also contain listeria, the flu-causing virus. Still want to Netflix-and-chill on that germ-infested comfy couch? Neither do we. So how can you clean it?
1. Remove the couch covers 2. Throw those suckers in the wash – make sure you zip up the covers first! 3. Hang dry these guys – you don’t want them to shrink and be rendered unusable
As for the part of the couch that can’t be thrown in the wash:
1. Mix 1 cup water, ½ vinegar, and 1 TBSP of dish soap in a spray bottle 2. Spray the mixture on the remaining parts of the couch (back, arms, large pillows that can’t be put in washing machine) 3. Let that mixture soak in for a few minutes and then gently rub back and forth with a soft cloth 4. Now just let the coach sit and absorb 5. Check back in an hour and make sure there aren’t any super wet spots 6. Once couch is dry, spray with your favorite disinfectant and finish with some Febreze (your family will thank you)
We aren’t suggesting you waste time during these social isolation weeks. 2ULaundry is still running and still making laundry and dry cleaning dreams come true. Schedule your pickup today and have clean laundry and dry cleaning done tomorrow! Don’t risk going to the dry cleaners right now, let us do the dirty work for you. Stay home. And as always, stay clean.
2ULaundry is a premium laundry and dry-cleaning pick-up and delivery service available in Charlotte, Atlanta, Tampa, Austin, San Antonio, and Phoenix. Learn more about 2ULaundry and sign up on our website.
Our promise to you
We will do everything we can to return your clothes to you in great shape. In the rare instance that an item goes missing or is damaged during the cleaning process, we’ll reimburse you up to the full value of the item with a $1,000 maximum per order.
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