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5 Dry-Cleaning Dos and Don’ts

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A Guide to Your First Laundry Delivery

We get it! This delivery laundry thing is new! Here is what you can expect from your first laundry delivery service from 2ULaundry.

Tips for Getting Started!

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.

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Tips for Leaving Your Laundry Out

It’s not! But, we hear it all the time. So we talked with our delivery drivers to come up with some tips!

How do most people use a laundry service?

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.

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How to Use a Laundry Delivery Service

No matter how you use it, delivery laundry service helps everyone lighten the load. Here are some tips!

It’s your first laundry delivery!

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!

Here are more tips on leaving your laundry out for pickup and delivery.

How long does it take?

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.

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A Guide to Your First Laundry Delivery

We get it! This delivery laundry thing is new! Here is what you can expect from your first laundry delivery service from 2ULaundry.
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Delicate Laundry Care: Mastering the Art of Gentle Washing with Expert Tips!

Unlock the secrets to washing delicate laundry with confidence! Discover expert tips and techniques to tackle even the most fragile fabrics with ease. Elevate your laundry game and ensure your delicate items receive the care they deserve. Read on for essential insights into gentle laundry care.

It’s no secret that washing delicate clothing can be tricky. Sometimes the label doesn’t have washing instructions, and even if it does, it can be hard to decipher or you might not have the time or energy to follow every little detail.

We’ve compiled some tips and tricks on how to wash your delicate laundry to give you a better idea of how to clean your more sensitive fabrics. For more washing advice, check out our other blogs!

Hand Washing vs. Machine Washing – What You Should Know

When washing delicates, hand washing them is typically the best option. Hand washing is the most effective way to keep your delicates in the best condition and it also allows you to control the temperature and amount of pressure used at each stage of the cleaning process.

It is important to note when hand washing, using a laundry detergent meant for delicates is important. In your sink or tub, combine the detergent with cold or warm water, and gently swirl your garments around the mixture. Remove stains by gently rubbing them as needed.

While hand washing is typically the best option for protecting your delicate clothing long-term, we understand that hand washing is not always an option – and a lot of washing machines have settings that are fine for delicates.

Washing machines typically include a “delicates” cycle, allowing you to save time and energy on hand washing. If your washing machine doesn’t have a setting meant specifically for delicates, make sure to put it on the gentlest setting option – typically with cold water.

To Dry or Not to Dry?

When it comes to delicate laundry, it’s a good rule of thumb to avoid using a dryer and opt for air-drying instead. This is because dryers are notorious for shrinking and/or fading delicate materials. (We have a whole blog about drying your delicates too!)

Be careful when choosing how to air-dry your garments. Some garments can dry by hanging on a hanger. However, drying on a hanger can damage heavier garments, like sweaters, because the weight of the damp fabric uses gravity to pull and stretch the garment down. A safer bet is to ‘flat-dry’ your garments by laying them flat to dry on a perforated surface.

However, if you have a dryer with an air-dry or air-fluff-only setting, you could place your delicate garments in mesh bags and dry them for half a cycle (making sure to check the clothing label first to ensure this is okay), then lay your items flat or on a line to dry, away from direct sunlight.

Delicate Laundry Detergents

When washing your delicates, you’ll want to be mindful of the type of detergent you’re using. Some standard laundry detergents may be too harsh for certain fabrics, causing them to tear, fade, or shrink.

The best detergent for delicate laundry typically includes gentle ingredients and a pH that is close to neutral to clean without damaging the fibers of the fabric.

Some detergents are designed to provide extra care for a specific fabric but there are also good all-purpose detergents designed to be extra-gentle if you don’t want to deal with purchasing multiple products. Just make sure to look for a detergent that is free of harsh synthetic chemicals such as sulfates, bleaches, and brighteners.

These are some of our favorites!

Dropps Laundry Pods

Made for sensitive skin, it comes in recyclable and compostable cardboard packaging, which helps reduce single-use plastic.

The Laundress – Signature

The Laundress laundry detergent blends the finest modern perfume into the brand’s best-performing detergent formula.

Charlie’s Laundry Liquid

Each bottle contains just four ingredients. There are no suds involved, just a deep clean that leaves your delicate laundry intact.

At the end of the day, washing your delicate laundry does not have to be a stressful or difficult experience. You can keep your delicates in excellent condition for a long time if you add just a few extra steps to your regular laundry process.

2ULaundry now offers a Delicate Laundry Bag!

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 Delicate Laundry Bag is for your wash-and-fold garments that need gentle washing and air drying. For some people, it’s used for a few pairs of their favorite jeans. For others, it’s for workout gear and leggings. However you decide to use this delicates bag, rest assured that the garments in this bag are getting specialized and separate treatment from the rest of your order.

2ULaundry is a premium laundry and dry-cleaning pick-up and delivery service available in Charlotte, Atlanta, Tampa, Austin, San Antonio, and Phoenix. Learn more about 2ULaundry and sign up on our website.

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Prevent Shrinking and Fading: Laundry Care Tips for Drying Delicate Fabric

Learn laundry care tips to safely dry delicate fabrics without shrinkage or fading. Our guide shares expert techniques to preserve fabric integrity and prevent color loss. Master proper delicate laundry drying through optimal temperature control, air drying methods, storage solutions, and more.

Do you have a favorite outfit that you don’t want to shrink? How about those expensive garments that you want to be extra careful with? Drying delicate clothing can be a bit daunting because it’s usually laundry you need to take extra care of when cleaning.

We get it! These are your favorites. You don’t want the fabric to shrink, you don’t want the color to fade, and you don’t want the material to rip.

Delicately drying your delicate laundry is possible. The fact that you’re here puts you ahead of most. It’s best to air dry delicate materials, as opposed to machine drying. But you can use air-dry settings on most residential and commercial dryers. We’ve outlined some of our top tips for drying your delicates below.

Let’s Talk Air Drying

If you’re here, you’re probably wondering, “How can I avoid the risk of shrinking a beloved piece of clothing?” or “How can I dry my clothes without using a dryer?”

It’s best to begin with the most gentle possible option when it comes to drying your delicate laundry. Then, work your way up to different options if the others don’t work out for you. 

The best option is to allow them to air-dry. There are plenty of techniques for air-drying your delicate items, like using an outdoor clothesline or clothes drying rack. Air-drying your clothes is far gentler on fabrics than machine drying, and it is also more energy-efficient.

Using a machine dryer causes clothes to wear quicker than they would if they were air-dried, due to the increased friction and heat that comes with machine drying. Drying your clothes on clothes drying racks or outdoor clotheslines can reduce the impact that comes with machine dryers. Flat drying is leaving your damp garments on a flat, perforated surface – so there is no gravity stretching your heavy, damp garment.

Air-drying also eliminates the need for dryer balls or dryer sheets by preventing static cling, so you’ll save money and minimize garment damage as well.

How Can I Avoid Shrinkage?

To avoid clothing shrinkage, the most important thing to do when drying your delicate items is to read the tags, especially if you’re wearing expensive or irreplaceable clothing.

Air drying prevents delicate fabrics from shrinking. But, there are still ways to stop your clothes from shrinking if you’re using a machine dryer. 

If you do put your delicates in the dryer, make sure to put them on the gentlest, coolest setting. You should not put an item in the dryer if it should be hand washed or washed on the delicate cycle. This typically means that machine dryers will be too harsh for that particular material.

When in Doubt, Air it Out

As a good rule of thumb, if you’re concerned at all about your clothes shrinking, tearing, or fading, it’s best to let them air dry. But, if you do use a machine dryer, just make sure to be careful and mindful and use the gentlest, coolest setting.

2ULaundry offers a Delicate Laundry Bag!

You can now choose which items get which treatment! This Delicates Bag is a flat-rate bag that you can stuff full of your delicate laundry.

The Delicates Bag is for your wash & hang dry garments that need gentle washing and low-temperature or air drying. For some people, it’s a few pairs of their favorite jeans. For others, it’s workout gear and leggings. However you decide to use this delicates bag, rest assured that the garments in this bag are getting specialized and separate treatment from the rest of your order.

2ULaundry is a premium laundry and dry-cleaning pick-up and delivery service available in Charlotte, Atlanta, Tampa, Austin, San Antonio, and Phoenix. Learn more about 2ULaundry and sign up on our website.

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Unlocking the Secret Formula: How to Choose the Perfect Laundry Detergent for Delicate Fabrics!

Learn how to select the ideal delicate laundry detergents for your fabrics. Our guide shares care tips tailored to specific delicate items and fabrics, exploring the gentle detergent chemistry that cleans without fading or shrinkage.

At 2ULaundry, we fold a ton of laundry. And, we’re really good at it! In our years doing laundry, we have learned that when it comes to caring for delicate fabrics, choosing the right laundry detergent is essential. This guide explores the best delicate laundry detergents for specific items, avoiding harmful chemicals, and how to get the most out of your wash while preventing fading, shrinking, and damage.

What Is The Best Laundry Detergent for Delicate Laundry?

When washing your delicates, it’s important to pay attention to the detergent details and ingredients you’re using. Pretty packaging or convenient placement on the grocery store aisles doesn’t mean the laundry detergent ingredients are safe for delicate laundry. Most generic laundry detergents may be too harsh for certain delicate laundry fabrics, causing them to tear, fade, or shrink.

The best detergent for delicate laundry typically includes gentle ingredients and a pH that is close to neutral, which cleans without damaging delicates. You’ll want to find a detergent that does not include any harsh synthetic chemicals like sulfates, bleaches, and brighteners.

You’ll also want to choose whether to hand-wash or use the delicate cycle on your washing machine for your delicates. Whatever you choose, we’ve compiled some of the types of laundry detergents to use on your delicates!

1. Detergents that are pH-balanced

A good rule of thumb when washing delicate laundry is to find a pH-balanced detergent. Dropps Laundry Detergent is a good option if you are looking for something pH-balanced.

This detergent’s pH formula is hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested, made from plant-based products and essential oils. If you use this detergent or one with a similar pH formula, you’ll be doing wonders for the longevity of your clothes!

2. No-rinse detergents

If you’re washing your delicates by hand, no-rinse detergents may be a good idea. A nice and effective no-rinse detergent that we love is Soak. This is a great option because it requires very little effort, since you simply soak, squeeze, and dry flat.

The detergent can be used to hand-wash almost anything, as well as in your washing machine, whether it is standard or high-efficiency. While most detergents are quite difficult to use when hand washing your delicate laundry, Soak is the opposite!

3. All-natural detergents

All-natural detergents are great for delicate clothing since they’re free of harsh chemicals that could potentially damage the fabric.

A good all-natural option is Puracy Natural Laundry Detergent. It is one of the purest detergents as it is made with a plant enzyme-based formula that is 99.9% natural.

This detergent or a similar option is a great and effective way to clean and maintain the integrity of delicate clothes.

4. Delicate detergents meant for specific types of fabric.

If there is a specific type of delicate fabric that you are trying to wash, finding a detergent meant specifically for that fabric could be beneficial.

For example, The Laundress makes a detergent meant specifically for wool and cashmere. It protects the delicate fibers while also cleansing and conditioning them in a concentrated formula. They also have a delicate laundry detergent made specifically for delicate vibrant-colored garments.

Washing clothes of a specific fabric type together is a great laundry habit – especially for delicate laundry. You can take that a step further by using specific delicate laundry detergents for different material garments.

These are our recommendations for Delicate Laundry Detergents:

Dropps Laundry Detergent

The Laundress – Signature Detergent

Better Life Natural Laundry Detergent

Puracy Natural Laundry Detergent

Charlie’s Hypoallergenic Laundry Liquid

2ULaundry now offers a Delicate Laundry Bag!

You can now choose which items get which treatment! Instead, 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 wash and low-temperature or air drying. For some people, it’s a few pairs of their favorite jeans. For others, it’s workout gear and leggings. However you decide to use this delicates bag, rest assured that the garments in this bag are getting specialized and separate treatment from the rest of your order.

2ULaundry is a premium laundry and dry-cleaning pick-up and delivery service available in Charlotte, Atlanta, Tampa, Austin, San Antonio, and Phoenix. Learn more about 2ULaundry and sign up on our website.

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Hotel Housekeeping Tips: Pro Sheet Washing Strategies Revealed

Learn exclusive hotel housekeeping tips for washing sheets to hospitality industry standards from the experts themselves. Discover pro techniques to elevate your linen care through insider knowledge. With laundry secrets and best practices for pristine cleanliness and hygiene, this guide shares hidden gems on expert sheet washing strategies to ensure impeccable maintenance.

Washing Hotel Sheets

You can learn a lot of interesting laundry-related facts from hotel housekeeping, including the importance of water temperature during the wash cycle. 

Gone are the days of simply boiling anything and everything for hours on end, causing long-term damage, color fading, and shrinking. Who better to ask for best practices than the pro housekeepers who wash by the ton?

Here’s what we learned about washing from hotel housekeeping!

Commercial Washing

Hotel laundry consists mostly of sheets, towels, comforters, and other large, bulky items. Most commercial washers are set up to wash over 275 pounds at a time (Thats over 45 regular loads at once!) with water set at roughly 160 degrees. The average residential washing machine temperature runs between 110 to 130 degrees.

This hotter temperature increases the effectiveness of a commercial wash in three essential ways:

  • Gives heavily used fabrics a fresh, clean look
  • Stain removal is much easier in hot water
  • Sheets, towels, and restaurant linens are disinfected and treated for bacteria

Let’s Get Scientific

Physics tells us that a higher water temperature lowers the surface tension of the water so that it soaks into fabric fibers and stains more easily. Higher-temperature water also separates fabric fibers to help release any dirt and grime that might be hiding deep in the fabric.

Commercial washers automatically release any detergents, bleach, and fabric softeners into the wash on a timed schedule. Higher-temperature water allows the chemical ingredients to get to work quickly and more effectively.

Drum Size Matters

The drum is the part of the washer that holds and rotates clothes in a washing machine. The water and detergents need room to circulate in and around the fabric to achieve a good clean, so making sure you don’t overfill your drum is key. Most small or residential machines aren’t designed to process the amount of laundry most people put in at once.

Customize Water Temperature

The temperature of the water you use for laundry could cause damage, be inefficient at stain removal, or not provide proper sanitation.

Cold water washing is recommended for the average home laundry load to lengthen the lifetime of your garments by protecting color and reducing shrinkage. Unfortunately, it does not remove stains as effectively as warm or hot water.

The benefits of cold water for clothing are a downside in the commercial hotel hospitality industry where sanitation and pristine stain removal are important.

A warm water wash works best for lightly soiled, low-use synthetic fabrics such as polyester, spandex, nylon, or rayon blends. Detergents can easily dissolve in warm water and it’s more energy efficient than hot water. Warm water can cause colors to fade and will not be as effective at stain removal or thorough sanitation.

For true sanitization and aggressive stain removal, hot water is the only way to go. This setting is ideal for household fabrics and what’s primarily in the laundry room at hotels such as cotton-based sheets, curtains, comforters, towels, and pillowcases.

Hotel Laundry Housekeeping Horror Stories

When staying at a hotel, be sure to take your makeup off before going to bed, or else you’re likely to get it all over the sheets and pillowcases. One Reddit user shared this was the most annoying thing for them when housekeeping.

“I would have to spend extra time in the laundry room trying to get the stain out and I would usually end up leaving late because of it,” they shared. Make sure you also don’t use the hand towels to take your makeup off, or you’ll stain those too and possibly get charged, running up your hotel bill when you’re trying to save.”

Another housekeeper shared this story. “One time, while an older man was checking out, he handed my manager an extra $50 for the “inconvenience” — but didn’t go into detail. When housekeeping went to his room, there was blood everywhere: on the floors, the bathroom mirror, even the shower! We never figured out where it all came from. It legitimately looked like he murdered someone in there. We had to call the police and have a special hazmat cleaner come in.”

Think hotel laundry is easy? Our final story includes food in bed. “I was a housekeeper, and one day I went into a room after a guest checked out. It smelled a little funky, but I couldn’t find the source of the stench. I went to strip the bed, pulled the sheets back, and the bed was filled with coleslaw. COLESLAW! I had no idea why, and I do NOT want to know why!

Leave the Washing to the Pros!

2ULaundry’s commercial laundry and delivery service is perfect for hotels, spa and massage offices, gyms, or any other small business! It’s okay to skip laundry day and get fresh, clean items delivered!

2ULaundry is a premium laundry and dry-cleaning pick-up and delivery service available in Charlotte, Atlanta, Tampa, Austin, San Antonio, and Phoenix. Learn more about 2ULaundry and sign up on our website.

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Mastering Massage Table Linen Care: 5 Expert Tips for Easy Oil Removal

Learn 5 simple yet effective tips from spa experts for removing massage oil stains from table linens. Perfect for massage therapists and spa owners who want to properly care for their linens and save time on laundry. Gain valuable insights on using the right products, pretreating, washing methods and more to keep your linens fresh.

Have you been trying to figure out how to get massage oil out of your massage table linens? Here are 5 tips and tricks to help you in removing these troublesome spills with ease:

5 Commercial Laundry Tips For Removing Massage Oil from your Massage Table Linens

There is nothing more unappealing for clients than lying on a massage table that appears dirty with oil stains. Thanks to advances in modern detergents, keeping your massage table linens blemish-free is easier than ever. Here are 5 tips and tricks on how to get massage oil out of massage table linens:

#1: Tackle The Problem Fast

If you notice that massage oil has spilled on your massage sheets, it’s important to treat the stain as quickly as possible. When the oil stain is treated while it is still wet, it is much easier to remove than a stain that has already dried and settled into the fibers of the sheet. 

To begin removing the stain, pat the wet spill instead of rubbing it to soak up the excess stain. Then, rinse the area with cold water. Remember, don’t rub the stain; this spreads the stain and pushes it deeper and deeper into the garment!

#2: Use Baking Soda and Stain Remover

Both baking soda and stain remover products are excellent products to treat an oil stain, as they both do a great job at pulling the oil from the sheet’s fibers. Apply the baking soda or stain remover to the oil stain and let these products sit for at least fifteen minutes. Then, wash the sheet in the hottest water indidicated on the massage sheet’s care label. After washing, inspect the stained area before tossing it into the dryer. The high heat of the dryer, especially for synthetic fabrics, can make the stain very difficult to remove. Repeat the treatment if necessary.

Stain Removers We Recommend

Grandma’s Stain Remover

Effective yet gentle, Grandma’s does not contain bleaching agents or leave dirt-attracting residues.

Miss Mouth’s Stain Spray

This lightning-fast, commercial-grade formula is the perfect spot remover for quick action. Originally made for moms on the go, it is pocket-sized for immediate application.

Naturally It’s Clean

These plant-based enzymes are effective and work by attacking the source of stubborn stains for easy and quick removal while also eliminating unwanted odors.

#3: Pretreat Stain With Detergent

If your stain is set in or you are worried it will not come out, it is helpful to soak the sheet in hot water mixed with detergent before washing your sheets as you normally would. Plus, with a high-quality detergent in place, resorting to harsh chemicals like bleach isn’t usually necessary.

Note: Liquid detergents tend to work better on oil stains. When purchasing your detergents, stay away from powder or pod detergents for your massage table linens.

Laundry Detergents We Recommend

Good laundry detergents make stain removal easy!

Dropps Laundry Pods

Dropps is made for sensitive skin and comes in recyclable and compostable cardboard packaging helps reduce single-use plastic.

The Laundress – Signature

The Laundress laundry detergent blends the finest modern perfume into the brand’s best-performing detergent formula.

Charlie’s Laundry Liquid

Each bottle contains just four ingredients. No suds, just a deep clean that leaves your laundry fresh and soft.

#4: Hot Water Is A Must

When removing massage oil stains, using the hottest water setting on your washer is essential. This is because hot water is much better at breaking down the oil from the sheet than cold water ever could.

#5: Partner With A Commercial Laundry Service

If you struggle to remove massage oil alone, don’t hesitate to turn to commercial laundry services. While DIY methods can be effective for removing massage oil stains, they can only take you so far. Plus, as a massage professional, your time is money. Instead of booking extra clients, you’ll be spending time in the laundry room.

Working with a commercial laundry service ensures that your stains are removed on the very first try. Commercial laundry services have professional detergents and solvents that massage table linens need to get treated quickly and then return to your clean inventory circulation. And, keeping inventory in circulation is the name of the game!

2ULaundry Commercial Laundry Service Is Here To Help

Working with 2ULaundry for your commercial laundry service needs takes the stress out of pesky massage oil stains on your massage table linens. Rest assured, our tried and true cleaning methods, experienced team, and high-efficiency commercial equipment will keep your massage table linens looking spotless and brand new.

Massage oil stains on your sheets will be a thing of the past! For unmatched services delivered right to your door, get started with our laundry solutions today!

2ULaundry is a premium laundry and dry-cleaning pick-up and delivery service available in Charlotte, Atlanta, Tampa, Austin, San Antonio, and Phoenix. Learn more about 2ULaundry and sign up on our website.

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Stop Washing Your Airbnb Sheets and Towels Together: 4 Reasons It Damages Linens

Laundry mistakes like washing sheets and towels together can cost you. Learn how separating them while washing can improve efficiency, save water and energy, and prevent premature wear. Uncover 4 hidden risks of combining them, plus expert tips on cost-effective practices for long-term savings.

When you’re separating laundry, it’s easy to think you can wash sheets and towels together. Not only does it cut down on loads of laundry, but it could save some time and money. But that’s a big laundry mistake that might end up costing you. 

Should I Wash Sheets and Towels Together?

Airbnb owners all have so many questions about maintaining the linens in their rental units, especially when it comes to washing sheets and towels. Keeping an inventory of sheets and towels in circulation is important! You do not want to damage inventory that is expensive to replace.

It may seem like a good idea to wash sheets and towels together to save time and housekeeping costs, but is it a good idea? Let’s take a look at the washing differences between sheets and towels, what damage can occur if sheets and towels are washed together, and how this impacts the lifespan of linens.

You’ve probably heard different opinions on whether you should wash sheets and towels together. Well, we’re here to provide you with a definitive answer: NO.

We spoke to laundry service professionals to learn why they separate their sheets and towels in their commercial laundry businesses. And, while you might not be running a commercial laundry business, you should be caring for your linens like a pro!

Why You Shouldn’t Wash Sheets and Towels Together?

Linens and towels should be washed separately for the following reasons:

  • Material Weight: Different material thickness means sharing a wash cycle can cause damage!
  • Different Material: Pilling can be prevented by washing with similar materials and textures.
  • Temperature Control: It’s hard to believe but, you’ll do more damage to fabric in a dryer than you will in a washer! Be careful…
  • Different Sizes: Different sizes of linens prevent tumbling which can mean less cleaning & more complaints!
  • Airbnb Laundry Service: An Airbnb laundry service can increase the cleanliness and lifespan of your linens.

1. Towels And Linens Have Different Material Weights

By weight, we’re talking about the thickness of the laundry. Their thickness can affect how long they take to dry in the dryer. Sheets, a lighter weight, will dry faster than thicker towels. This means either towels won’t dry fully–which could lead to the formation of mold or mildew–or sheets will be over-dried resulting in damage and shortening their lifespan.

If you wash sheets and towels together it can make it difficult for your washer machine’s drum to move effectively during its spin cycle; this could lead to unnecessary wear-and-tear on your washer which may reduce its longevity over time if not corrected promptly. By separating your wash cycles into different loads based on temperature settings and material types (sheets vs towels), you ensure that both items are properly cleaned without increasing wear-and-tear on either item or your washer machine itself. Not only will you get cleaner linens faster with separate loads, but you’ll also extend the life of your linens by avoiding any potential damage caused by improper washing techniques.

“Not separating your sheets and towels is a one-way ticket to higher utility costs! The balance between linens in the dryer is like a dance. You can’t have one dancer dancing to a different song than the other. Everything will get tangled up! And tangled linens take forever to dry. Instead, limit your dry cycles to one type of linen so the tumble dance can be harmonious!” – Randy R., Columbus Express Laundry Service

2. They’re Made Out of Different Materials

Sheets are typically made from a lighter fabric than towels, meaning they require a gentler cycle in the washer and or dryer. Towels are much thicker, so they need a longer or stronger cycle to get them clean.

At first glance, this may not seem like a huge concern, but because towels are typically made out of cotton, they’re more likely to produce lint. Because of the material difference, your sheets can end up covered in lint, changing their appearance and texture, and shortening their lifetime. Beware, new towels produce a lot of lint.

Sheets can be sensitive to certain laundry detergents or fabric softeners, so these should be avoided when washing them. On the other hand, towels are usually quite durable and can stand up to most detergents without any problems.

“Lint on sheets will get itchy! Whether you are washing your own sheets and towels at home or providing a service as a commercial laundry service, scratchy lint on soft sheets is a surefire way to lose sleep and lose clients! -Kent W., Happy Landry and Dry Cleaning

3. They Require Different Temperatures

Sheets require a lower washer temperature setting than most towels. Sheets are generally made of a fabric blend that includes some natural fibers, so they need to be washed at a lower temperature to reduce shrinkage in the fabric.

That being said, there are also certain types of sheet fabrics (such as polyester microfiber) that will tolerate higher temperatures without shrinking or fading. Always read the care labels on your sheets before laundering them! Also, always use delicate laundry detergent for washing your sheets. Any harsh detergents or bleach can cause damage to the fabric over time.

Towels, on the other hand, need higher temperatures with harsher detergents to ensure proper cleaning. This is because towels tend to accumulate bacteria from frequent use and need strong detergents to kill germs effectively. Furthermore, high temperatures help remove oils from the skin which may build up on towel fibers over time.

“Because towels come into contact with skin cells and dampness frequently, you should wash them with hot water to rid them of any lingering bacteria. However, sheets don’t need to be washed in hot water. If you do, it could damage the finer fabric.

Most people are afraid to wash in hot cycles. As a commercial laundry service, we know the benefits of hot cycle washes. But, you don’t want to process your delicate linens in hot cycles. These sheets can’t stand the heat like the towels can!” -Matt P., Washed Commercial Laundry

4. They’re Different Sizes

This is important because it also affects drying time. If a towel becomes tightly wrapped in a sheet, it won’t dry properly resulting in mildew and mold. Additionally, if towels or other pieces of clothing are getting caught in sheets, they’re not rubbing up against other items of clothing which is an essential part of the cleaning process in a washer.

When washing sheets and towels together, remember that towels can cause damage to sheets due to their size and thickness. This is because thicker fabrics will cause friction between them during the wash cycle which can lead to pilling or tearing of the delicate fabric of your sheets over time. Also, towels tend to collect lint during the wash cycle which can then transfer onto your sheets.

“Also, when you are heading to fold, it helps to have all the sheets with the sheets and towels with the towels. When you are folding a lot of laundry, the consistency helps. Muscle memory takes over and folding gets a lot easier!” -Ayad M., Orange Bag Laundry Service

Protect the Lifespan of Your Airbnb Linens

Despite how convenient it might be, you should not wash sheets and towels together.

Different materials require different care instructions, which means mixing these two types of linen during one wash cycle can result in damaged linens over time. It’s a gradual decline that will slowly deplete all of your Airbnb linen inventory – causing you to replace linens quicker.

That is a big price tag caused by simple improper laundering techniques!

Separating linens into separate loads based on their material type (sheets vs. towels) will not only give your linen a better clean, but it will also help prevent unnecessary wear-and-tear on your linens and your washer – extending the life of your linens & washer significantly!

Our Recommendations for Airbnb Sheets & Towels

As an Airbnb laundry service, we see a ton of sheets and towels. The cheap ones never last! If you are looking for a good return on on your inventory investment, we recommend GhostSheets Bedsheets and American Soft Linen Bath Towels for all Airbnb laundry service customers.

Ghost Sheets

Ghost Sheets, the sheet set from Ghost Bed, is a linen set that is built to last. These TENCEL® sheets are a laundry service favorite because they are easy to stain-treat, wrinkle-resistant, and stand the tough conditions of commercial laundry cycles.

American Soft Linen Towels

The American Soft Linen Bath Towels are the perfect Airbnb towel. The hint of geometry in its dobby-border adds personality to the greeting without adding color – allowing easy stain treatment. The ELS Combed Cotton means quick drying too.

2ULaundry is a premium laundry and dry-cleaning pick-up and delivery service available in Charlotte, Atlanta, Tampa, Austin, San Antonio, and Phoenix. Learn more about 2ULaundry and sign up on our website.

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Everything You Need to Know About Steam Cleaning

And does it really clean your clothes?

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.

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Get Rid of Wrinkles Without an Iron

Straighten out those wrinkles in no-time with these tricks!

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. 

  1. 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. 

  1. 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!)

  1. 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. 

  1. Turn on the shower

Hanging your clothes outside of your steamy shower will help release wrinkles while you’re getting ready for your event.

  1. 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

  1. 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. 

  1. 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. 

  1. 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. 

  1. 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.

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How to Fold A Fitted Sheet in 5 Easy Steps

Folding a fitted sheet can be frustrating, we have a fool-proof way to make it easy!

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!

Check out this video from HGTV for a visual! 

Additional Tips and Tricks

Use a Flat Surface

  • 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.

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5 Things You Should Never Ever Throw into the Dryer

Seriously, just don't do it.

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.

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How to Pack a Suitcase: The 5 Packing Hacks

There’s a right way and a wrong way. This is the right way.

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.

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The Pros and Cons of Laundry Detergent Fragrance

Sure it might smell great... but is it really great?

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.

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Service Announcement
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Thinking About Doing Your Business Laundry Yourself? Think Again…

Learn more about the benefits of a commercial laundry service partnership! You’ll save time and money on your business laundry.

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.

Service Announcement
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Raleigh-Durham Service Update

At 2ULaundry, we’re committed to providing a quality...

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.

Service Announcement
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COVID-19 Updates

At 2ULaundry, we’re committed to not only providing a quality service but also being transparent every step of the way. Currently, we are...

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.

Customer Spotlight
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Customer Spotlight: Lauren Palmer

Read about 2ULaundry Customer Lauren Palmer's strength and courage when her 2 year old son was diagnosed with cancer in 2017.

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 the Leukemia & 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.

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Decoding Laundry Tag Symbols

The language of laundry shouldn't be foreign.

As you prepare to wash and dry a new piece of clothing, you probably diligently check the tag for their care instructions, and while you know what ‘cold wash’ or ‘hang dry’ means, you probably don’t know what all the little symbols that often accompany these instructions on the tag mean. If you’ve always been curious about what those little laundry symbols mean, then read ahead because you’re about to find out.

Wash at room temperature.

One of the most common symbols you’ll see on a clothing tag is the wash symbol.

  • The washtub shape tells you how to wash your clothing. One dot signifies that it should be washed in cold water, two dots in warm water, and three dots in hot water.
  • The lines that you sometimes see under the washtub indicate what cycle to use. With two lines you’ll want to use a gentle cycle, and if you only see one line you should use the permanent press cycle.

Machine tumble dry on gentle.

Another common symbol you’ll often see on your clothing tags is the dry symbol.

  • This square lets you know the best way to dry your items without over-drying and damaging them. A square with a circle inside means machine dry. Circle only means dry clean.
  • If you see three vertical lines, you’ll want to hang your clothes to dry rather than use the dryer.
  • If you see a curved line, you should line-dry your item.
  • A horizontal line indicates that you should dry the item on a flat surface to avoid stretching or damaging it.
  • Most often you’ll probably see a circle in the square which indicates that you should tumble dry the item. If you see one dot you should do so on low heat, two dots and you should do so on medium heat, and three dots you should do so on high heat.
  • If you see lines underneath the square, you should know that those indicate which tumble dry cycle to use: one signifies permanent press and two signifies gentle.

Iron on high heat.

After drying your clothes you might wonder the best way to iron them. Luckily, there is a symbol that will tell you just that.

  • The “how to iron” symbol is an iron with dots to indicate the heat setting to use: one dot for low, two dots for medium, and three dots for high.
  • If you see an “X” across the iron you shouldn’t iron the item at all while an “X” across a jet of steam means simply means you should avoid steaming the item as you iron.

With these common laundry symbols decoded you should feel comfortable and confident reading any clothing tag that comes your way. And remember, when in doubt, be sure to read the tag (both words and symbols) in its entirety before you proceed with washing, drying, and ironing your item.


2ULaundry is a premium laundry and dry-cleaning pick-up and delivery service available in Charlotte, Atlanta, Tampa, Austin, San Antonio, and Phoenix. Learn more about 2ULaundry and sign up on our website.

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How to Clean Your Washer and Dryer

Easy steps to disinfect your washer and dryer so your clothes **actually** come out clean.

Your Washing machine cleans everything, so wouldn't it clean itself? Unfortunately, the answer to that is no. Your washer and your dryer need a little extra love to keep your clothes coming out pristine every time. But don't worry, we’re about to walk you through the simple steps to keep your washer and dryer germ-free. 

Washing Machine:

How often to clean your washing machine:

  • Clean dispenser every 4-6 weeks
  • Clean drum once a month

What you’ll need to clean your washing machine:

  • White vinegar
  • Chlorine bleach
  • microfiber towel
  • Bottlebrush

** It is important to note that you should NOT mix chlorine bleach and white vinegar as it can create a harmful gas. Please make sure that your machine is thoroughly rinsed after each step.

How to clean your detergent dispenser:

  1. Heat 1 cup of white vinegar on the stove
  2. Pour warm vinegar into the dispenser cup
  3. Run a normal cycle with nothing in the drum
  4. Use a bottlebrush to scrub the dispenser cups with warm vinegar

How to clean your top-load washing machine:

  1. Fill the drum with hot water
  2. Add a quart of chlorine bleach to the water
  3. Run full wash and spin cycle
  4. Fill the drum again with hot water
  5. Add a quart of white vinegar to the water
  6. Run another wash and spin cycle
  7. Wipe down the inside of the drum with a microfiber towel

How to clean your front-load washing machine:

  1. Add a half cup of chlorine bleach to the detergent dispenser and fill the bleach dispenser with chlorine bleach
  2. Run a normal cycle
  3. Wipe down the inside of the drum with a microfiber towel

Dryer:

How often to clean your dryer:

  • You should be cleaning your dryer every 4-6 weeks. Your lint trap might fill up faster, so check it frequently. 

What you’ll need to clean your dryer:

  • White vinegar
  • Water
  • Spray bottle
  • Microfiber towel

How to clean your dryer: 

  1. Take out the lint trap and remove the lint
  2. Use a mix of half white vinegar and half water to wipe down the inside drum

Following these steps as often as stated will keep your machines in tip-top shape, so you and your clothes can be clean. Washing Machines and dryers can collect bacteria, mold, and dust if not cared for properly, and all of that can get into your clothes. So always remember, just because your clothes smell clean, doesn’t mean they are. 

2ULaundry is a premium laundry and dry-cleaning pick-up and delivery service available in Charlotte, Atlanta, Tampa, Austin, San Antonio, and Phoenix. Learn more about 2ULaundry and sign up on our website.

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Why You Should Always Turn Your Clothes Inside Out When Washing

This small tip may make all the difference in the world in...

Laundry day is often full of decisions: what detergent should I use? What cycle should I select? Should I separate all my colors or is it okay for some to go into the wash together?

One question you don’t have to wonder about anymore though is whether you should turn your clothes inside out before washing them. While it might be a pain to turn everything inside out before washing and then right side out again while folding, experts say that you should absolutely turn your clothing inside out for washing.

Check out the reasons below that inside out is far better than right side out when it comes to how your clothes enter the washing machine.


1. It prevents damage to the outside of your clothing

While the washing machine is great for removing stains and getting clothes looking and smelling fresh, clothing items can take quite a beating while they’re actually in the machine.

Protect your items from fading and other damage by making sure that it’s the inside of your clothing, which no one will ever see, that takes the beating rather than the outside.

2. It increases contact between the detergent and the dirtiest parts of your garment

While we sometimes use the washing machine to get out tough exterior stains like coffee, grass or ketchup, most of the time we’re aiming to freshen our items up from the kind of dirty clothing gets just by being worn by a person.

During a typical day of wear, clothing comes into contact with our bodies as they move and sweat, leaving them in dire need of washing. By turning your items inside out in the washing machine you can ensure that these sweat stains are coming in as close a contact with the detergent as possible.

3. It prevents lint and pilling from occurring on the outside of your clothing

Lint and pilling is a fact of life that occurs when clothing fibers fray or break. While washing your items inside out won’t prevent this fraying or breaking from happening, it will make sure that it only happens on the inside of your items, keeping the outside looking fresh and new for longer.

4. It protects decorative elements of your clothing from damage

If you’re a fan of sparkles and rhinestones, you’ll definitely want to turn your items inside out while washing. While most decorative items are attached pretty well upon purchase, they often become loose or damaged over time.

Keeping your clothing inside out while in the washing machine can help elongate the life of the sparkles you love so much!

While turning your clothing inside out before washing and then right side out before folding can feel like an extra step in an already arduous process, doing so will protect your items, help them get as clean as possible and ensure that you leave the house looking fresh and fashionable everyday!

If you don’t want to worry about any of this, let 2ULaundry take care of your wash and fold needs!

2ULaundry is a premium laundry and dry-cleaning pick-up and delivery service available in Charlotte, Atlanta, Tampa, Austin, San Antonio, and Phoenix. Learn more about 2ULaundry and sign up on our website.

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Which Clothes to Fold vs Hang?

Can you never decide on which clothes you should fold vs which clothes you should hang? Read...

As you organize your closet each season it can feel like endless questions arise: should you hang onto that sweater you only wore once last year? Where should you put your belts? What should you do with your out-of-season clothes?

Perhaps the biggest question of all though, the one that truly shapes how you organize and access your clothes, is what should be folded and what should be hung.

While this decision might seem tough to tackle, in reality there are clear rules for what should be hung and what should be folded: check out what the experts say below!

What to Hang

When you’re considering which items to hang, you might have to prioritize based on your available closet space. A previous post on organizing closet space can help with that!

As a general rule, you should aim to hang anything made of delicate materials or that you want to ensure stay protected.

Some items that should always be hung (or be prioritized when it comes to hanging space in the closet) include:

  • Dresses
  • Dress pants
  • Blazers
  • Work or more formal blouses and tops
  • Lightweight or wrinkle prone items

What to Fold

When it comes to what items you want to fold it’s not just about what you don’t have room to hang in your closet- some materials and items store better and are less prone to damage when they are folded rather than hung.

Whether you’ll be storing folded items on shelves in your closet, on a garment rack or in a dresser, knowing you’re storing them properly will help you feel good about your decision.

Some items that you should always fold (because they don’t need to hung and will actually do better being stored folded) include:

  • Sweaters
  • Sweater dresses
  • Heavy items with lots of embellishment (like beading)
  • Casual T-shirts
  • Jeans
  • Khaki pants


Whether you have all the closet space in the world or are trying your best to prioritize what gets space in your smaller closet, you’re going to have to make decisions about which items to hang and which items to fold.

By following the guidance above you’ll be sure to make the right choice when it comes to what goes where!

Here are a couple of more links to help you make these decisions: Martha Stewart Hang or Fold Clothes; One Good Thing Fold vs Hang.

2ULaundry is a premium laundry and dry-cleaning pick-up and delivery service available in Charlotte, Atlanta, Tampa, Austin, San Antonio, and Phoenix. Learn more about 2ULaundry and sign up on our website.

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When Should You Do Your Laundry?

Read up on some pros and cons for when you should do...

Sometimes it seems like there’s no good time to do your laundry. If you start it in the morning, it can feel like you’re doing it all day. But, if you start it at night, you inevitably forget about it and have to start all over the next day.

Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, though, there are some clear advantages and disadvantages to doing your laundry at different times.

Starting Laundry in the Morning


Starting laundry might not be number one on your want-to-do list but, for some people, it’s number one on their morning to-do list. Doing laundry in the morning has both advantages and disadvantages.

PROS:


When you start your laundry in the morning, you’ll have the opportunity to get it all washed, dried and folded throughout the day and have everything back in its place before bedtime rolls around.

You’ll also have a little more wiggle room when it comes to how quickly you cycle your laundry though as forgetting for a few minutes wont mean you end up going to bed and forgetting to switch a load over until the next morning.

CONS:


When you do laundry during the day time you might find yourself feeling tied to home and unable to go out to run errands or socialize as you’ll soon have a load of laundry to switch over.

Doing laundry in the morning and throughout the day is also often more expensive than running it at night as energy costs are at their highest during peak hours of the day.

Starting Laundry in the Evening


For the night owls among us, starting laundry in the evening is often the obvious choice. Whether you choose to stay up late to switch a few loads over or wait until the next morning, there are pros and cons to starting laundry in the evening.

PROS:


|When it comes to conserving energy, one of the most important things you can do is run full loads of laundry rather than half-full loads. At the end of the day, after gathering up everything everyone wore that day and tossing it in the machine, you’re more likely to have a full load than you would be in the morning.

You’re also less likely to feel like you did all your laundry only to have more to do once everyone loads their hampers up with everything they wore throughout the day.


CONS:


When you start laundry in the evening you commit to staying up for at least a few hours to ensure that everything that needs to be washed gets through the wash, dry and fold cycle.

While it might feel like nothing to pause your movie to make the quick switch from washer to dryer, staying up late can be quite the burden for some and forgetting can mean starting all over in the morning.

If you’re still undecided about when you should do your laundry, or you’d rather not do it at all, it might be time to consider a laundry pickup and delivery service.

Not only will your laundry return to you feeling fresh and smelling clean, but you won’t have to spend any time at all fretting about when to put it in, when to switch it over and when to fold it; and that is the biggest joy of all!

2ULaundry is a premium laundry and dry-cleaning pick-up and delivery service available in Charlotte, Atlanta, Tampa, Austin, San Antonio, and Phoenix. Learn more about 2ULaundry and sign up on our website.

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Tips For Organizing Your Kids’ Rooms

Don't know where to start when organizing your kids' rooms..

If you have kids, you know how quickly a room can go from sparkling clean to total disaster area. Whether it’s the playroom, the living room or their own bedroom, kids have a way of making big messes out of even just a few toys.

If you’re looking for ways to help your kids successfully maintain organization in their rooms, check out the tips below!

1. Install open shelves


If you want to keep toys and games off the floor, you’re going to need an easy spot for kids to store their favorite things.

Open shelves let kids display the items they love the most (like all those assembled Lego sets) while also providing them easy access for when they’d like to get them down to play with.

2. Utilize the space under the bed


Instead of letting under the bed become a wild mess of dirty laundry and lost toys, consider investing in some storage options for under the bed.

If you’re upgrading your child’s room, look for a bed that has attached drawers underneath where sheets, blankets and extra pillows can be stored.

If your child’s bed does not have built in storage, consider investing in some rolling bins that can be filled and tucked neatly out of sight.

3. Incorporate boxes, baskets and bins


While wooden toy boxes might not be as popular as they once were, the idea that kids need somewhere they can easily toss their playthings has remained.

Go shopping with your child and let them choose a set of coordinating boxes, baskets or bins that can be used to store toys, stuffed animals, dress up clothes or books.

4. Keep it simple


Pinterest parents can no doubt find beautiful images of kids rooms in which toys are organized by type and color, books are shelved according to title and spotless art corners seem to invite creativity but, in reality, kids organization needs to be pretty simple in order to be long-lasting.

Help your child create easy categories such as “books,” “dress up clothes” and “blocks” and then assign them to a specific bin or spot in the room.

If you’re moving and want to keep it simple during an unpacking and organizing of your kids’ rooms, check out this comprehensive guide.

Kids love having their own space and taking care of their own books and toys. As a parent, you can empower them to keep their room neat and organized independently by providing shelves, storage and a little direction on how to keep the clutter at bay!

2ULaundry is a premium laundry and dry-cleaning pick-up and delivery service available in Charlotte, Atlanta, Tampa, Austin, San Antonio, and Phoenix. Learn more about 2ULaundry and sign up on our website.

Spring Cleaning
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You Won’t Believe What Germs Live in Your Laundry

Don't leave your dirty laundry sitting for weeks at a time! It could cause infectious diseases like salmonella, staph, and e. coli!

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

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

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.

Spring Cleaning
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min read

Spring Cleaning Hacks

Check out the spring cleaning hacks below and your house...

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!

1. Make a list


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

2. Clear your calendar


While you can probably squeeze your regular cleaning sessions between your other regular to-do’s and must-do’s, a spring cleaning session calls for a clear calendar so you can truly focus and get the job done without leaving any lingering jobs. Take a peek at your calendar, designate a day as your spring cleaning day and don’t make any other plans for that day.

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.

Spring Cleaning
This is
min read

More Spring Cleaning Hacks

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’r...

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.

Spring Cleaning
This is
min read

How to Clean Your Couch and Pillows

Easy step-by-step instructions on how to clean your pillows...

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.