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.
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.
Want to wake up refreshed on clean, hygienic sheets? Your bedding absorbs sweat, skin cells, oils, and more while you sleep. This dirt buildup can lead to allergies, irritation, and even illnesses.
Luckily, with the right washing techniques, you can eliminate grime and allergens from your linens. In this article, we provide five foolproof tips for deep cleaning your sheets and promoting better sleep. You'll learn the optimal wash cycles, stain removal tricks, and best practices for keeping bedding fresh between washes.
Read on for 5 expert tips to banish odors, brighten dingy sheets, and protect your bedding investment. With deeper, more effective laundering, you'll sleep cleaner, breathe easier, and enjoy bedtime without worrying about unseen irritants.
1. Treat Stains Before You Wash Bed Sheets
Before washing your bedding, it’s important to treat stains with a dedicated stain remover. Plant-based products are great options that are naturally free of dyes, chlorine, and phosphates. After all, do you want to rest your head on chemicals when you lie down at night?
You can always try removing a stain by hand, but be aware that some stains can be very stubborn and persistent leading to discoloration of your bedsheets. There are also some home remedies like apple cider vinegar combined with water or baking soda that may help alleviate those stubborn stains if you’re looking for a natural route. It’s because of these stains that we recommend white linens. While white linens are easier to stain, they make stain removal much easier!
2. Keep the Water Temperature Low
Lower temperatures are best for washing bedding. Most linen materials are sensitive, which means that higher temperatures can cause fraying or excess shedding. Always read the instruction labels before washing your bedding to prevent damage. Temperature settings at 80 – 100°F are ideal and will give you the best results. For better results, use a mild chemical-free detergent, as chemical detergents can end up damaging your nylon, linen, satin, or silk pillowcases and bedsheets if they are not administered properly.
3. Turn Pillowcases & Duvets Inside Out
Turning your pillowcases and duvet inside out keeps the material from shedding or colors from fading and helps thoroughly wash away any accumulated debris. This simple strategy will also prevent damage to the duvet cover, extending its life expectancy and ultimately saving you money.
This goes for your regular laundry as well. Wash your clothes inside out to keep them looking newer and longer. This way, the inside of the garment takes the abuse and fading caused by the agitation, not the outside. Clothes get just as clean when washed inside out.
4. Wash Your Bedding in Separate Loads
Breaking difficult chores into smaller parts makes any chore easier––especially washing your bedding. Instead of washing all of your sheets, pillowcases, comforters, and duvets at once, consider separating them into different loads.
One option is to wash your bedding by room. Wash one room’s bedding before moving to the next to prevent laundry burnout! Or, maybe it makes more sense to wash separate loads based on the bedding type. This would mean one load of sheets, one load of pillowcases, and one load of duvets. This is how professional laundry services process your bedding because it makes folding and organizing the clean laundry much easier!
5. Use a Professional Laundry Service
A professional laundry service can alleviate the hassle of laundering your bedding. Get started with a pick-up and delivery laundry service like 2ULaundry to simplify your laundry experience while maximizing your results.
2ULaundry offers flat-rate pricing on all linen orders – delivered straight to your door. If washing your sheets frequently is something you’re interested in but have been putting off, try it out! And, get ready for that first night in new sheets feeling!
Need Some Help Washing Your Bedding?
Take care of your bedding the right way with a professional laundry service. When it comes to top-quality professional laundry service, 2ULaundry can help you with all your laundry needs.
We pride ourselves on our convenient and professional pickup and delivery services. How often should you wash your bed sheets? As often as you need. Whether you need weekly laundry services for your clothes or occasional laundry service to care for your linens and bedding, 2ULaundry has 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.
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.
You may think that fabric softener on delicate laundry is a good choice, but it isn’t the best idea – some fabric softeners can cause certain delicate fabrics to fade, shrink, or start to pull apart.
If you’re not sure whether or not you should use fabric softener on delicate laundry, it’s a good rule of thumb to check the label for washing instructions – or perhaps just skip it altogether to be safe.
While fabric softener does have its benefits, there is a very specific way it should be used. This household laundry staple can cause damage to certain items if used incorrectly.
There are a lot of different delicate types of clothing that people incorrectly use fabric softener on. Follow along to learn which delicates should avoid fabric softener and why. For more laundry tips, check out our blog!
Down-Filled Comforters and Coats
Fabric softener produces a waxy film that can get caught on top of certain fabrics, such as down-filled comforters, coats, and blankets. This can cause damage to your clothing and can cause the color to fade or warp.
It’s a common misconception, but fabric softener should never really be used on down-filled materials.
Workout Clothes
This is another one that is a common mistake. You may think fabric softeners should be used on workout clothes to keep them comfortable, but workout clothes are typically lightweight and could be damaged by certain fabric softeners.
A better option would be an enzyme detergent if you’re looking to give these clothes an extra type of treatment.
Swimwear
Swimwear is another material where fabric softener could potentially cause more harm than good. Since swimwear is typically made of synthetic materials, fabric softener can cause it to tear more quickly.
Additionally, washing or drying swimwear with fabric softener or conditioner could cause it to absorb more moisture, thus slowing the drying process and leaving it with a musty odor.
Wools and Similar Delicates
You may think that wool needs fabric softener since it is a hefty material, but that is not the case. The heftiness of such materials is what gives them their lightness and fluffiness, but when you coat them with conditioner, they lose texture and warmth.
Additionally, fabric softener can cause these types of materials to mat or fall apart, thus decreasing the long-term integrity of the fabric.
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-and-fold 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. 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.
Laundry Service Picks: The Best Bleach and Laundry Whiteners
Everyone knows that bleach can be used on your white laundry to keep it looking fresh. But, the world of bleach and laundry whiteners is so much more detailed than that. Here are the best bleach and laundry whiteners – reviewed by laundry experts!
You have some whites that aren’t looking so white anymore. What do you do? Most people reach for the bottle of Clorox bleach.
Don’t do that! You can do better. Using a bottle of Clorox to brighten your favorite t-shirt is like using a tractor to pull one weed in your yard. You don’t need that much horsepower! And, that much horsepower can cause unnecessary damage.
The problem is that most people don’t know the difference between bleach and laundry whiteners. There are also different considerations to make within the umbrellas of each.
Unless you’re cleaning commercial laundry, you can likely skip the bleach and instead opt for a softer, more reasonable laundry whitener.
This post will discuss the basics of laundry whiteners for use on your everyday laundry and linens. We will also go over everything you need to know about bleach and whiteners and the differences between the two. This guide covers what to consider while choosing either bleach or a whitener and the best laundry whiteners for delicate laundry.
What is a Laundry Whitener?
Laundry whiteners are a type of laundry detergent that helps to brighten and whiten clothes.
What is Bleach?
Bleach is the generic name for any chemical product that is used to remove color from fabric. It often refers, specifically, to a dilute solution of sodium hypochlorite, also called “liquid bleach”.
There is a serious range of products under the “bleach” shorthand name – ranging from simple laundry solutions to highly concentrated pool cleaners or wood stainers. In short, bleach is very powerful and can be very harmful to your laundry.
What is the difference between Bleach and Laundry Whitener?
Bleach is a bulldozer and laundry whitener is a small gardening shovel.
If you’re clearing 10 acres of farmland, you use a bulldozer. If you’re picking one weed in the small garden, you use a small gardening shovel.
Best Laundry Whitener Recommendations for White Laundry
What is the best laundry whitener for my laundry? As a laundry service, we get this question all the time.
What laundry whitener should you choose? With the growth in popularity of laundry whiteners as replacements for harsh bleaches, there are many laundry whiteners to choose from.
You can get any random grocery store laundry whitener, but if you’re looking for expert advice on choosing the best one for your needs, you’ve come to the right place. Here are our most popular laundry whiteners:
Remove stains from your clothes that bleach and oxi couldn’t get rid of using the White Brite Laundry Cleaner. This product can remove stains or yellowing due to iron or other impurities. You can also use this to remove red clay or soil stains. When it comes to washing white baseball pants and other white athletic equipment, the White Brite Laundry Whitener is a breeze.
You should use this instead of bleach if you have any concerns about the safety of bleach on white or colorful clothes. Use it if you want your clothes to come out brighter, cleaner, and odor-free. It is compatible with septic systems and all types of washing machines.
You can use Molly’s Suds Natural Oxygen Whitener without fear of harming your clothes or your loved ones. It is a laundry booster with 100% natural lemon essential oil instead of synthetic scents, dyes, and pollutants, and it removes hard water stains and oil stains from clothing. As an all-natural brightener for laundry, it prevents light and white colors from being yellowed or greyed while still preserving vibrancy.
It’s safe for most fabrics, and the Oxygen Whitener cruelty-free laundry soap helps whiten and brighten them. It is used extensively as a stain treatment and multi-purpose stain remover.
Mrs. Stewart’s laundry whitener is offered in the form of concentrated liquid for use in the washing machine. You can use this solution to remove stains from garments, draperies, and carpets. It is also effective on other types of fabrics.
Bluette is a laundry whitener made in the United States that comes in a 16-ounce jar. Don’t be afraid to use it on delicate things! Unlike other laundry products, it is applied at the start of the wash cycle rather than at the end. Because it contains no bleach, it is safe to use on both synthetic and natural fabrics.
Which form of laundry whitener is better?
Laundry whiteners come in gels, sprays, liquids, and powders. For each of them, manufacturers give their recommendations. But, is one better than the rest?
It’s all about where you are using the laundry whitener!
A pocket spray or pen is convenient when you need to urgently remove the stain without a complete wash. This is ideal for travel or carrying in your purse. However, you might not have it on hand when you need it.
Gels, powders, and liquids require soaking or are usually added to the wash. If you always use the same washer, buying a liquid bottle might make more sense than using pods. However, pods make more sense to someone who is carrying their laundry and laundry detergents to and from a laundromat or a community washroom weekly.
Can laundry whitener turn all yellow clothes white again?
If your white laundry has turned yellow due to an excessive use of bleach, there is no way to restore it to white. Chlorine bleach is great for cleaning and disinfecting, but it can cause yellowing if overused or if used on white synthetic fibers like nylon, microfibers, or polyester. The bleach weakens the fibers and returns the synthetic polymers to their original color, yellow. There is no fixing this.
If your clothes are dingy due to natural wear, laundry whitener will be a great solution and restore the color to white.
Do OxiClean laundry whitener pods contain bleach?
OxiClean pods do not contain bleach. Like other laundry whiteners, they contain chlorine-free, non-bleach stain-removing agents. They do not contain bleach and they do not have the bleach smell.
Which laundry whiteners are best for greasy stains?
Laundry whiteners differ in their purpose. There are specific types of laundry solvents designed specifically for removing water-insoluble stains like grease, oil, and cream. They contain oxidizing agents, salts, and reducing agents.
To not ruin your clothes, carefully study the product instructions: what types of fabrics you can use the product on and what technology to wash with. Test the stain remover first on a small area. A good laundry whitener should remove grease and dirt, but not paint.
Best Bleach Recommendations for Bleaching White Laundry
What bleach should I buy for my laundry? As a laundry service, we get this question all the time.
What bleach should you choose? There are many bleach options to choose from. We want to make your choice as easy and convenient as possible.
You can get any random white laundry bleach, but if you’re looking for expert advice on choosing the best one for your needs, you’ve come to the right place. No matter what your laundry bleach needs or your budget, we’ve done an in-depth analysis to include the top-rated options suitable for different needs and different budgets.
This Oxygen Bleach is made for sensitive skin. The U.S. EPA Safer Choice-certified product contains safer ingredients for human health and the environment.
Bleach pods? Yes! Grab Green packs a big punch with a little pod! It does not contain any chlorine or hard chemicals and it is meant for both cold & warm water washing.
Great for travel or on-the-go use at a local laundromat, these bleach tablets are quick and economical. You aren’t paying for extra packaging or extra water.
What types of bleach are meant for laundry?
The available bleach types can be divided into two main groups: 1) Oxygen Bleach and 2) Chlorine Bleach.
Oxygen Bleach is the safest. It works best by mixing with hot water and pre-soaking your fabrics before washing them. Each manufacturer indicates the recommended time and amount on the package. If you soak things in oxygen bleach, it will not cause any harm to health and clothes. You can safely experiment with oxygen bleach at home since it does not have the same corrosive, toxic, and harmful properties that chlorine bleach does.
Chlorine Bleach works faster than oxygen bleach. Be careful though, it works fast! Do not soak in Chlorine Bleach for more than 30-60 minutes to prevent damage. These products are the most affordable and have excellent disinfectant properties for cleaning toilets and removing mold. However, it is typically too much for personal laundry. Chlorine Bleach is very aggressive. It can be harmful to your laundry, your health, and the environment. The most practical laundry use of Chlorine Bleach is for commercial towels or linens – not your favorite t-shirt.
What type of bleach is best for getting rid of stains?
Both remove stains.
But… we recommend that you stay away from Chlorine Bleach if possible. Start with Oxygen Bleach. After bleaching with Chlorine Bleach, your laundry and linens will wear out faster and gradually turn yellow. While Chlorine Bleach will likely get the stain out, you will decrease the lifespan of the fabric and you will risk an irreversible yellowing.
Oxygen Bleach makes things much easier! It is suitable for all types of fabrics, doesn’t destroy them, and it prevents the environmental impact of Chlorine Pollution.
On top of being better for your laundry and linens, Oxygen Bleach is much more environmentally friendly when compared to its Chlorine counterpart. Oxygen Bleaches do not require high temperatures when washing, they enhance the effect of detergent, and they thoroughly rinse out in a basic rinse cycle.
What is the best bleach for children’s clothes?
Do not use Chlorine Bleach with children’s clothes! We do not recommend using any bleach on children’s clothes. Chlorine is not just an unpleasant smell but can also affect a child’s delicate skin, which can lead to irritation or allergies.
There are enough environmentally friendly and natural products available that you should not need to consider bleach on children’s clothes. Oxygen or all-purpose bleaches are usually chemical-free and work well on various stains. However, we recommend basic laundry whiteners for these items instead.
Are homemade bleaches and stain removers suitable?
There are thousands of bleach recipes out there. They often use citric acid, peroxide, soda, salt, and other additives. These recipes claim that with just a few simple ingredients from your pantry, you can make homemade bleach that will brighten your whites and disinfect germs without toxic fumes or skin irritation.
We have nothing against these homemade bleach recipes. If you are the type to do it yourself, go for it! However, be careful when choosing your homemade recipe.
You can find anything on the internet. On the internet, we found a website that says that “tar soap can be recommended for bleaching baby clothes.”
We would never endorse that. Folk remedies cannot replace a good stain remover or bleach, especially when it comes to removing traces of grass, blood, juice, or fruit stains.
What are bleach tablets?
Bleach primarily comes in liquid form. However, it is available as tablets too. We recommend using liquid bleach products primarily. However, tablets are an option for those traveling or packing light.
Most bleach tablet providers direct you with the following user instructions.
Use one tablet for a single load (<20 pounds or one wash cycle) of white laundry. Like a detergent pod, you just toss it in the washer drum before starting the cycle. Drop a tablet in the washer before starting the cycle and wait for the tablet to dissolve first.
If mixing in the washer drum is not an option, you can always dilute the tablet in water and then add the diluter bleach mix to your wash cycle. Dissolve one tablet in 3/4th cup of water and put this solution in your washing machine dispenser, then start your laundry.
How much bleach should you use with a load of laundry?
It depends on the size of your load.
You will adjust the amount of bleach you add to your wash cycle based on the size of your load, the size of your machine, and the soil level.
Generally, you will add ½ cup for a residential washer. You will use 1 cup of bleach for washing machines that are over 30-pound capacity. These commercial washing machines are most frequently found at laundromats.
If your white laundry is heavily soiled, you will increase the amount of bleach used by 1/2 cup. If you are increasing the bleach use, you will want to opt for the extra rinse on the washing machine. This extra rinse makes sure there is no bleach residue left on your clean laundry.
Laundry Service Picks: The Best Bleach and Laundry Whiteners
You have some whites that aren’t looking so white anymore. What do you do? Most people reach for the bottle of Clorox bleach. Now, you know better!
Consider using a laundry whitener or some of these recommended bleach alternatives instead of Clorox. Your favorite clothes will thank 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Do:
- Act fast!
- Blot excess liquid before treating
- Use an oxi-grade stain remover
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
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.
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.
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.
Chocolate
Remove any solid pieces from the stain. Cover the stain with liquid detergent and wash immediately.
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.
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.
Grease
Saturate the grease stain in dish soap, let the spot soak for a few minutes, and then toss in the wash.
Ink
Dab the ink spot with either rubbing alcohol or a solution of vinegar and dish soap. Launder as usual.
Ketchup
Working from the backside of the stain, flush with cold water immediately. Pre-treat with a stain remover and launder as usual.
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.
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.
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.
Pet Urine
Dab with detergent and let sit for 15 minutes. Launder as usual. Optional: launder with apple cider vinegar if the odor persists.
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.
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.
Vomit
Scrape off any excess. Treat with any stain remover and let sit for 30 minutes before laundering.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
✅ 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
❌ 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.
✅ 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.
❌ 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.
✅ 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!
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.
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.
As you prepare to wash and dry a new piece of clothing, you probably diligently check the tag for their care instructions, and while you know what ‘cold wash’ or ‘hang dry’ means, you probably don’t know what all the little symbols that often accompany these instructions on the tag mean. If you’ve always been curious about what those little laundry symbols mean, then read ahead because you’re about to find out.
Wash at room temperature.
One of the most common symbols you’ll see on a clothing tag is the wash symbol.
The washtub shape tells you how to wash your clothing. One dot signifies that it should be washed in cold water, two dots in warm water, and three dots in hot water.
The lines that you sometimes see under the washtub indicate what cycle to use. With two lines you’ll want to use a gentle cycle, and if you only see one line you should use the permanent press cycle.
Machine tumble dry on gentle.
Another common symbol you’ll often see on your clothing tags is the dry symbol.
This square lets you know the best way to dry your items without over-drying and damaging them. A square with a circle inside means machine dry. Circle only means dry clean.
If you see three vertical lines, you’ll want to hang your clothes to dry rather than use the dryer.
If you see a curved line, you should line-dry your item.
A horizontal line indicates that you should dry the item on a flat surface to avoid stretching or damaging it.
Most often you’ll probably see a circle in the square which indicates that you should tumble dry the item. If you see one dot you should do so on low heat, two dots and you should do so on medium heat, and three dots you should do so on high heat.
If you see lines underneath the square, you should know that those indicate which tumble dry cycle to use: one signifies permanent press and two signifies gentle.
Iron on high heat.
After drying your clothes you might wonder the best way to iron them. Luckily, there is a symbol that will tell you just that.
The “how to iron” symbol is an iron with dots to indicate the heat setting to use: one dot for low, two dots for medium, and three dots for high.
If you see an “X” across the iron you shouldn’t iron the item at all while an “X” across a jet of steam means simply means you should avoid steaming the item as you iron.
With these common laundry symbols decoded you should feel comfortable and confident reading any clothing tag that comes your way. And remember, when in doubt, be sure to read the tag (both words and symbols) in its entirety before you proceed with washing, drying, and ironing your item.
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.
Your Washing machine cleans everything, so wouldn't it clean itself? Unfortunately, the answer to that is no. Your washer and your dryer need a little extra love to keep your clothes coming out pristine every time. But don't worry, we’re about to walk you through the simple steps to keep your washer and dryer germ-free.
Washing Machine:
How often to clean your washing machine:
Clean dispenser every 4-6 weeks
Clean drum once a month
What you’ll need to clean your washing machine:
White vinegar
Chlorine bleach
microfiber towel
Bottlebrush
** It is important to note that you should NOT mix chlorine bleach and white vinegar as it can create a harmful gas. Please make sure that your machine is thoroughly rinsed after each step.
How to clean your detergent dispenser:
Heat 1 cup of white vinegar on the stove
Pour warm vinegar into the dispenser cup
Run a normal cycle with nothing in the drum
Use a bottlebrush to scrub the dispenser cups with warm vinegar
How to clean your top-load washing machine:
Fill the drum with hot water
Add a quart of chlorine bleach to the water
Run full wash and spin cycle
Fill the drum again with hot water
Add a quart of white vinegar to the water
Run another wash and spin cycle
Wipe down the inside of the drum with a microfiber towel
How to clean your front-load washing machine:
Add a half cup of chlorine bleach to the detergent dispenser and fill the bleach dispenser with chlorine bleach
Run a normal cycle
Wipe down the inside of the drum with a microfiber towel
Dryer:
How often to clean your dryer:
You should be cleaning your dryer every 4-6 weeks. Your lint trap might fill up faster, so check it frequently.
What you’ll need to clean your dryer:
White vinegar
Water
Spray bottle
Microfiber towel
How to clean your dryer:
Take out the lint trap and remove the lint
Use a mix of half white vinegar and half water to wipe down the inside drum
Following these steps as often as stated will keep your machines in tip-top shape, so you and your clothes can be clean. Washing Machines and dryers can collect bacteria, mold, and dust if not cared for properly, and all of that can get into your clothes. So always remember, just because your clothes smell clean, doesn’t mean they are.
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.
Laundry day is often full of decisions: what detergent should I use? What cycle should I select? Should I separate all my colors or is it okay for some to go into the wash together?
One question you don’t have to wonder about anymore though is whether you should turn your clothes inside out before washing them. While it might be a pain to turn everything inside out before washing and then right side out again while folding, experts say that you should absolutely turn your clothing inside out for washing.
Check out the reasons below that inside out is far better than right side out when it comes to how your clothes enter the washing machine.
1. It prevents damage to the outside of your clothing
While the washing machine is great for removing stains and getting clothes looking and smelling fresh, clothing items can take quite a beating while they’re actually in the machine.
Protect your items from fading and other damage by making sure that it’s the inside of your clothing, which no one will ever see, that takes the beating rather than the outside.
2. It increases contact between the detergent and the dirtiest parts of your garment
While we sometimes use the washing machine to get out tough exterior stains like coffee, grass or ketchup, most of the time we’re aiming to freshen our items up from the kind of dirty clothing gets just by being worn by a person.
During a typical day of wear, clothing comes into contact with our bodies as they move and sweat, leaving them in dire need of washing. By turning your items inside out in the washing machine you can ensure that these sweat stains are coming in as close a contact with the detergent as possible.
3. It prevents lint and pilling from occurring on the outside of your clothing
Lint and pilling is a fact of life that occurs when clothing fibers fray or break. While washing your items inside out won’t prevent this fraying or breaking from happening, it will make sure that it only happens on the inside of your items, keeping the outside looking fresh and new for longer.
4. It protects decorative elements of your clothing from damage
If you’re a fan of sparkles and rhinestones, you’ll definitely want to turn your items inside out while washing. While most decorative items are attached pretty well upon purchase, they often become loose or damaged over time.
Keeping your clothing inside out while in the washing machine can help elongate the life of the sparkles you love so much!
While turning your clothing inside out before washing and then right side out before folding can feel like an extra step in an already arduous process, doing so will protect your items, help them get as clean as possible and ensure that you leave the house looking fresh and fashionable everyday!
If you don’t want to worry about any of this, let 2ULaundry take care of your wash and fold needs!
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.
As you organize your closet each season it can feel like endless questions arise: should you hang onto that sweater you only wore once last year? Where should you put your belts? What should you do with your out-of-season clothes?
Perhaps the biggest question of all though, the one that truly shapes how you organize and access your clothes, is what should be folded and what should be hung.
While this decision might seem tough to tackle, in reality there are clear rules for what should be hung and what should be folded: check out what the experts say below!
What to Hang
When you’re considering which items to hang, you might have to prioritize based on your available closet space. A previous post on organizing closet space can help with that!
As a general rule, you should aim to hang anything made of delicate materials or that you want to ensure stay protected.
Some items that should always be hung (or be prioritized when it comes to hanging space in the closet) include:
Dresses
Dress pants
Blazers
Work or more formal blouses and tops
Lightweight or wrinkle prone items
What to Fold
When it comes to what items you want to fold it’s not just about what you don’t have room to hang in your closet- some materials and items store better and are less prone to damage when they are folded rather than hung.
Whether you’ll be storing folded items on shelves in your closet, on a garment rack or in a dresser, knowing you’re storing them properly will help you feel good about your decision.
Some items that you should always fold (because they don’t need to hung and will actually do better being stored folded) include:
Sweaters
Sweater dresses
Heavy items with lots of embellishment (like beading)
Casual T-shirts
Jeans
Khaki pants
Whether you have all the closet space in the world or are trying your best to prioritize what gets space in your smaller closet, you’re going to have to make decisions about which items to hang and which items to fold.
By following the guidance above you’ll be sure to make the right choice when it comes to what goes where!
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.
Sometimes it seems like there’s no good time to do your laundry. If you start it in the morning, it can feel like you’re doing it all day. But, if you start it at night, you inevitably forget about it and have to start all over the next day.
Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, though, there are some clear advantages and disadvantages to doing your laundry at different times.
Starting Laundry in the Morning
Starting laundry might not be number one on your want-to-do list but, for some people, it’s number one on their morning to-do list. Doing laundry in the morning has both advantages and disadvantages.
PROS:
When you start your laundry in the morning, you’ll have the opportunity to get it all washed, dried and folded throughout the day and have everything back in its place before bedtime rolls around.
You’ll also have a little more wiggle room when it comes to how quickly you cycle your laundry though as forgetting for a few minutes wont mean you end up going to bed and forgetting to switch a load over until the next morning.
CONS:
When you do laundry during the day time you might find yourself feeling tied to home and unable to go out to run errands or socialize as you’ll soon have a load of laundry to switch over.
For the night owls among us, starting laundry in the evening is often the obvious choice. Whether you choose to stay up late to switch a few loads over or wait until the next morning, there are pros and cons to starting laundry in the evening.
PROS:
|When it comes to conserving energy, one of the most important things you can do is run full loads of laundry rather than half-full loads. At the end of the day, after gathering up everything everyone wore that day and tossing it in the machine, you’re more likely to have a full load than you would be in the morning.
You’re also less likely to feel like you did all your laundry only to have more to do once everyone loads their hampers up with everything they wore throughout the day.
CONS:
When you start laundry in the evening you commit to staying up for at least a few hours to ensure that everything that needs to be washed gets through the wash, dry and fold cycle.
While it might feel like nothing to pause your movie to make the quick switch from washer to dryer, staying up late can be quite the burden for some and forgetting can mean starting all over in the morning.
If you’re still undecided about when you should do your laundry, or you’d rather not do it at all, it might be time to consider a laundry pickup and delivery service.
Not only will your laundry return to you feeling fresh and smelling clean, but you won’t have to spend any time at all fretting about when to put it in, when to switch it over and when to fold it; and that is the biggest joy of all!
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 have kids, you know how quickly a room can go from sparkling clean to total disaster area. Whether it’s the playroom, the living room or their own bedroom, kids have a way of making big messes out of even just a few toys.
If you’re looking for ways to help your kids successfully maintain organization in their rooms, check out the tips below!
1. Install open shelves
If you want to keep toys and games off the floor, you’re going to need an easy spot for kids to store their favorite things.
Open shelves let kids display the items they love the most (like all those assembled Lego sets) while also providing them easy access for when they’d like to get them down to play with.
2. Utilize the space under the bed
Instead of letting under the bed become a wild mess of dirty laundry and lost toys, consider investing in some storage options for under the bed.
If your child’s bed does not have built in storage, consider investing in some rolling bins that can be filled and tucked neatly out of sight.
3. Incorporate boxes, baskets and bins
While wooden toy boxes might not be as popular as they once were, the idea that kids need somewhere they can easily toss their playthings has remained.
Go shopping with your child and let them choose a set of coordinating boxes, baskets or bins that can be used to store toys, stuffed animals, dress up clothes or books.
4. Keep it simple
Pinterest parents can no doubt find beautiful images of kids rooms in which toys are organized by type and color, books are shelved according to title and spotless art corners seem to invite creativity but, in reality, kids organization needs to be pretty simple in order to be long-lasting.
Help your child create easy categories such as “books,” “dress up clothes” and “blocks” and then assign them to a specific bin or spot in the room.
If you’re moving and want to keep it simple during an unpacking and organizing of your kids’ rooms, check out this comprehensive guide.
Kids love having their own space and taking care of their own books and toys. As a parent, you can empower them to keep their room neat and organized independently by providing shelves, storage and a little direction on how to keep the clutter at bay!
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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