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?

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Why the Right Washing Machine Temperature Matters for Laundry

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Does it matter what the temperature is when washing a load of laundry? Yes, it does! Fabric, condition, and detergent all play a part.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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What’s the Big Difference When it Comes to Washing Machine Temperature?

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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.

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Most washing machines have three main temperature settings: cold, warm, and hot.

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• 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.

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So what temperature do you use? Let’s think about cooking a steak.

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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!

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Laundry is no different. We created these images below to help you out!

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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…

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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.

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• 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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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One of the best parts of cooler weather is getting to add your favorite sweaters back into your wardrobe mix. Whether it’s a colorful printed sweater, a soft cashmere sweater, or a sweater dress that keeps you cozy all over, we’re here with tips on how to keep your favorite looks looking fresh. Check out the tips below for caring for your favorite sweaters.

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Store your sweaters folded.

While the shelf space in your closet might be limited, it’s important to give priority to your sweaters. The best way to store sweaters between wears is folded, as hanging them on traditional hangers can leave them stretched out and misshapen. You can either fold your sweaters flat and stack them on a shelf or roll them gently and store them in a drawer.

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Wash your sweaters carefully.

There’s no easier way to ruin a favorite sweater than to neglect to follow its care instructions. Whenever you get a new sweater, take a few minutes to read the care label and familiarize yourself with any special instructions. While it might be a pain to hand wash or dry clean your items, failing to follow their care instructions is a surefire way to make sure you never get to wear them again.

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Wash after several wears.

Like most outerwear, sweaters can stand a few more wears between washings than more delicate or intimate clothing. Layer your sweater with a t-shirt or tighter long-sleeved shirt underneath to prevent sweating on the garment and you’ll only need to wash it after every 3–5 wears. Between washes, you can spot-clean your sweater if you encounter any spills or mishaps that leave a visible stain.

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Let your sweaters air dry.

While it might be tempting to toss your sweater into the dryer with the rest of your clothing, doing so can result in a sweater that’s piled, shrunken, or otherwise misshapen. To dry your sweater, roll it up in a towel to absorb excess moisture as a first step and then lay it on a flat surface until it’s all the way dried. Some fabrics can take up to a day or two to fully dry so be sure you give yourself enough time between washing it and wearing it for it to dry all the way.

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Sweaters are a comfortable and cozy fall and winter staple that, if cared for appropriately, are likely to last season after season. This year, take the extra care and time you need to make sure your favorite sweaters look their best.

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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.

There are some things that every laundry room should have: detergent, spot treatment, dryer balls, and… white vinegar? While it might seem odd to bring a type of vinegar into the mix, it turns out there are lots of good reasons to incorporate vinegar into your laundry routine. Check out the list below for five reasons you should be using distilled white vinegar in your laundry routine.

1) It brightens your whites!

Nothing is worse than watching your favorite white t-shirt turn dingy and grey after a few wears. With a little bit of distilled white vinegar though, your whites will stay white over the years. Simply apply a tablespoon of distilled white vinegar and add a small amount to the softener compartment of your washer before you start your load.

2) … And keeps your darks dark.

Dark-colored clothing can often hang onto residue from soaps and detergents that leave them looking lighter and duller than when they went into the washing machine. Vinegar will erase this residue from your fabrics, leaving them dark or darker than before they were washed.

3) It naturally softens your fabrics.

While some people don’t mind artificial softeners, others prefer to keep things a little more natural in the laundry room. If you’re in the natural camp, you’ll want to consider adding vinegar in the wash as it naturally softens fabrics. If you prefer a scentless softener, simply add vinegar during the rinse portion of the cycle. If you would prefer a light scent, consider adding a couple of drops of an essential (lemon and eucalyptus are our favorites!) to the vinegar bottle.

4) It gets rid of mildew and odors.

Nothing kills odors like vinegar. If your clothes have a habit of coming out of the wash smelling of mildew, vinegar is your best bet for kicking the offending odors to the curb. To make sure the small is banished, fill the washer with hot water and two cups of vinegar and run a cycle before you run a second cycle featuring your regular detergent.

4) And it keeps your washer fresh!

You can’t expect your clothes to be cleaned properly if you wash them in a dirty machine. Keep your machine fresh and free of residue and soap scum by running a load with hot water and two cups of distilled white vinegar every couple of months.

While you might be used to using vinegar to cook or to clean around the house and banish offensive odors, it turns out it’s pretty handy in the laundry room too. Keep a bottle of vinegar handy in the laundry room and you’ll be taking your laundry game to the next level!

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.

Stains: the universal inconveniences that keep us all a little humble. Whether you think they happen due to general carelessness or karmic retribution, stains do not discriminate and almost always seem to get us at the worst time possible. Though not all stains are created equal, we were able to reduce the stress of cleaning them by narrowing it all down to a few Dos and Don’ts:

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Do:

- Act fast!

- Blot excess liquid before treating

- Use an oxi-grade stain remover

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Don’t:

- Delay or put off treating the stain

- Scrub or press hard into the stain

- Dry the stained item if the stain is still present

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Need the specifics? We also got into the nitty-gritty (and gross!) and created a comprehensive guide to getting out just about every stain in the book.

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Blood

Rinse the stain with cold water immediately to prevent the stain from settling. Blot — don’t rub — to get as much of the blood out as possible. Then, dab with hydrogen peroxide.

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Coffee

Run the stain under cold water and cover the stain in liquid laundry detergent. Let sit for 3–5 minutes and flush with warm water.

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Chocolate

Remove any solid pieces from the stain. Cover the stain with liquid detergent and wash immediately.

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Deodorant

Make a paste from three parts baking soda and one part water. Rub the paste onto the stain and wash the item at the warmest temperature allowable.

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Grass

Apply a stain remover and let sit for 15 minutes. If the stain persists, soak the stain in a solution consisting of one part vinegar and two parts water. Scrub with a brush (we suggest an old toothbrush) and launder as usual.

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Grease

Saturate the grease stain in dish soap, let the spot soak for a few minutes, and then toss in the wash.

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Ink

Dab the ink spot with either rubbing alcohol or a solution of vinegar and dish soap. Launder as usual.

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Ketchup

Working from the backside of the stain, flush with cold water immediately. Pre-treat with a stain remover and launder as usual.

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Lipstick

Scrape off as much excess color as possible. Spray the stain with hairspray and let sit for 10 minutes before wiping with a damp cloth.

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Mud

Allow the stain to dry, then remove excess. Dilute a gentle detergent with water and rub on the stain to create suds. If the stain remains after laundering, apply a 1:1 solution of water and vinegar to lighten it.

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Paint

Remove the dried paint with a paper towel. Dab with a clean sponge using warm water and detergent. After the paint softens, remove it by scraping.

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Pet Urine

Dab with detergent and let sit for 15 minutes. Launder as usual. Optional: launder with apple cider vinegar if the odor persists.

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Poop

Scrape off any excess. Rinse from the backside of the stain with cold water. Pre-treat by soaking in warm water and detergent for 30 minutes. To disinfect, launder with bleach: chlorine for whites, color-safe for colors.

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Sweat

Use a pre-wash solution and let the stain sit as directed. Wash the item in the hottest water recommended for the fabric using an enzyme detergent.

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Vomit

Scrape off any excess. Treat with any stain remover and let sit for 30 minutes before laundering.

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Wine

Stretch the stained fabric over the opening of a bowl and secure it in place with a rubber band. Sprinkle salt over the stain and flush with hot water. Launder as usual.

‍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.

While your closet is likely full of easy-to-care-for clothing items made from common fabrics like cotton, you might have a few items made from unusual fabrics that you’re not quite sure how to clean. (Pro-tip: when in doubt, just send it to the cleaners!) If you’ve got something in your closet that you’re not sure about, read ahead to learn how to clean unusual fabrics like silk, leather, and velvet.

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Silk

Silk is a delicate fabric that can be easily damaged if you accidentally wash it improperly. Knowing this might make you feel nervous to care for your silk items. If you follow a few simple steps, your item will come out of the wash clean, soft, and ready to wear again.

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Check your clothing tag for care instructions. If a tag indicates “dry clean only”, your best bet is to take it to a dry cleaner who can carefully care for it as they wash it. If it indicates only “dry clean” however, you can probably hand wash it at home without doing damage.

To hand-wash silk, first, fill a basin with cool water and drop your item in, fully submerging it.

Add a few drops of detergent and gently oscillate the water until the detergent is fully mixed and then let your item soak for just a few minutes.

Gently run your hands on the item up and down to slowly remove dirt and then rinse it thoroughly under running cold water.

Finally, remove the item from the sink, wrap it in a towel (microfiber towels typically work best) to absorb any excess water, and then hang it to dry somewhere out of the sun.

If your silk garment tag indicates that your item is machine washable you should still follow a few simple steps to ensure it comes out of the machine looking its best.

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Make sure that your laundry is properly sorted and that you’re not mixing silk with any heavier or rougher fabrics like denim.

Place your item in a mesh bag and load it into the machine. Choose a gentle detergent and set your machine to a gentle cycle.

When it’s done you can use a towel to remove excess water before hanging your item to dry.

Leather

If you have leather items in your closet, you’ve likely wondered how you can get your item clean without damaging it. Leather, while a durable material, is not meant to go in the washing machine and should be hand-washed to maintain its surface while still ensuring a deep clean.

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To hand wash your leather items you’ll first need to make a soapy solution with water and just a bit of castile soap or special leather soap.

Dip a lint-free cleaning cloth in the solution and apply gentle pressure as you slowly wash away any stains or dirty spots.

After you wash away the dirt and clear off the soap by using a lint-free cleaning cloth dipped in just water, you’ll want to let your item air-dry by either laying it flat or hanging it to dry.

If your leather item is especially delicate or pricey, you may want to consider having it professionally cleaned instead of taking on the task yourself. Whatever you do, it’s important to recognize that while some items might come out looking okay if you choose to use the washing machine, you’re always risking damage when you don’t hand wash your leather or have it professionally cleaned.

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Velvet

Velvet is a luxurious fabric that many people enjoy wearing during the cooler months and increasingly all year round. If you’ve got a velvet item in your wardrobe that you’re curious about how to care for, read ahead!

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Like all items, you’ll want to check your care tag before you make any decisions about how to wash your velvet clothing. While some items are machine washable, others are hand wash, dry clean, or spot clean only. If your clothing tag says that your item is machine-washable, you’ll want to select a gentle cycle with cold water and the spin setting on low.

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Turn your item inside out and place it in a mesh bag before putting it into the machine.

After washing, you can lay the item flat or hang it to dry and then put it in the dryer on the ‘fluff’ setting to ensure it looks its best.

Never iron velvet as ironing is sure to damage the fabric; if you need to get out wrinkles use a steamer instead.

If your velvet item says that it should only be hand-washed, you’ll need to fill a basin with cool water and just a bit of gentle detergent before gently oscillating it and rinsing it, and then following drying instructions.

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No matter which fabric your favorite clothing is made of, you want to be sure that it comes out looking better than it did going in after cleaning it. Following simple rules like always checking the clothing tag before cleaning your item can save you a world of trouble down the road. Further, using the directions above with your clothing made of unusual fabrics will help keep them looking their best!

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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.

While most clothing can be washed and dried at home, there are some items that you’ll always want to have dry cleaned. Luxury fabrics, from the heavyweights like leather and the lightweights like silk, should always be dry cleaned. Dry cleaning might seem like a simple (and with 2ULaundry, it couldn't be any simpler!) process, but it’s a delicate practice that you’ll want to ensure you get just right. If you’ve got a dry-clean-only item, follow the dos and don’ts below to ensure that it stays fresh and clean before, during, and after you take it to the cleaners.

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✅ DO: Research your cleaner before you go.

While it might seem like dry cleaning is a pretty straightforward process, you don’t want to risk anything (or anybody) damaging your items. Any regular dry-cleaning customer knows this well, sh*t happens so make sure to do a wee bit of homework by reading reviews and do a little research before you select a dry-cleaning establishment

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❌ DON’T: Leave your clothes in the plastic wrap indefinitely.

Leaving your clothes in plastic wrap might seem like a safe thing to do, but doing so puts your items at risk of mildew buildup and eliminates your clothes' ability to air out. Remove your items from the plastic wrap promptly and then hang them in an area with great ventilation so they can air out before going back into your closet.

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✅ DO: Take note of any special care instructions before you go.

While we all want to assume that the person dry cleaning our clothing will read the care label, reading it yourself in advance and sharing any special care instructions can help ensure your clothing comes back in top-notch shape.

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❌ DON’T: Hang the clean clothes in your closet right away.

While it might be annoying to deal with having plastic wrap in your closet, it’s important not to hang your recently dry-cleaned items up in your closet right away. Dry cleaning is a very safe but chemical-filled process and if you hang your clothes in your closet right away, you’ll be exposing the rest of your clothes to those chemicals.

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✅ DO: Keep track of your ticket!

While it might seem like no big deal to misplace your dry cleaning ticket, it can cause a major hassle for those who work at the dry cleaning shop as they try to locate your item without a ticket. There’s no perfect system in place to make sure items go home with their rightful owner, so safely store your dry cleaning ticket so that it’s accessible for pick-up day!

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Not sure if you’re down to keep up with all of the dry cleaning rules? No worries. With 2ULaundry, you’ll never have to worry about all the dos and don’ts of dry cleaning. Our expert team of Clothing Care Associates makes sure to check every label before it’s cleaned to your (or its) preferences.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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2ULaundry will end service in Raleigh, effective Friday, March 27.

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Our last pickups in Raleigh will be Thursday, March 26.

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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.

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“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

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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.

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“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

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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.

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We look forward to continuing to serve our Charlotte and Atlanta customers for years to come, as we all navigate these challenging times.

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Alex & Dan, Co-Founders of 2ULaundry

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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.

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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.

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Our Team

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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.
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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.
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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.

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Our Cleaning Process

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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.
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Our Service Plans

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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.
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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.  
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Our Schedule Updates

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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.
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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.
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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.

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Below is a current list of our city-by-city service updates. This list was last updated on Monday, June 1 at 9 am.
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Charlotte

There will not be any order pickups on Fridays. However, customers with a Thursday pickup will still get their order deliveries on Fridays.
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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.
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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.
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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.

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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.

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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.
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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.
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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 the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Woman of the Year.
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We got to catch up with Lauren and talk about her family’s journey and understanding the gift of time through 2ULaundry.

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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.

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What was the moment when everything changed?

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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!

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Do you remember how you felt when you received the 2ULaundry gift card?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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We Americans are trashy people. We heap tons of trash into landfills every year, and the waste keeps piling up. But if each of us takes a few steps toward making our kitchens zero waste, we save the environment, money, and time.

Here are five ideas for creating a zero-waste kitchen.
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1. Refuse

Start with the easiest zero waste principle of all. Refuse to buy products that have too much packaging or come packaged in single-use plastic. That doesn’t mean finding a replacement product in different packaging. Think outside the box or plastic bottle.

Instead of buying laundry detergent, which often comes in a big plastic bottle, softener (ditto on the plastic bottle), and dryer sheets, which are not recyclable — consider outsourcing your laundry to a service that buys everything in bulk.

Imagine how much waste you’ll eliminate over the course of a year. Bonus: You’ll also save on your energy bill by not using electricity to run a washer and dryer.
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2. Reduce

Buy less, and use less. That goes for everything, from food to household cleaners and everything in between. The U.S. Department of Agriculture tracks about $160 billion in food waste every year. That adds up to a lot of trash!

And that’s not counting everything else that gets tossed. The Environmental Protection Agency says Americans produce just under 270 million tons of trash a year.

Not only will reducing what you buy and use mean less trash, it means fewer ants and other pests in your kitchen. The most environmentally friendly way of getting rid of bugs is to not invite them in in the first place.

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3. Reuse/Recycle

Thanks to local recycling programs reusing and recycling has gone mainstream over the last few decades. Americans recycle more than 67 tons of waste every year. The trend is rising as we stay home more and receive more deliveries in cardboard boxes that we repurpose.

You probably do your part to recycle the paper bags and aluminum cans that come into your kitchen. But how about cereal boxes, flower bags, and packaged goods? Buy in bulk and store your non-perishables in glass containers. You may never have to take out the trash again.

Another easy step toward a zero-waste kitchen is reusable shopping bags. Bring along your fabric or heavy cloth bags to the store, instead of accepting the single-use plastic bags most grocery stores offer.

While some stores barred or discouraged reusable bags at the peak of the coronavirus pandemic, many of those restrictions and limits have eased.

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4. Rot

Rot is also known as composting. Take your kitchen scraps, your lawn clippings and your yard trimmings. Layer them together, keep everything moist and occasionally turn the mix, and voila! Your waste turns into organic compost that helps enrich your garden soil.

Not only is composting a great way to reuse your kitchen waste, you’ll cut down on your need to buy fertilizer, which often comes in plastic packaging.

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5. Restroom Detour

There’s another room in the house that’s easy to overlook when it comes to zero-waste practices, and it’s just a few steps away from the kitchen.

Recycling isn’t usually top of mind when you’re using up the last of the shampoo in the shower, or replacing a roll of toilet paper.

Consider a small recycling bin in the bathroom, right next to the trash. You’ll be surprised at how much trash ends up in the recycling bin when you think twice about what you’re tossing.

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Patience and zero-waste principles pay off

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Finally, have a little patience as you work toward making your kitchen (and restroom) zero-waste. Start by putting these principles into practice, and consider what changes you can make along the way to a zero-waste home.

Going to zero-waste in your kitchen probably won’t happen overnight, but the payoff for your home, your bank account, and the environment will be worth it.

By Larry Jergins

Larry Jergins has worked in his county waste management division for 20 years and recently became certified as a recycling specialist. His favorite project is turning Christmas trees and yard waste into mulch for the community.

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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.

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While staying at home as much as possible is an important part of keeping our families and our community safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, for those with kids it can lead to a lot of extra work.
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In addition to working from home and taking on the role of homeschool teacher while schools and daycares are shut, many parents are finding it difficult to plan for and prepare all the extra meals and deal with the magnified mess of kids at home all day.
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If you’re on the hunt for ways to lighten your load during this stressful time, check out the list of ideas below for inspiration!
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1. Prepare multi-purpose meals

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It can be hard enough trying to plan, shop for and prepare breakfast and dinner every day but with the whole family now needing lunch everyday too, lots of parents are feeling burnt out in the kitchen. Lighten your load by preparing multi-purpose recipes that can be stretched into two or three meals.
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For example, if you roast a chicken for supper on Sunday, you can use leftovers to prepare chicken soup on Monday and chicken quesadillas on Tuesday.

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2. Make cleaning a family affair

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If everyone is making the mess, everyone should be responsible for pitching in to clean it up. Even small children can pick up and put away toys and older children can be tasked with sweeping, vacuuming, dusting and doing the dishes.
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At a minimum, kids should be responsible for picking up the game or toys they’re playing with before moving on to their next activity.

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3. Get outside as much as possible

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While getting outside won’t help you knock out any cleaning tasks, it will help you prevent your kids from making indoor messes that need to be cleaned up.
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Play in the backyard, take a walk or spin around the block on your bikes and, while you do, rest assured that the inside of your home isn’t being wrecked.
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Gentle reminder to still follow social distancing guidelines!

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4. Outsource where you still can

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While home cleaning services are a no-no right now, there are plenty of things you can still outsource – one major one being your laundry.
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Instead of tossing in load after load that never gets folded and put away, make a pick up request with 2ULaundry and watch your clothes come back fresh, clean and folded the next day.

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5. Plan for some alone time

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As much as extra time with our kids can be a blessing, it’s easy for parents to feel burned out after weeks of 24/7 parenting with no break.
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If you have a partner, make it a point to take turns taking breaks and getting some alone time. While you can’t go out (or at least should be cautious when going out) with friends or relax with a pedicure, taking a nice solo walk around the block or a relaxing bubble bath, or simply sitting and reading alone at home while your partner takes your kids out to ride their bikes can be just the break you need to recharge!
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There’s no doubt that these are tough times for everyone in the community but with a little forethought and planning ahead, you should be able to lighten your load at least a little bit this spring!

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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.

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During the Coronavirus pandemic and resulting stay-at-home orders, most people’s social lives have been greatly disrupted. While for lots of people this means they’re feeling pretty bored, there’s one group of people that probably don’t have the chance to get bored: parents of young children.
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For parents of young kids who are now at home 100% of the time, the day is likely a never-ending parade of games and meal-making and mess-cleaning and entertaining.
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And the evenings are likely a mad dash to return emails, complete work that got pushed to the side during the day, and get the house in some semblance of shape before the next day of mess making begins.
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For these parents there is no time for new hobbies or social Zoom calls or the learning of new skills.
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It’s constant parenting, working and upkeep.
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If you’re a parent who has been feeling overwhelmed by the overwhelming amount of life being thrown your way, check out these ways to relax, even when you don’t have much down time.
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1. Download a good book

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There’s nothing better than a good book but, if you’ve got little ones by day and loads of work by night, there’s a pretty good chance you don’t have the time to curl up with a good book and a cup of tea.
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Instead of trying to jam some reading time into your day, download a good book and plug in your headphones as you complete the evening chores you know you need to get done for tomorrow to happen smoothly.
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Immerse yourself in a different world as you do the dishes, fold laundry or meal prep and you’ll be amazed at how you suddenly relax.

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2. Try a new recipe

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While cooking with the kids isn’t always the most relaxing activity, trying a new recipe is a good way to stretch your brain and feel good about how you’ve spent an afternoon.
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Instead of a kitchen free-for-all, pre-measure and prepare all the ingredients in advance so that cooking with the kids actually is relaxing.
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Whether you relax as you cook or as you enjoy your new recipe, you’ll certainly feel better than you would if you had opted for spaghetti for the fourth time this week!
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3. Indulge during self-care time

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Self-care at home probably looks a little different than your ideal self-care activities but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take care of yourself.
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While you can’t get a babysitter for some alone time with your partner or head in for a massage or pedicure, consider what you can do at home and then do it.
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Use your favorite bath products, give yourself a pedicure or paint your own fingernails if it makes you feel better!

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4. Claim some downtime

If you have a partner, now is the time to negotiate with them to make sure you each get just a little bit of “off” time during your time at home.

Even if it means leaving the house a little messy or not meal prepping for the next day, do your best to trade off responsibilities so that each of you get at least one night “off” during the week. That can mean skipping out on bath time and bedtime in favor of a long, solo walk, heading to bed early yourself or simply parking it on the couch to watch a WHOLE movie while your partner deals with the kids after bedtime antics.

A little “off” time can make a world of difference!

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Being at home with young kids while juggling work and other responsibilities is simply overwhelming. While this will pass eventually and you will get to have a babysitter one day, for now, focusing on what you can do to relax is a great way to feel calmer throughout the day!

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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.

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If you’re like most people, your kitchen is one of the most used rooms in your home. Not only is every meal prepared there, it’s also a gathering space for friends and loved ones and a storage space for all your often (and not-so-often) used kitchen gadgets and tools.
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If you’re on the hunt for ways to kick your kitchen organization into gear and to make your most-used room even more welcoming and functional, look no further!
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Check out the expert tips below for creating the most organized kitchen on the block!
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1. Ditch what you don’t need
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Like any good clean-out, the first step to getting organized is getting rid of everything you don’t need.
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While clearing out the pantry of old or unused food, the cabinets of mismatched plastic containers and the shelves of unused kitchen gadgets can take some time, doing so will leave you with only what you truly need and use in the kitchen, making it much easier to actually get organized.

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‍2. Maximize cabinet space
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Whether you have shelves or cabinets in your kitchen, you’ve likely found yourself, at one point or another, wishing you had more space. Instead of shoving items to the back or stacking them haphazardly, maximize your cabinet or shelf space by storing smartly.
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The items you use most often should be stored on the lowest shelf, with less used items stored higher up.
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If you find you simply have too many dishes, consider downsizing your collection to only what you really need to save shelf space.

Neighbor.com’s blog post has more smart storage ideas!

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3. Focus on the pantry
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Your pantry should be a functional space that makes it easy to identify and grab the food items you’re looking for.
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After thoroughly clearing out the pantry of all expired items and donating anything you simply don’t or won’t use, take the time to think deeply about what you find yourself reaching for most and organize with this in mind.
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Consider also sorting items by type (sauces, pastas, baking goods etc.) and creating divided sections so that everything has a place. Check out Delish for more pantry organization ideas!
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3. Focus on the pantry
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Your pantry should be a functional space that makes it easy to identify and grab the food items you’re looking for.
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After thoroughly clearing out the pantry of all expired items and donating anything you simply don’t or won’t use, take the time to think deeply about what you find yourself reaching for most and organize with this in mind.
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Consider also sorting items by type (sauces, pastas, baking goods etc.) and creating divided sections so that everything has a place. Check out Delish for more pantry organization ideas!
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5. Keep rarely used items elsewhere
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Most of us have some kitchen items we only rarely use.
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Instead of storing your holiday plates and platters in with the rest of your dishes, consider finding them a new home, perhaps with the rest of your holiday decor in the garage. Same goes for kitchen gadgets you only use seasonally like that snow cone maker or s’mores kit.

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While cleaning out and organizing your kitchen might be a big task, it’s one you’ll be glad you did every time you prep a snack, cook a meal or even find yourself flipping through a cook-book at the kitchen table. Happy organizing!

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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.

Organizing a clothing closet can feel so overwhelming that many people never muster the courage to take the first step. While it can feel daunting to step into a small space filled with so much stuff with the goal of wrangling it all into its proper place, having a neat and organized closet is something that will make a seriously positive impact on your day to day life.
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From helping keep your bedroom clean to making it easier to find what you need while you’re getting ready in the morning, the benefits of an organized closet are endless.
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While the process for getting your closet organized is pretty simple (empty it, sort it, make a place for everything and then put it all away) there are some tips and tricks that can make getting the organized closet of your dreams easier than you ever imagined.
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Check out the tips and tricks below for helping you get (and keep) an organized closet!

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1. Make time for a fashion show

An essential part of organizing a closet is clearing it out to ensure you only make space for the things you really want, need and wear. Instead of guessing as to whether an item really fits and flatters you as you are, make time for an at-home fashion show so you can get a peak (and a feel) for every item in your closet.
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As a good rule of thumb, if you haven’t worn it this season you should at least put it on to make sure it still works before deciding that it belongs in the ‘keep’ pile.

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2. Get creative with bulky clothing

Sometimes our favorite, coziest items are also the toughest to store. While hanging shoe organizers are great for shoes and other accessories, they can also serve as an excellent place to store rolled sweaters and other bulky items that might stretch or pull if hung on a traditional hanger.

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3. Use clothing dividers!

Hanging clothing dividers are a great way to help keep you accountable as you strive to keep your closet as organized as it was on day one. Some people choose to divide their clothing by type while others prefer seasonal or setting specific dividers. Whatever you choose just be sure to stick to it!

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5. Make a seasonal plan

Most people have winter clothing and summer clothing along with a few pieces that they tend to wear year-round. While it can feel like a heavy lift to organize your closet more than once per year, making a quick switch to where your items are stored as the seasons shift will ensure your space is as accessible and usable as possible.
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Whether you simply shift around your dividers and move seasonal items to the front of your closet or you totally move out-of-season items to another location, having a closet that reflects the season will help you feel organized and ready for the day!
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If you want more ideas for what to do when different seasons come around, check out some of our Spring Cleaning Hacks.

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While a disorganized closet is easy to hide behind closed doors, it’s impact on your day to day life is hard to ignore. This season, take the plunge and dig into creating an organized, usable space that you’ll love!

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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.

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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?

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Nooooo… You’d never do that!

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Well, for everyone else, it’s an awful idea to continue this bad habit. Here’s why…

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1. Fecal Matter

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Did this catch your attention? It caught ours! Dr. Charles Gerba, renowned microbiologist at the University of Arizona, said that

“The average adult undergarment has about a tenth of a gram of  fecal matter.”

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When you add dark and damp conditions, this can actually be quite dangerous. Especially these days in the midst of the Coronavirus outbreak.

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2. Salmonella

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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).

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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?

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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.

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3. Staphylococcus aureus

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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.

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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?

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4. E. Coli

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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1. Make a list

Before you get started, it’s important to make a list of everything you want to accomplish during spring cleaning. Take a few minutes to inventory your household and either make a list of your own or download a handy one like 2ULaundry’s or like Hey y’all! 2ULaundry just put out a Spring Cleaning Guide with hacks from bloggers you may know around Atlanta and some of their other customers. Definitely worth checking it out! this from Martha Stewart.

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2. Clear your calendar

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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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?

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Not your pillowcases – your pillows.

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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!

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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!

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Follow these steps:

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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

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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?

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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

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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)

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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.

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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.

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