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.
While some people are laundry experts and always seem to know which cycle, temperature, and products to use on each load, others muddle their way through the chore without much knowledge of how to keep their clothes looking their best. Whether you’re an expert or a novice though: you should know about steam cleaning. Read on to learn what steam cleaning is, how it works, and when you should do it!
What is steam cleaning?
Steam cleaning involves the use of steam for cleaning. When it comes to laundry, a washing machine incorporates steam into the cycle to rid clothing of stains or odors. When used without detergents or other artificial products, steam cleaning is a very eco-friendly way of cleaning.
Steam can be used in a washing machine during the pre-wash, wash, and post-wash phases. During the pre-wash phase, steam is released into the machine with the water to help soak fabrics thoroughly. During the wash phase, the steam’s high heat cleans more effectively while also working to dissolve the detergent more effectively. Finally, in the post-wash phase, steam increases the temperature of the wash to sterilize and soften clothes and remove wrinkles that might have formed while the clothes were tossed around in the washbasin.
How does it work?
Steam is a one-of-a-kind sanitizer that is both gentle and penetrating at the same time.
Because steam can reach temperatures higher than the boiling point of water, it can kill germs and sanitize clothing. Its high temperature and moisturizing properties are also highly effective at breaking the bonds of dirt and other stains or odor-producing materials.
When should you steam clean?
You can steam clean your clothing at every wash if your machine allows it and you don’t mind a little extra time being added to the cycle.
Steam washing your clothing is a sure-fire way to get it looking as fresh and clean as possible. You can also set your washer in an empty steam cycle to clean the washbasin every couple of months to prevent the build-up of detergent or soap scum that can cling to clothing.
Steam cleaning your clothing is a great way to make sure that your items are fresh, clean, and odor-free as you head out into the world. Check your washing machine today to see if it offers a steam cycle, and if not, consider upgrading the next time you get a new machine!
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.
So you're traveling, or your iron broke, or you just can't be bothered to buy one. Thats okay! There are plenty of ways to get those pesky wrinkles out of your clothes.
Use a blow dryer
Turning your blow dryer on high heat and hitting your wrinkled outfit hard will get rid of those wrinkles. The heat from the dryer along with the strong air releases the wrinkle in almost no time.
Use the dryer
Toss your clothes in the dryer for a quick spin if the care instructions allow. The heat and tumbling will have your clothes coming out wrinkle-free. (Just don't forget to take them out right when the cycle is done!)
Wrinkle release spray
Wrinkle-release spray is a godsend when on the go. The formula relaxes fabric and dries quickly so you can be crease-free, almost anywhere. They make travel-size bottles of this, which we HIGHLY suggest picking up.
Turn on the shower
Hanging your clothes outside of your steamy shower will help release wrinkles while you’re getting ready for your event.
Hair straightener
Your hair straightener is probably the closest to an iron if you think about it. Using the hot plates to smooth the fabric is super quick and easy– just make sure the temperature is right for your fabric. (We do not want any burns or holes in your favorite shirt)
How to prevent wrinkles in the first place
Remove clothes from the dryer as soon as they're done
If your clothes cool down while bunched up, they're sure to have wrinkles when you pull them out of the dryer. Take them out as soon as the dryer beeps and hang or fold them to prevent creasing.
Roll clothes instead of folding them when packing your suitcase
When traveling, it’s easy to start digging through your bag and looking for your favorite shorts. This can lead to a pile of clothes that is zipped up and tossed around for the remainder of your travels. Instead, when packing, roll all of your clothes so they are tight and visible in your suitcase. This method is actually proven to give you more room in your bag as well.
Use the right amount of laundry detergent
Using too much laundry detergent in your washing machine can leave your clothes feeling crunchy and creased. Make sure to read the measuring directions on your detergent to prevent this.
Don’t overload your washing machine
Much like putting too much detergent in your washing machine, overloading it with clothes can also cause wrinkling issues. Detergent cannot disperse correctly when your drum is jam-packed so keep this in mind next time you try to squeeze everything into one load.
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.
Folding a fitted sheet can be the most frustrating part of doing laundry. The elastic edges and odd shape of the sheet often make it difficult to achieve a neat and tidy fold. But, with a few simple techniques and some practice, you can master the art of fitted sheet folding. In this blog post, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of folding a fitted sheet, providing helpful tips and tricks along the way.
What are the Benefits of Folding a Fitted Sheet Properly?
Keeps your Linen Closet Organized
Neatly folded fitted sheets take up less space in your linen closet, allowing you to fit more sheets and towels
Using the correct folding technique makes it easy to find the sheet you need without creating a mess
Prevents Wrinkles and Creases
Proper folding helps to minimize wrinkles and creases in your fitted sheets, ensuring they look crisp and fresh when you use them
Saves Time and Effort
Once you master the art of folding a fitted sheet, it becomes a quick and effortless task, saving you time and frustration
Our Step-by-Step Guide on How to Fold Fitted Sheets (Step by Step)
Step 1: Start by Holding the Sheet Inside Out
Locate the two corners of one of the long sides of the sheet that have the elastic band.
Hold the sheet with the elastic facing out, and with one hand in each of these corners.
Step 2: Bring the Corners Together
Bring your right hand over to the other, joining the two corners together.
Flip the corner in your right hand over the corner in your left hand, tucking one corner into the other.
Step 3: Fold the Sheet in Half
With the corners still held together, position your hands so that your left hand is holding the matched corners from inside.
Use your right hand to straighten the edges, and tuck the next corner into itself, creating a longer rectangle.
Step 4: Fold the Sheet in Half Again
Fold the sheet in half once more, this time folding it widthwise and tucking the 2nd corner into the first.
Step 5: Finish the Fold
Lay the sheet down, with seams facing up.
Fold the rectangular sheet into a compact square, and you're done!
Folding a fitted sheet on a flat surface, such as a table or bed, will make the process easier and more efficient.
Practice Makes Perfect
Don't get discouraged if your first few attempts at folding a fitted sheet don't turn out perfectly. With practice, you will become more skilled and efficient.
Store Sheets Together
To keep your linen closet organized, store the fitted sheet, flat sheet, and pillowcases for each set together.
Conclusion
Folding a fitted sheet doesn't have to be a daunting task. By following the step-by-step guide and implementing the additional tips and tricks, you can achieve a perfectly folded fitted sheet every time. With a little practice, you'll be able to impress your friends and family with your neat and organized linen closet. So, say goodbye to messy, wrinkled sheets and hello to a great folding technique.
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.
Life is full of surprises. There are the good surprises, like a birthday party you weren’t expecting or a brand new puppy to pet, and then there are the not-so-fun surprises like accidentally shrinking your favorite sweater in the dryer. While there’s not a lot we can do to avoid these unpleasant moments, with a little knowledge and a lot of diligence, we can avoid making the kind of laundry mistakes that lead to teeny- tiny shirts. Check out the list below for five things you should never- ever put in the dryer.
1. Swimsuits
While it can be tempting to pop a sopping wet suit in the dryer after a long day in the pool, doing so will break down the spandex and leave you with a stretched suit that just doesn’t fit anymore. Instead of tumble-drying a swimsuit, hang it to dry somewhere out of direct sunlight (so it doesn’t fade), and be patient as it dries.
2. Bras or other delicate lingerie
Most bras and other lingerie items are simply too delicate to go in a dryer. The heat of the dryer will cause your items to lose their shape and become droopy and unwearable. Instead of washing and drying your delicate items in the machine, handwash them in the sink or tub with a little bit of laundry detergent, and then lay them flat to dry.
3. Halloween costumes
While there are some Halloween costumes that you can probably pop in the dryer without too much consequence, it’s always better to be safe than sorry as many costumes are made of delicate fabrics or spandex or have small plastic pieces that may melt away in the dryer. Follow the care instructions on your Halloween costume tag, or if it’s a homemade costume, use all caution when thinking about washing and drying your item.
4. Tights
Tights are just too delicate to throw into the dryer. After hand-washing them or washing them in a garment bag on the delicate cycle of your washing machine, hang them to dry or lay them flat somewhere they won’t be exposed to too much heat. Taking the time to hang dry your tights will prevent the sort of runs and tangles that could potentially ruin your favorite pair.
5. Rubber-backed bathmats
While experts recommend washing your bathmat every week or so, it’s important to be careful with how you wash and dry your bathmat. The rubber backing can break down in the heat of the dryer. The last thing you want is a melty, rubbery, cotton situation in your dryer.
When it comes to your favorite t-shirt and your coziest blanket, the dryer is usually your best friend. However, use caution when applying intense heat to specific items. Other items that didn’t make this list because they’re made from delicate and sophisticated materials like cashmere, wool, silk, velvet, and leather should always be dry cleaned. A good rule of thumb is to always check the laundry tags before washing. The more you know!
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.
In the midst of planning your next getaway? Whether you’re headed overseas for two weeks, hitting the highway for a road trip to the beach, or planning a staycation at a fancy hotel — we want to make sure you prepare like a true jet-setter. These 5 simple tips are guaranteed to up your suitcase-packing game:
Roll, roll, roll your clothes.
If you already aren’t a clothes roller, it’s time you become one. Rolling your clothes takes extra time, yes, but the benefits are worth it. (The Army even does it!) Not only will you be able to fit more clothes in your suitcases (go ahead, throw in that oh-so-cute dress you just bought), but rolling your clothes is a great pack hack to drastically reduce wrinkles in your luggage. The fewer wrinkles on your clothes, the less time you have to spend ironing in a hotel room.
Freshen up your suitcase.
Whether you’re carrying a giant suitcase with four wheels or a small duffle bag, keep things fresh by making your travel bag smell like a fresh load of laundry (the best, right?). Make sure to throw in a dryer sheet or two and let the fresh smell waft throughout your bag. Not only will it make your bag smell good, but it will keep your clothes feeling fresh — like they just came out of the dryer. Pack a few extra dryer sheets too, so you can toss them into your dirty clothes pile when you’re traveling home.
Reusable bags are your friend.
Sure, you may be going on vacation with your best friend but you must make any and all zip-close bags your other bestie if you want a spill-proof vacation. Put all of your liquids in a separate enclosed bag (and seal it tight), so if a spill happens — you don’t have sunscreen covering your socks and foundation makeup splattered on your favorite white linen dress.
Don’t forget a shower cap.
Yes, shower caps are great for the shower but we have an even better idea for them while traveling: putting your traveling shoes with the bottoms facing down into the shower cap. Why do this? First, your feet get around… so this prevents the bottom of your shoes from rubbing against your clean vacation clothes. Also, shower caps can tighten around shoes, so you know the dirty bottoms of your favorite sneakers won’t contaminate the rest of your precious belongings. These are always available at hotels too, so you might not even have to bring your own!
Pack a pillowcase.
Whether you’re on a super sweaty beach vacation or hiking up a frosty mountain, your clothes are going to get dirty. Bring an extra pillowcase (you know you have a spare in your linen closet somewhere) so you can easily toss your dirty underwear, socks, t-shirts, bathing suits, and delicates in a designated space. Your 2ULaundry bags also make exceptional travel laundry bags because once you get home, half the job of preparing your 2U pickup is already done. When packing to go home, throw in one of those dryer sheets we talked about voila — you’ve got at least a fresh-smelling dirty laundry bag.
There are lots of reasons to become a packing pro, but making sure your clothing is cared for every step of the way is always our top priority at 2ULaundry. Wherever your summer travels take you, make sure to follow these packing tips (the shower cap is our favorite travel hack) so that your suitcase or duffle bag is in shape for a successful getaway.
2ULaundry is a premium laundry and dry-cleaning pick-up and delivery service available in Charlotte, Atlanta, Tampa, Austin, San Antonio, and Phoenix. Learn more about 2ULaundry and sign up on our website.
When you’re doing laundry, there are a lot of choices to make. What laundry cycle should I use? What clothing can be tossed in the washer versus washing by hand?When am I going to put away all of these freshly-folded clothes? Perhaps no question is tougher than whether or not you should use scented laundry detergent or fragrance-free laundry detergent. Before you head to the grocery store to purchase your next laundry product, let’s look at the pros and cons of each:
Fragrance-Free Laundry Detergent
Fragrance-free laundry detergent has recently gained popularity among those seeking a more natural approach to cleaning. By eliminating unnecessary fragrance, fragrance-free laundry detergent offers a gentle yet effective cleaning solution that is suitable for those with sensitivities or allergies.
PROS:
It’s recognized as the best for those who might have allergies, sensitive skin, or a sensitivity to fragrances.
It is a blank slate, so you can choose to add scents that are your favorites by using essential oils to the detergent for a more natural scented approach.
There are some essential oils that are well-equipped to help with your laundry if you want to keep it natural including:
Lemon: antibacterial and antiviral
Tea-tree:antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial, and antimicrobial
Bergamot: antibacterial, antibiotic, and antiseptic
Lavender: antibacterial and anti-odor
Eucapyptus: antiseptic and antibacterial
CONS:
Without scent, your laundry might not smell “clean”, even if it has gone through the wash.
Some items might even have the opposite effect of fragrance and end up smelling musty.
Keep in mind, some “unscented” detergents actually use additives to neutralize the original scent of the formula. Always read the label of your detergent if you are worried about chemicals.
Fragrance-Added Laundry Detergent
Scented laundry detergent, on the other hand, has its own benefits. Some say that there is no better smell than that of freshly cleaned clothes. Most often, when people refer to the fresh scent of clean laundry, they’re actually referring to the scent of fragrance added to laundry detergent.
The scent that lingers on your clothes can give you a fresh feeling and can also help mask any lingering odors, leaving your laundry smelling clean and pleasant. Scented laundry detergents often come in a variety of captivating scents, allowing you to personalize your laundry experience and indulge your senses.
PROS:
If you don’t need gentle formulas, scented laundry detergent is a great option for you!
Scent adds a comforting and clean feeling to your laundry.
We all know the best part of doing laundry is smelling your still warm, fragrant clothes fresh out of the dryer. Scented laundry detergent is one of the only ways to ensure that magical feeling.
CONS:
Usually, scented laundry detergents use harsher formulas than fragrance-free detergents.
Fragrances can leave overbearing scents on clothes if not washed out thoroughly.
Whether or not you choose to use fragrance-added or fragrance-free laundry detergent is up to your personal preference. Keep these facts in mind and know that just because an item smells clean, might not indicate that it’s actually clean. Whatever you do though, your laundry will smell its freshest if you move it from the washer to the dryer promptly and make sure that your washing machine is running 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.
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.
We Americans are trashy people. We heap tons of trash into landfills every year, and the waste keeps piling up. But if each of us takes a few steps toward making our kitchens zero waste, we save the environment, money, and time.
Here are five ideas for creating a zero-waste kitchen.
1. Refuse
Start with the easiest zero waste principle of all. Refuse to buy products that have too much packaging or come packaged in single-use plastic. That doesn’t mean finding a replacement product in different packaging. Think outside the box or plastic bottle.
Instead of buying laundry detergent, which often comes in a big plastic bottle, softener (ditto on the plastic bottle), and dryer sheets, which are not recyclable — consider outsourcing your laundry to a service that buys everything in bulk.
Imagine how much waste you’ll eliminate over the course of a year. Bonus: You’ll also save on your energy bill by not using electricity to run a washer and dryer.
2. Reduce
Buy less, and use less. That goes for everything, from food to household cleaners and everything in between. The U.S. Department of Agriculture tracks about $160 billion in food waste every year. That adds up to a lot of trash!
And that’s not counting everything else that gets tossed. The Environmental Protection Agency says Americans produce just under 270 million tons of trash a year.
Not only will reducing what you buy and use mean less trash, it means fewer ants and other pests in your kitchen. The most environmentally friendly way of getting rid of bugs is to not invite them in in the first place.
3. Reuse/Recycle
Thanks to local recycling programs reusing and recycling has gone mainstream over the last few decades. Americans recycle more than 67 tons of waste every year. The trend is rising as we stay home more and receive more deliveries in cardboard boxes that we repurpose.
You probably do your part to recycle the paper bags and aluminum cans that come into your kitchen. But how about cereal boxes, flower bags, and packaged goods? Buy in bulk and store your non-perishables in glass containers. You may never have to take out the trash again.
Another easy step toward a zero-waste kitchen is reusable shopping bags. Bring along your fabric or heavy cloth bags to the store, instead of accepting the single-use plastic bags most grocery stores offer.
While some stores barred or discouraged reusable bags at the peak of the coronavirus pandemic, many of those restrictions and limits have eased.
4. Rot
Rot is also known as composting. Take your kitchen scraps, your lawn clippings and your yard trimmings. Layer them together, keep everything moist and occasionally turn the mix, and voila! Your waste turns into organic compost that helps enrich your garden soil.
Not only is composting a great way to reuse your kitchen waste, you’ll cut down on your need to buy fertilizer, which often comes in plastic packaging.
5. Restroom Detour
There’s another room in the house that’s easy to overlook when it comes to zero-waste practices, and it’s just a few steps away from the kitchen.
Recycling isn’t usually top of mind when you’re using up the last of the shampoo in the shower, or replacing a roll of toilet paper.
Consider a small recycling bin in the bathroom, right next to the trash. You’ll be surprised at how much trash ends up in the recycling bin when you think twice about what you’re tossing.
Patience and zero-waste principles pay off
Finally, have a little patience as you work toward making your kitchen (and restroom) zero-waste. Start by putting these principles into practice, and consider what changes you can make along the way to a zero-waste home.
Going to zero-waste in your kitchen probably won’t happen overnight, but the payoff for your home, your bank account, and the environment will be worth it.
By Larry Jergins
Larry Jergins has worked in his county waste management division for 20 years and recently became certified as a recycling specialist. His favorite project is turning Christmas trees and yard waste into mulch for the community.
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 staying at home as much as possible is an important part of keeping our families and our community safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, for those with kids it can lead to a lot of extra work.
In addition to working from home and taking on the role of homeschool teacher while schools and daycares are shut, many parents are finding it difficult to plan for and prepare all the extra meals and deal with the magnified mess of kids at home all day.
If you’re on the hunt for ways to lighten your load during this stressful time, check out the list of ideas below for inspiration!
1. Prepare multi-purpose meals
It can be hard enough trying to plan, shop for and prepare breakfast and dinner every day but with the whole family now needing lunch everyday too, lots of parents are feeling burnt out in the kitchen. Lighten your load by preparing multi-purpose recipes that can be stretched into two or three meals.
For example, if you roast a chicken for supper on Sunday, you can use leftovers to prepare chicken soup on Monday and chicken quesadillas on Tuesday.
2. Make cleaning a family affair
If everyone is making the mess, everyone should be responsible for pitching in to clean it up. Even small children can pick up and put away toys and older children can be tasked with sweeping, vacuuming, dusting and doing the dishes.
At a minimum, kids should be responsible for picking up the game or toys they’re playing with before moving on to their next activity.
3. Get outside as much as possible
While getting outside won’t help you knock out any cleaning tasks, it will help you prevent your kids from making indoor messes that need to be cleaned up.
Play in the backyard, take a walk or spin around the block on your bikes and, while you do, rest assured that the inside of your home isn’t being wrecked.
Gentle reminder to still follow social distancing guidelines!
4. Outsource where you still can
While home cleaning services are a no-no right now, there are plenty of things you can still outsource – one major one being your laundry.
Instead of tossing in load after load that never gets folded and put away, make a pick up request with 2ULaundry and watch your clothes come back fresh, clean and folded the next day.
5. Plan for some alone time
As much as extra time with our kids can be a blessing, it’s easy for parents to feel burned out after weeks of 24/7 parenting with no break.
If you have a partner, make it a point to take turns taking breaks and getting some alone time. While you can’t go out (or at least should be cautious when going out) with friends or relax with a pedicure, taking a nice solo walk around the block or a relaxing bubble bath, or simply sitting and reading alone at home while your partner takes your kids out to ride their bikes can be just the break you need to recharge!
There’s no doubt that these are tough times for everyone in the community but with a little forethought and planning ahead, you should be able to lighten your load at least a little bit this spring!
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.
During the Coronavirus pandemic and resulting stay-at-home orders, most people’s social lives have been greatly disrupted. While for lots of people this means they’re feeling pretty bored, there’s one group of people that probably don’t have the chance to get bored: parents of young children.
For parents of young kids who are now at home 100% of the time, the day is likely a never-ending parade of games and meal-making and mess-cleaning and entertaining.
And the evenings are likely a mad dash to return emails, complete work that got pushed to the side during the day, and get the house in some semblance of shape before the next day of mess making begins.
For these parents there is no time for new hobbies or social Zoom calls or the learning of new skills.
It’s constant parenting, working and upkeep.
If you’re a parent who has been feeling overwhelmed by the overwhelming amount of life being thrown your way, check out these ways to relax, even when you don’t have much down time.
1. Download a good book
There’s nothing better than a good book but, if you’ve got little ones by day and loads of work by night, there’s a pretty good chance you don’t have the time to curl up with a good book and a cup of tea.
Instead of trying to jam some reading time into your day, download a good book and plug in your headphones as you complete the evening chores you know you need to get done for tomorrow to happen smoothly.
Immerse yourself in a different world as you do the dishes, fold laundry or meal prep and you’ll be amazed at how you suddenly relax.
2. Try a new recipe
While cooking with the kids isn’t always the most relaxing activity, trying a new recipe is a good way to stretch your brain and feel good about how you’ve spent an afternoon.
Instead of a kitchen free-for-all, pre-measure and prepare all the ingredients in advance so that cooking with the kids actually is relaxing.
Whether you relax as you cook or as you enjoy your new recipe, you’ll certainly feel better than you would if you had opted for spaghetti for the fourth time this week!
3. Indulge during self-care time
Self-care at home probably looks a little different than your ideal self-care activities but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take care of yourself.
While you can’t get a babysitter for some alone time with your partner or head in for a massage or pedicure, consider what you can do at home and then do it.
Use your favorite bath products, give yourself a pedicure or paint your own fingernails if it makes you feel better!
4. Claim some downtime
If you have a partner, now is the time to negotiate with them to make sure you each get just a little bit of “off” time during your time at home.
Even if it means leaving the house a little messy or not meal prepping for the next day, do your best to trade off responsibilities so that each of you get at least one night “off” during the week. That can mean skipping out on bath time and bedtime in favor of a long, solo walk, heading to bed early yourself or simply parking it on the couch to watch a WHOLE movie while your partner deals with the kids after bedtime antics.
A little “off” time can make a world of difference!
Being at home with young kids while juggling work and other responsibilities is simply overwhelming. While this will pass eventually and you will get to have a babysitter one day, for now, focusing on what you can do to relax is a great way to feel calmer throughout the day!
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 most people, your kitchen is one of the most used rooms in your home. Not only is every meal prepared there, it’s also a gathering space for friends and loved ones and a storage space for all your often (and not-so-often) used kitchen gadgets and tools.
If you’re on the hunt for ways to kick your kitchen organization into gear and to make your most-used room even more welcoming and functional, look no further!
Check out the expert tips below for creating the most organized kitchen on the block!
1. Ditch what you don’t need
Like any good clean-out, the first step to getting organized is getting rid of everything you don’t need.
While clearing out the pantry of old or unused food, the cabinets of mismatched plastic containers and the shelves of unused kitchen gadgets can take some time, doing so will leave you with only what you truly need and use in the kitchen, making it much easier to actually get organized.
2. Maximize cabinet space
Whether you have shelves or cabinets in your kitchen, you’ve likely found yourself, at one point or another, wishing you had more space. Instead of shoving items to the back or stacking them haphazardly, maximize your cabinet or shelf space by storing smartly.
The items you use most often should be stored on the lowest shelf, with less used items stored higher up.
If you find you simply have too many dishes, consider downsizing your collection to only what you really need to save shelf space.
Your pantry should be a functional space that makes it easy to identify and grab the food items you’re looking for.
After thoroughly clearing out the pantry of all expired items and donating anything you simply don’t or won’t use, take the time to think deeply about what you find yourself reaching for most and organize with this in mind.
Consider also sorting items by type (sauces, pastas, baking goods etc.) and creating divided sections so that everything has a place. Check out Delish for more pantry organization ideas!
3. Focus on the pantry
Your pantry should be a functional space that makes it easy to identify and grab the food items you’re looking for.
After thoroughly clearing out the pantry of all expired items and donating anything you simply don’t or won’t use, take the time to think deeply about what you find yourself reaching for most and organize with this in mind.
Consider also sorting items by type (sauces, pastas, baking goods etc.) and creating divided sections so that everything has a place. Check out Delish for more pantry organization ideas!
5. Keep rarely used items elsewhere
Most of us have some kitchen items we only rarely use.
Instead of storing your holiday plates and platters in with the rest of your dishes, consider finding them a new home, perhaps with the rest of your holiday decor in the garage. Same goes for kitchen gadgets you only use seasonally like that snow cone maker or s’mores kit.
While cleaning out and organizing your kitchen might be a big task, it’s one you’ll be glad you did every time you prep a snack, cook a meal or even find yourself flipping through a cook-book at the kitchen table. Happy organizing!
2ULaundry is a premium laundry and dry-cleaning pick-up and delivery service available in Charlotte, Atlanta, Tampa, Austin, San Antonio, and Phoenix. Learn more about 2ULaundry and sign up on our website.
Organizing a clothing closet can feel so overwhelming that many people never muster the courage to take the first step. While it can feel daunting to step into a small space filled with so much stuff with the goal of wrangling it all into its proper place, having a neat and organized closet is something that will make a seriously positive impact on your day to day life.
From helping keep your bedroom clean to making it easier to find what you need while you’re getting ready in the morning, the benefits of an organized closet are endless.
While the process for getting your closet organized is pretty simple (empty it, sort it, make a place for everything and then put it all away) there are some tips and tricks that can make getting the organized closet of your dreams easier than you ever imagined.
Check out the tips and tricks below for helping you get (and keep) an organized closet!
1. Make time for a fashion show
An essential part of organizing a closet is clearing it out to ensure you only make space for the things you really want, need and wear. Instead of guessing as to whether an item really fits and flatters you as you are, make time for an at-home fashion show so you can get a peak (and a feel) for every item in your closet.
As a good rule of thumb, if you haven’t worn it this season you should at least put it on to make sure it still works before deciding that it belongs in the ‘keep’ pile.
2. Get creative with bulky clothing
Sometimes our favorite, coziest items are also the toughest to store. While hanging shoe organizers are great for shoes and other accessories, they can also serve as an excellent place to store rolled sweaters and other bulky items that might stretch or pull if hung on a traditional hanger.
3. Use clothing dividers!
Hanging clothing dividers are a great way to help keep you accountable as you strive to keep your closet as organized as it was on day one. Some people choose to divide their clothing by type while others prefer seasonal or setting specific dividers. Whatever you choose just be sure to stick to it!
5. Make a seasonal plan
Most people have winter clothing and summer clothing along with a few pieces that they tend to wear year-round. While it can feel like a heavy lift to organize your closet more than once per year, making a quick switch to where your items are stored as the seasons shift will ensure your space is as accessible and usable as possible.
Whether you simply shift around your dividers and move seasonal items to the front of your closet or you totally move out-of-season items to another location, having a closet that reflects the season will help you feel organized and ready for the day!
If you want more ideas for what to do when different seasons come around, check out some of our Spring Cleaning Hacks.
While a disorganized closet is easy to hide behind closed doors, it’s impact on your day to day life is hard to ignore. This season, take the plunge and dig into creating an organized, usable space that you’ll love!
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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