Category: Laundry

At Martinizing Dry Cleaning, we entertain the questions of hundreds of parents, white-collar employees, and even newlyweds asking how to get dirt stains out of clothes. Dirt stains can come from a broad range of sources. Whether they’re from gardening work, puddle splashes from playing sports, or paw prints from your pet, they never fail to put a damper on your favorite shirt or suit pants.

If you want to know how to get dirt stains out of white clothes, keep reading. Our dry cleaning technicians will explain how you can do it without ordering industrial-strength cleaners.

Dirt stains on clothes rank as one of the most common problems we solve at Martinizing Dry Cleaning. In this explainer, our professional dry cleaners will outline how to get dirt stains out of your clothes step-by-step and which cleaning materials you should avoid no matter how much the internet pushes you to get them.

Whether you want to learn how to get dirt stains out of a suit jacket for an upcoming event or would like to know how to remove set-in mud stains from an athletic uniform before putting it away, our technicians have you covered.

What Are Dirt Stains, and Why Are They So Hard To Remove?

Dirt stains on textiles come in all shapes and sizes. Some come from grass, leaves, and other natural sources, while often-overlooked ones come from causes like cars, animal waste, and mud from shoes. The most common dirt stains we tend to from customers who don’t work outdoors involve some mixture of grease, coffee grounds, and sweat, with other human secretions that act as a primer.

Dirt stains on clothes differ from ones you can find on non-washable surfaces, like curtains, carpets, and rugs. Dirt stains are a common occurrence in homes that host children and pets. If you want to know how to get dirt stains out of various household surfaces, call us today, and we’ll tell you in a consultation.

Dirt stains are so common that most dry cleaners consider them the number one enemy of white clothing, but at Martinizing Dry Cleaning, we opt to see them in a positive light. Dirt stains prove that people continue to stay active and take risks, and we believe that is something to celebrate.

Our technicians know how to remove dirt stains from all kinds of clothing, and if you want to work on a DIY laundry project, consider this article your guide.

How To Remove Mud Stains When Fresh

Removing dirt and mud stains from your clothing is essential for your laundry care routine. The usual first reaction when people spot stains is to rinse them off with water, isopropyl alcohol, or tamp them in a rush to remove the pigmentation from the fabric at the earliest opportunity. If you must deal with mud and dirt stains, patience is the key, as you would need to negate this reaction.

Follow this list of steps on how to get dirt stains out of clothes:

• Wait for the mud to dry, which should not take more than five to fifteen minutes
• Scrape away the solidified mud using a spoon or dull knife
• Apply dishwashing liquid or liquid detergent directly into the area and let soak for ten to fifteen minutes
• Grab a toothbrush and dip it in water, then scrub the soap into the opposing sides of the area
• Put the stained piece of clothing into a separate wash from your other clothes
• Air dry and repeat this process until you remove 100% of the mud stain

How To Get Rid of Dirt Stains From Red Mud

Red mud is an industrial term for a soil mixture that looks like red dirt. It refers to the red particulates from bauxite, a metal oxide that refers to a by-product of aluminum processing. These red mud concrete mixtures are highly reliable, and contractors use them in a broad range of flooring and roofing materials.

Removing red mud from clothes can be challenging, but it’s doable. Here’s how:

• Follow the first three steps of our prior guide, but let the detergent soak overnight on the stained area
• Scrub the opposing sides of the stained area with a wet toothbrush
• Wash the item separately from your other clothes
• Erase traces of red mud with color-safe bleach
• If reddish spots remain, flush the stained area with rubbing alcohol before machine washing a second time
• Air dry and repeat as many times as necessary

Related: How To Get Hair Dye Out Of Clothes

Get Expert Help

Perhaps the best tip regarding how to get dirt stains out of clothes lies in knowing when to enlist the help of professionals. Call Martinizing Dry Cleaning today at (925) 938-5000, and we’ll save your clothes from getting permanent marks.

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You’ve wanted to color your hair, but accidentally you’ve dyed your clothes as well. It can happen to anyone, but because hair dye is a dye, it can leave stains. If you’re wondering, “How to get hair dye out of clothes before they are ruined?” you are in the right place.

Well, since each dye color contains various ingredients and pigments, you may need different treatments to remove dye stains from your t-shirt or sweater. In this post, we will share helpful tips and information on getting hair dye out of clothes.

How to Remove Hair Dye From Clothes: Is It Possible?

Like most homeowners, you probably want to know how to remove hair dye from clothes and whether removing dye is even possible. Yes, it is possible, and the most important thing is to act quickly by applying white vinegar or rubbing alcohol on your clothes. There are commercial stain removers that also do an excellent job removing hair dye spots on your pants or blouse.

However, it is essential to consider the clothes’ color. For example, if you wear white clothes, most of them require chlorine bleach to remove any hair dye residue successfully.

The most efficient way to remove hair dye from any type of clothing is to catch the stain while it is still fresh. If you notice a drop or two on your clothes while coloring your hair, remove it immediately. However, after you wash your clothes and put them into the washer or dryer, removing a hair dye stain becomes more difficult.

Related: The Best Time To Laundry

How to Get Hair Dye Out of Fabric: The Best Methods to Try

Before we explain how to get hair dye out of fabric, let’s see some efficient methods to prevent stains on your favorite pieces of clothing.

After prepping the hair dye, it is a good idea to wear an old t-shirt, a protective cape, or a cotton-blended material that you don’t mind getting stained. If you don’t have any of these items at the moment, you can also use a garbage bag as a cape which is cost-effective, and you won’t mind throwing it away later.

All you need to do is cut three holes into it for your arms and head to wear while you color your hair. If, despite your effort, you still notice a few drops of hair dye on your clothes, here is how to remove them:

Liquid Laundry Detergent

Believe it or not, liquid laundry detergent is one of the most efficient ways to remove hair dye stains from your shirt or pants. First, take a dollop of the detergent and saturate the stain. Then, if you have an old toothbrush at home, use it to scrape the stain. If not, you can also use a washcloth.

Then, soak the clothes in a bowl of warm water or the sink and let them sit for a couple of hours. If the hair color is darker, you can let the clothing sit for 24 hours. After that, you can rinse it out and throw it in the washing machine.

Letting your clothing sit in a liquid laundry detergent prepares it so the stain doesn’t set into the fabric. However, you need to wash it after that.

Hairspray

Hairspray is an efficient method for getting stains out of jeans, sweaters, pants, and shirts. We recommend using an old hairspray to keep the color from spreading further into the fabric.

One of the reasons why hairspray successfully removes hair dye from clothes is due to the alcohol base. It helps break up the color and absorb it into the material. You will need to spray over the stain and cover the entire area.

After spraying your clothes, soak them in a bowl of cool water for 30 minutes. Then, wash your clothes in the washing machine as usual.

Vinegar

White wine vinegar is an old trick for removing hair dye stains from various pieces of fabric. Like hairspray, it stops hair dye from absorbing further into the material.

Although it doesn’t smell nice, it doesn’t release dangerous fumes or toxic substances like commercial products. If you splash vinegar on your skin, you can wash it off with water without worrying about irritations.

The simplest way to use white wine vinegar is to soak the clothes in cool water. Ideally, you need to cover the piece of garment in water and add one cup of distilled white vinegar. Allow it to soak for 30 minutes, and then rinse out the vinegar under cold water.

Rubbing Alcohol  

When homeowners ask for solutions online on how to get hair dye out of clothes, one of the standard solutions they come across is rubbing alcohol. Alcohol was and still is the go-to product for removing stains from clothing and furniture.

Isopropyl alcohol is a natural stain remover for most stains, including hair dye ones. All you need to do is add a folded paper towel between the stain and other parts of the clothing piece. Then, soak a cotton ball in isopropyl and start cleaning the stain with it.

Once you see color staining the ball, discard it and use another ball. Repeat the process from the inside of the fabric to ensure the stain is 100% removed. When you finish, rinse the alcohol under cold running water.

Baking Soda

Like white wine vinegar and rubbing alcohol, baking soda is a standard household product with various cleaning uses. From cleaning your furniture to your kitchen appliances, many homeowners also use it for cleaning hair dye stains on clothes.

Take a clean bowl and mix ⅓ cup of warm water with six tablespoons of soda. It is essential to create a thick paste to remove the stain successfully. Rub the paste into the stain using a toothbrush in circular motions.

Allow the paste to dry (it may take a couple of hours), and then run the clothing piece through cold water. Next, add it to the washer and let it air dry.

Related: What To Do When Sorting Laundry.

Commercial Stain Remover

Besides the good old household stain removers, there are commercial products that are also successful at removing hair dye stains from clothes. For example, you can find various stain removers in local supermarkets, including OxiClean, Tide, Zout Triple, and others.

If you haven’t used any of these products, it is best to use the instructions on the package. In general, you apply the product as a pre-wash treatment on the stain. You need to let some products sit overnight, while 30 minutes is enough for others.

After each product, it is essential to wash the material in cold water in your machine and let it air dry. Most of these commercial stain removers won’t damage your clothes, but for extra safety, perform a spot test to ensure you don’t experience any discoloring.

How to Remove Hair Dye Stains: Consider Professional Laundry Services

While all of these methods are effective, you might still see smudges if you don’t notice the stain immediately, act fast or use the correct method. No matter how old your shirt or pants are, you still want to save them and eradicate the stain.

If you want to know how to remove hair dye stains like a pro, consider Martinizing Dry Cleaning. We pride ourselves on being a leading dry cleaning service in the East Bay Area. We know how to get hair dye out of jeans, jackets, shirts, pants, and other pieces of clothing quickly and successfully.

Local homeowners choose us for our professional approach, exceptional services, and affordable prices. Before returning your clothes, we inspect them using green and eco-friendly methods. Call us today at 925-528-4688 to schedule a pick-up, learn how to get hair dye out of clothes, and preserve your favorite pieces. 

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Most people don’t think twice when it comes to what time of the day they do their chores, so they may not know that there is the best time to do laundry. Something as simple as shifting the time you wash your clothes can actually make a big difference. So, when is the best time to wash clothes?

Unfortunately, there isn’t just one best time to do laundry. Many factors play a role in deciding the time, and even then, it varies for every household. The good news is that there are plenty of adjustments you can incorporate into your daily life to help save money and electricity.

Covering everything from the best time to do laundry in winter to ways to save electricity, we will guide you through the best time to wash and dry clothes so you’ll be able to reap the benefits of the most efficient laundry times. If you want to learn more about when to do laundry, keep on reading!

When Is the Best Time To Do Laundry?

It’s safe to say that the best time to wash clothes is generally not during your energy company’s peak hours. The tricky thing about peak hours is that they’re different for everyone. Peak hours will depend on two factors: the season and where you live.

If you live in a warmer climate, the demand might be higher during the summer months when most people use their air conditioning and lower in the winter when there isn’t much of a need for heating. You can always contact your energy company to verify your area’s peak hours.

So, when should you do laundry? While the perfect answer will depend on your energy provider and your location, you can follow these general hours if you aren’t sure.

Related: How To Sort Laundry

General Peak Hours

Peak hours often lie between 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. People tend to do laundry after they come home from work, so it’s best to avoid these times if you’re looking to save money.

Summer Peak Hours

The peak hours change with every season. During the summer months, peak hours could take up most of the day, landing anywhere from 10 in the morning to 8 in the evening. Do your laundry outside of this window to avoid higher electricity bills.

Winter Peak Hours

When the winter comes around, electricity use tends to peak in the early morning, from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. This timeframe gives you most of the day to run your washer and dryer and still save on money and energy.

Nighttime Hours

Is it cheaper to wash clothes at night? The short answer is it depends. It can be easy to assume that the peak hours are during the day, but it depends. To ensure that you’re taking full advantage of the best time to do laundry, you should confirm peak hours with your energy company while incorporating best practices.

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When Is the Best Time to Wash Clothes to Save Electricity?

If you’re concerned about saving energy, your washing machine will use the same amount regardless of your laundry schedule. Whether you choose to do laundry during peak hours or in the middle of the night, it will still affect your energy bill.

However, saving energy goes hand in hand with saving money. When your laundry requires less energy, you’ll find yourself paying less and less for your monthly bills. You can implement a few habits into your laundry routine to help you save energy and money.

Use Cold Water

Washing machines expend much of their energy on hot water. By switching your laundry temperatures and using cold water, you can save a significant amount of energy and money. In addition to these benefits, cold water is more gentle on your clothes, which can help your clothes last longer.

However, using hot or cold water have its respective benefits. Hot water can effectively remove stains, so you should consider which water temperature is best for your situation. Otherwise, cold water will be beneficial when your main goal is to save money and energy.

Air-Dry Your Clothes

Choosing to air dry instead of running the dryer is an obvious way to save energy. Using your dryer in addition to your washer will use a significant amount of energy. So if you’re looking to save money and electricity, you should air-dry your clothes when you can.

In addition to saving energy, air-drying instead of using a dryer has its own benefits. Air drying can help preserve the quality of your outfits since using a dryer contributes to clothes fading and wearing out. Although air-drying may require more time and effort, you’ll be able to save money on your bills and have more long-lasting clothes.

Switch to Energy Efficient Appliances

Making the switch to energy-efficient appliances can save you considerable money over the machines’ lifetime. While these appliances may cost you more money than other models, energy-efficient washers and dryers are well worth the money. Not only are they better for the environment, but these models also use less detergent and provide a deeper clean to save you money with every cycle.

Use the Moisture Sensor Mode

Many dryer models will be equipped with a moisture sensor mode. Drying on this mode will allow your dryer to end the cycle as soon as the clothes are dry rather than drying your clothes for the full amount of time specified. Using this mode can save you time and lower your monthly bill.

Alter Load and Washer/Dryer Settings

Regardless of whether you’re looking to save energy or money when doing laundry, you should always be sure you’re washing the right sized load. If you wash a load of laundry that is too large, you could keep your washer from efficiently cleaning your clothes on top of causing damage to your machine. However, if your load is too small, you will waste water and energy.

For more efficient washing, you can adjust the settings of your washer and dryer according to the size and type of load for each wash. Typically, the delicate and short cycle options will wash your laundry in less time while using less energy. In addition, using your dryer on a lower heat setting can save you money on your electricity bill while preventing your clothes from wearing out faster.

Clean the Dryer’s Lint Trap

You should always clean your dryer’s lint trap after each cycle. Not only is this to prevent fire for your household safety, but it can also improve air circulation, enabling your dryer to complete cycles quicker. So, cleaning the lint trap every time will help you waste less electricity by providing shorter cycles.

The Best Time To Do Laundry

To summarize, you can really benefit from washing your clothes during the best time to do laundry throughout the year. While the savings for each month may not be too significant, they definitely add up.

While you can plan around peak hours when it comes to laundry, you can also apply this knowledge to other aspects of your household, such as air conditioning and heating. If you start to schedule your energy use throughout the week, you’ll be able to save money and electricity in no time.

Overall, making these small changes to your laundry routine is easy and incredibly beneficial. If you don’t have the time or energy to do your laundry regularly, consider taking advantage of laundry services. That way, you don’t have to worry about the best time to do laundry!

Martinizing Dry Cleaning

Since 1989, our team at Martinizing Dry Cleaning has been providing high-quality cleaning services to residents across the East Bay. Offering services from pick up and delivery to laundry and alterations, our team is highly trusted in the community to deliver exceptional results every time. We are committed to making your everyday life more convenient by offering a cleaning experience geared towards quality and efficiency.

Our team at Martinizing Dry Cleaning can help you with all your dry cleaning needs. Our cleaning process is ideal for your clothes and the environment because we use green and eco-friendly cleaning methods.

If you’re currently looking for the best time to do laundry and want a more efficient way to do it, our team can help eliminate the stress of washing clothes while keeping them in perfect condition.

Get in touch with our team today to discuss your needs and learn more about our services.

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Do your freshly washed clothes feel rough and uncomfortable? Maybe you experience your clothes stubbornly sticking together when you get them off the dryer? Maybe you wonder what do dryer sheets do? These issues often result from static electricity, and you can prevent them by using a dryer sheet.

You could be asking: what are dryer sheets? What is the purpose of dryer sheets? Read on to find out everything you want to know about dryer sheets.

What Are Dryer Sheets?

Dryer sheets are squares of polyester or cellulose fibers coated with fatty acids, fragrances, liquid softeners, and other chemicals. These ingredients melt from the dryer heat and coat your fabrics to make them soft and minimize static electricity. So, what does a dryer sheet do?

A dryer sheet helps prevent static electricity buildup on fabrics during machine drying. Additionally, they act as fabric softeners, promote stain resistance, and prevent lint buildup on clothes.

In addition, a dryer sheet will add a touch of freshness to your clothes. Some sheets even have a pleasant fragrance.

The Origin of Dryer Sheets

Fabric softeners date back to the mid-20th century when people used them to add a touch of softness to clean clothes. Manufacturers then started adding chemicals to the softeners to prevent static electricity charges.

However, using a softener was quite inconvenient. After the first wash cycle, you needed to add the softener to your automatic washer as softeners had a positive electric charge.

On the other hand, detergents had a negative electric charge. The softener and detergent would counteract when put together, reducing their effectiveness. In the 1960s, manufacturers learned to treat small sheets with fabric softener.

After putting the sheets in the dryer, the moisture and heat warmed up the softener, spreading it across the clothing pieces. This process is how dryer sheets were invented.

How Do Dryer Sheets Work?

A dryer sheet features a thin, electronically conductive layer of fabric lubricant or softener. You can use it in an electric or gas dryer. Once you run a dry cycle with the dryer sheet in your dryer, you will get softer fabrics with minimal static electricity.

The fabric softener in the dryer sheet contains chemicals that work on electrostatic charges, eliminating those lingering on your fabrics’ surfaces. This process neutralizes static electricity, resulting in zero shocks.

Now that you know the dryer sheets’ purpose and how they work, how do you use them?

Once you transfer your laundry from the washer to the dryer, add a fresh dryer sheet to the top of the pile. Then, start the dryer cycle. You may need to use two dryer sheets for larger laundry loads.

It is also advisable to check the product packaging for usage recommendations. Avoid overloading the dryer. You want the laundry to tumble freely to dry properly.

Overloading may also lead to the dryer sheet getting stuck in one place, resulting in the concentrated softener melting onto your fabric and creating unsightly stains. Always remember to remove the used dryer sheet from the dryer when unloading.

Should You Use Dryer Sheets?

Your laundry load will determine whether to use a dry sheet or not. You can use dryer sheets on most fabrics made of natural fibers, including cotton shirts, socks, and pants. It is advisable to read the fabric’s care label before putting it in the dryer.

Professionals do not recommend dryer sheets for several fabrics, including the following:

Athleticwear & Microfiber

When you use dryer sheets on athletic wear and microfiber, the ingredients may coat the fibers and adversely affect your fabric’s stain and moisture-absorbing properties.

Towels

The softeners in dryer sheets may reduce your towel’s absorbency. If you want to soften your towel and enhance its absorbency, you should only use dryer sheets moderately.

Flame-Resistant Clothing

Dryer sheets can undermine the self-distinguishing ability of your flame-resistant clothes.

Water-Repellent Fabric

Your water-repellent fabric may lose the ability to repel water when coated by the softness from the dryer sheets.

What Are Other Benefits of Dryer Sheets?

When you ask: what do dryer sheets do? You should realize that their benefits go beyond just softening your clothes and reducing static electricity. Let’s review several other ways to use dryer sheets outside of the dryer:

Removing Soap Scum

You can easily wipe the grime off your faucet, sink, shower doors, tile, or any other surface using a dryer sheet. Moisten the dryer sheet a bit and scrub the soap scum away.

Removing Pet Hair

Dryer sheets can do an excellent job removing pet hair from furniture, clothes, and other surfaces, thanks to their antistatic properties.

Controlling Flyaways

If your hair feels electric, a few quick swipes over your head with a dryer sheet can help control the flyaways.

Freshening Shoes

If your shoes have a foul odor when you take them off, you can freshen them by putting a dryer sheet inside.

Eliminating Deodorant Marks

You can quickly eliminate the unsightly deodorant marks on your shirt by rubbing them with an unscented dryer sheet.

Keeping Insects Away

Are you tired of insects bugging you? Simply rub a dryer sheet on your skin or tuck some sheets in your pocket to keep the irritating bugs away.

Sharpening Scissors

You don’t need to discard your dull scissors. Instead, you can quickly sharpen them by cutting through a dryer sheet several times or rubbing a sheet on the blades.

Cleaning Electronic Screens

Consider this another great benefit of dryer sheets. They effectively clean delicate electronic screens. Simply swipe a dryer sheet across your screen to keep it clean and free from static electricity. You can also use a dryer sheet to remove dirt, pollen, and other contaminants from your car’s windshield.

Eliminating Food Residues

If you need a simple but effective way to remove stubborn stains on your pots and pans, you can’t go wrong with dryer sheets. Fill your food-stained pan or pot with hot water and place a dryer sheet in the middle.

Leave it to soak overnight and discard the water the next day before scrubbing the stains out with the wet dryer sheet.

Are There Dryer Sheet Alternatives?

While dryer sheets do an excellent job, they do have some downsides. For example, they may trigger allergic reactions for individuals sensitive to dyes and fragrances.

Dryer balls are an excellent alternative to dryer sheets if your family member has allergies. These balls are usually made of natural wool, making them safe to use for most people.

Related: What To Do When Sorting Laundry?

#1 Professional Dry Cleaning Company in the East Bay Area

What do dryer sheets do? What are dryer sheets for? You now have a comprehensive answer if you’ve been asking these questions. If you have other questions about dryer sheets or dry cleaning in general, ask the experts at Martinizing Dry Cleaning.

With over two decades of experience in the dry cleaning business, we can address all your dry cleaning needs in the East Bay Area with a 100% risk-free guarantee. Contact us today to schedule your service.

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We all know how frustrating it is to pull your white clothes out of the machine only to discover a red sock had sneaked and turned everything pink. Sorting laundry before you press “start” is something we all need to do to avoid such incidents.

So, how do you separate laundry? Are there specific instructions on how to separate colored clothes from white or black ones?

This post will cover everything you need to know about how to sort clothes for laundry properly according to color and fabric type.

How to Separate Clothes for Washing: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Sorting laundry is essential to avoid coloring incidents and protect your clothes from fading and tearing.

Some of the items you need for laundry sorting are:

• A basket
• Bags for delicates (optional)
• Detergent
• Other laundry products you use

Once you ensure you have all the items you need, here is how to separate clothes for washing.

Step 1: Read the Label

If you want to protect your clothes, make sure to read the garments’ labels. Manufacturers include clear instructions for washing and caring for specific articles of clothing, so follow them to avoid damaging sensitive items in your load.

Step 2: Separate Laundry by Color

Most homeowners know that sorting laundry begins by separating colored clothes from dark and white ones. However, some experts advise you to go even further and sort your clothes by shade.

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How to Sort Laundry by Color and Shade?

• Darks: Separate blues, purples, and other dark colors from black and brown fabric. It will help keep the black and brown dye from coloring other pieces of clothing in a pile. If you want to keep your dark clothes intact, follow this guide. 
• Brights: Colors like yellow, orange, light blue, green, and red are bright colors, and it is better to wash them separately.
• Lights: White clothing with prints, pale blue shades, or other pale tones are light clothes.
• Whites: White shirts, pants, socks, or delicates with no patterns.

Step 3: Separate Laundry by Fabric

Now that you know how to separate laundry colors, it is time to learn how to sort them by fabric. Some will say that this is an extra step, but it is never too much if you want to keep your clothing in excellent shape.

During the washing cycle, clothes make contact with each other. Heavier fabrics can sometimes cause wear and tear on sensitive clothes and damage the fabric. So, before you toss your pile of darks or lights into the washer, always check the labels and set aside clothes that require dry clean or hand wash only.

Next, sort clothes into daily wear fabrics (t-shirts, pants, shirts), heavy-duty fabrics (denim or jackets), and delicates. Don’t forget to remove the items from your pockets, turn knits inside out, and secure all fasteners (buttons and zippers).

Related: Best Time To Do Laundry

How to Sort Laundry by Fabric?

Here are some other valuable tips on how to separate clothes for laundry by fabric and use:

• Towels: It is best to wash light or white towels separately from dark-colored ones to prevent fading or color transfer.
• Sheets and Bedding: For sheets and bedding fabrics, it is essential to check the label because some require washing at high temperatures while others don’t. Check the material and see what your sheets are made of so you’ll know at what temperature to wash them.
• Delicates: Some delicates require dry cleaning or hand washing only, including silk ones. If you want to use the washing machine, avoid combining fabrics such as lace, cashmere, poly, and knitwear because they might lose their quality and shape. The best way to protect your delicates is to place them in mesh bags.
• Jeans: Dark or light jeans are best when washed independently and on a gentle cycle to avoid shrinkage. If you need to combine them with other items, make sure they are similar colored ones.
• Sportswear: Sportswear is prone to odor-causing bacteria, and the best way to reduce the odor is to wash them at low temperatures and with mild detergent.

Step 4: Separate Stained Clothing

Before putting the clothes in the washing machine, check for dirt, stains, and heavy soiling. If you notice that some clothes have stains, set them aside to treat the stain first. Today, there are cleaning solutions for almost any stain and fabric type.

Doing this will help prevent stains and dirt particles from settling other pieces of clothing. Once the wash cycle is over, see if the stain is gone. If it is still there, repeat the process until your clothes are 100% clean.

Step 5: Separate New Clothes

When you purchase new clothes, you want to wear them as soon as possible. However, that doesn’t mean that you should put them in the washer with other (older) clothes. Instead, wash them independently for the first two or three cycles.

Looking for Professional Dry Cleaning Services?

Now that you know how to sort clothes separating clothes for laundry should be an easy and quick part of the washing routine. However, some clothes are not easy to sort or wash at home in your machine.

If you have trouble sorting laundry, don’t have enough practice, or fear that you might damage your new dress or pants, consider professional dry cleaning services.

Martinizing Dry Cleaning has been the team of choice for numerous households in the East Bay area. Contact us today to schedule your free pickup, and we’ll deliver your clothes back in perfect condition.

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While king-size comforters are thinner than standard duvets, they provide better protection and warmth during the night. Although the bedding is budget-friendly and available in several colors to match your bedroom decor, some comforter sizes are challenging to take care of.

What size washer for king comforter is one of the most popular questions homeowners ask themselves when it’s time to clean their bedding. So, what size washer do I need to wash my bedding properly?

In this post, we will discuss how big of a washer for a king-size comforter you need in your home.

Washer Size for King Comforter

The truth is that almost no one enjoys washing bedding because of the size and time they take. However, it is a weekly activity, so it is better to learn how to do it quickly and efficiently.

First, you need to ensure you got the proper washer size for the king comforter. If you have a large family, you probably need two washing machines or one extra-large machine with more capacity. However, for a small family or a single person, what size washer for queen comforter do you need to wash the oversized blanket or sheets?

Related: What To Do When Sorting Laundry?

Washing Machine for Comforters

Ideally, you need to have a washing machine with a 4.2 cubic ft capacity to clean your large bedding set. The good thing is that there are large machines with such a capacity available for household use. 

Some homeowners say it is easier to wash a comforter in a top load washer, but others disagree and reveal that front load washers are better for the job.

It is also essential to consider the quality and brand of the washer. Not all washers can accommodate the needs of a large family who uses king-size comforters.

Best Washer for King Size Comforter

If you take the proper steps and you have a suitable washer, you can easily clean your favorite comforter at home.

Here are some of the best washers suitable for king-size comforters:

1. LG Electronics WM3398HBA

If you are looking for an all-in-one washer and dryer at a competitive price, you can’t go wrong with LG WM3398HBA. It is an excellent choice for prominent families or people worried about the small drum size. In this washer, there is plenty of space for all of your clothes, towels, and bedding items, including your comforter.

The standard front-load washer’s drum capacity is 4.5 cubic feet. The capacity is bigger than other all-in-one appliances, making the cost worthwhile. LG WM3398HBA also has 14 different washing cycles, including activewear, bedding, and allergies.

2. Electrolux Titanium EFLS627UTT

Electrolux Titanium EFLS627UTT is the best washer for heavy blankets, making it the perfect option for washing a king-size comforter. In addition, it removes stubborn stains better than any other washer on the market. With its modern design, it can be the perfect addition to any bathroom.

Electrolux Titanium will impress you with its superior performance, detergent pod dispenser, and ease of use.

3. LG WM3488HW

Some will say that LG WM3488HW is small in size. However, this incredible device is designed to last a long time, is built from premium materials, and has a powerful direct-drive engine.

The drum’s capacity is impressive. It can hold oversized comforters, bed linens, and sheets. Another benefit is the detergent dispenser which doesn’t produce any noise and is very handy during the washing process.

Helpful Tips for Washing King Comforters

Now that you are familiar with the appropriate king comforter washer size and appropriate washers, it is time to learn a few steps that will help you in the overall machine washing process.

Read the Comforter’s Label

Before you throw your comforter in the washing machine, make sure to check the label and read the manufacturer’s instructions. Manufacturers put those labels for a reason – to help you take proper care of your comforter and wash it at the right temperature.

As you know, you can shrink some materials, such as silk and wool, in the washing machine, so if the instructions say, “Dry Clean Only,” it is best to let local professionals take care of your comforter.

If the instructions say it is okay to wash your king-size comforter in the washing machine, make sure to use the right setting – handwashing or cold water. It is also worth mentioning that you should also wash your down comforters. You can also wash them in the machine, but separately because of the large size.

Wash Your Comforter Individually

Don’t let the big drum size fool you. You should always wash your king comforter by itself. Due to its large size, the comforter needs to have proper space to absorb the detergent.

Adding sheets or pillows into the machine isn’t recommended.

Remove Any Stains 

Before washing, it is essential to treat the stains. Based on the material, use an appropriate cleaning solution to remove the stain. If you don’t have a cleaning product at home, you can always use the good old mix of water and baking soda.

Once you treat the stains, check the comforter for any holes or loose threads. If there are some, repair them before you put the comforter in the machine to prevent further damage to the material.

Select the Appropriate Detergent

While you might be tempted to use heavy detergents for a long-lasting smell, sooner or later, you will realize that the scent is too strong and not appropriate for the bedroom.

It is to go with a mild detergent and a natural smell.

Choose the Right Washing Cycle

The temperature you wash your comforter is critical. Follow the instructions, and if they say you need to wash your comforter on a gentle cycle, don’t experiment. If you want, you can add an extra rinse for better and more thorough cleaning.

Some labels also recommend washing in cold water to protect the fabric and the color.

Related: How To Wash A Weighted Blanket

How to Dry a King Comforter at Home

If washing a king comforter at home is a challenge, drying one is an even bigger struggle. After you’ve cleaned the king-size comforter, you will need to dry it thoroughly before putting it back on your bed.

Air Dry Dryer

If you have space and the weather is appropriate, it is best to hang your comforter outside to air dry. Pale-colored bedding will benefit because the sun will bleach any blemishes and revive the fabric.

If your dryer is large enough to accommodate a king-size comforter, you can throw it inside. Make sure to set drying at a lower temperature to avoid shrinkage or damage.

The best way to ensure your comforter dries evenly is to remove it from the dryer every 30 minutes, fluff it to redistribute the filling, and return it inside the dryer.

Dry with Tennis Balls

Believe it or not, drying king-size bedding with tennis balls is a secret used by so many people around the world. Tennis balls will evenly distribute the filling and make sure your comforter looks brand new.

Always dry at the temperature suggested on the label for several hours.

Are There Any Alternatives to Wash a Comforter?

Whether you can’t find a suitable washing machine with a large capacity or don’t have enough space to accommodate a large washing and/or drying machine, we understand your struggle. Unfortunately, you are not the first person who has difficulties washing a king-size comforter. Luckily, there are alternatives to washing your bedding quickly and easily.

Dry cleaning was and still is one of the best options to wash and dry your comforter. Some will say it is expensive, but the price is well worth it because it gets the job done faster than any other washer for household use.

#1 Professional Company for King-Size Comforters in the East Bay Area

If you are looking for a reliable and affordable dry cleaning company for king-size comforters, you can’t go wrong with Martinizing Dry Cleaning. With almost two decades of experience under our belt, modern equipment, and industry knowledge, we are the first team homeowners choose for their washing and drying needs.

If you are still not sure what size washer for the king comforter to use or can’t afford the right washer at the moment, we are here to make your issues go away. Contact us today to schedule your free pickup in the East Bay Area, and we’ll deliver your comforter in perfect condition as soon as possible.

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Laundry means a thankless, tiresome, and tedious task for many people. Trying to squeeze in time to take care of laundry seems almost impossible between your busy schedule, work demands, and social life. In addition, after your laundry is clean and dry, you still have to fold it and put it away. Who wants to do that?

If you fall into the category of people who loathe doing laundry, you are not alone. Thankfully, there’s an answer for your laundry blues. The alternative? Wash and fold services.

In this blog, we will go over the details of wash and fold work, the benefits of this service, the costs, and where you can get it done. Read on for everything you need to know to put an end to loathsome laundry days in the East Bay area. 

What is Wash and Fold Work?

Sometimes known as fluff and fold, wash and fold is the process of dropping off your laundry with a dry cleaner for professional cleaning, drying, and folding. When your dry cleaner has finished with your laundry, you simply stop by and pick up your neat, folded, and professionally cleaned clothing.

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What is Fluff and Fold?

We know it can be a little confusing when different businesses use varying terms. For example, one company may use the term “wash and fold,” while another uses “fluff and fold.” However, the terms mean the same thing. Fluff and fold services are the same as wash and fold – and both guarantee that your clothes will come out looking fresher, cleaner, and crisper than ever before.

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How Does Drop-Off Laundry Work?

The wash and fold laundry service process consists of washing the garments in a commercial washing machine using top-of-the-line cleaning products, then drying them in a commercial dryer.

After drying your items, employees will double-check each piece of clothing to determine if it meets their company’s cleanliness standards. Finally, if these garments meet their rigorous guidelines, they fold them before preparing them for pickup or delivery.

While this service is perfect for the hectic lives of busy professionals, families, and laundry haters, it does not include extra laundry services. For example, when you request wash and fold services, most dry cleaning companies do not include ironing or pressing without an additional fee.

Alternatively, traditional dry cleaning companies may include ironing and pressing in your service fee. However, it does not take away from the sheer convenience of the wash and fold service.

If you’ve found yourself thinking, “This must cost an arm and a leg,” don’t think too soon. In many cases, the price of wash and fold laundry services may surprise you. Unlike traditional dry cleaning, wash and fold services charge by the pound instead of the garment, resulting in lower costs for many customers.

Related: What Size Washer Do You Need When You Wash a King Comforter?

What Are the Benefits of Wash and Fold Services?

Local wash and fold laundry services offer countless benefits for customers. Perhaps most exciting is the guarantee that your favorite dry cleaning company will quickly, effectively, and professionally refresh your clothing and textiles.

Further, your dry cleaning company will take special care with delicate garments that require specific washing or drying methods. Often, customers forget to hand-wash delicate items. When this happens, these pieces of clothing may sustain damage. This is never the case with wash and fold services.

Another benefit of wash and fold laundry services is that many companies offer subscription plans. Subscription services allow customers to save even more time during the wash and fold process, thanks to a once-monthly payment and easy drop-off options that eliminate the need to wait in line. In addition to the time-saving aspect of monthly subscriptions, these prices are often less than paying each time.

Finally, wash and fold services provide the highest-quality cleaning for your garments and textiles.

Professional dry cleaners do not use cheap detergents or unreliable machines. Instead, they use commercial-grade washers and dryers ideal for cleaning and drying clothing with maximum effectiveness and speed, along with high-quality wash and fold laundry supplies. As a result, your clothing will look and feel its best.

Related: How To Wash A Weighted Blanket.

What is a Wash and Fold Subscription Plan?

Many companies that provide wash and fold or fluff and fold services offer monthly subscription plans for their customers. These plans consist of discounted rates and easy monthly payments for clients who frequently bring in clothing for professional cleaning.

Many companies separate their monthly subscription plans into categories based on weight. For example, companies often divide their wash and fold subscription plans into three categories:

1. Small loads
2. Large loads
3. Family-sized loads

Companies then set their monthly subscription prices based on the weight of each category. For example, the small subscription service costs less than the family subscription service because smaller loads weigh less than a family-sized load.

If you’ve gotten this far and found yourself asking, “How many pounds of laundry does each plan include?” you’re not alone. Typically, dry cleaning companies use the following guide to determine pricing.

1. Small-load pricing: Small-load pricing typically applies to a single person who accumulates roughly 30 pounds of laundry per month.
2. Large-load pricing: Two people usually generate twice as much laundry per month, resulting in about 60 pounds of laundry and affordable large-load pricing.
3. Family pricing: Family pricing applies to customers who accumulate more than 60 pounds of laundry per month. Family pricing often offers the most value for customers who accumulate substantial amounts of laundry each month.

Where Do I Find Wash and Fold Services?

Ready to take advantage of wash and fold services? Look no further than Martinizing Dry Cleaning for all your wash and fold needs. Our state-of-the-art commercial washer and dryers, experienced, friendly staff, and flexible hours of operation make us the go-to laundry service in the East Bay area.

If you are wondering, “How does wash and fold work?” or want to schedule regular laundry services, give our Martinizing Dry Cleaning team a call today at 925-938-5000 for the care you can count on.

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The current widespread interest in weighted blankets will inevitably bring questions surrounding how to wash a weighted blanket. Considering the various benefits a weighted blanket can bring to your sleep health, it’s no wonder weighted blankets are experiencing a rise in popularity.

Whether you’re looking into purchasing a weighted blanket or are already a proud owner of one, here is everything you need to know about the care and maintenance of weighted blankets.

Can I Wash a Weighted Blanket?

In short, yes. Weighted blankets need just as much care and maintenance as any other blanket. And just like other blankets, cleaning your weighted blanket will vary depending on a couple of different factors. These factors consist of the weight of the blanket, fabric material, and the type of fill.

How to Wash a Weighted Blanket

Although the maintenance of weighted blankets will vary, there are some general rules of thumb when it comes to cleaning.

First, you must read the specific care instructions for your blanket. Whether that’s from the tag or the company’s website, you should learn your blanket’s specific care instructions.

Part of this process is checking how heavy your weighted blanket is. Its weight will help determine whether you should wash it in a washing machine at home or take it to a laundromat for machines with a larger capacity. Generally, you can wash blankets under 20 pounds at home on a gentle cycle with cold water, but you should take blankets over 20 pounds to a laundromat.

When it comes to drying, it’s best to air dry weighted blankets. You may lay it flat or hang it over a well-ventilated structure. If you want to use a dryer, you should first check with your blanket’s instructions. If it’s suitable for the dryer, ensure that your dryer is on a low or medium setting.

Related: Temperature To Wash White Clothes

Weighted Blanket Washing Tips

There is a general process on how to clean a weighted blanket, but there are some more guidelines that you should take note of.

Different Levels of Cleaning Require Varying Cleaning Methods

First, take note of how much cleaning your blanket requires. If minimal cleaning is needed, you can spot clean with a gentle soap to treat those stains, rinse with cold or warm water, and then air dry your blanket. Like any bedding, it’s best to treat stains immediately after they appear.

Spot cleaning stains should also be done before machine washing or hand washing your weighted blanket. 

Avoid Harsh Products

Another guideline to follow is to avoid fabric softeners and bleach. These products can damage your weighted blanket over time, so only gentle detergents should be used when cleaning your blanket.

Watch Your Washing Frequency

When it comes to washing frequency, it all depends on how often you use your weighted blanket. If it’s used every night, you should wash it every few weeks. If it’s used occasionally, three or four times a year should be enough.

Try to avoid washing your weighted blanket too frequently, as it can damage the feel and decrease its lifespan. Generally, weighted blankets will last about five years, but with enough care, you can enjoy them for even longer.

Where Should I Take My Weighted Blanket to Get Washed?

If you’re looking for a reliable and professional company for weighted blanket maintenance and laundry services in the East Bay area, get in touch with Martinizing Dry Cleaning. With over 15 years of experience offering efficient dry cleaning, we are a local business in the East Bay that our customers trust.

From wedding dress alterations to household item cleaning, our team at Martinizing Dry Cleaning offers the highest level of quality when it comes to dry cleaning. We are committed to providing the most convenient and reliable cleaning experience to the East Bay community. If you’re unsure about how to wash a weighted blanket, contact us today for reliable quality cleaning in the East Bay!

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Although it’s common knowledge that you need to adjust the water temperature depending on what clothes you’re washing, it can still be confusing to know what temperature to wash white clothes. Whether you’re washing bedding, regular clothes, or delicate items, the white fabric should stay bright and clean looking after each wash.

Though a relatively simple process, there are several factors that can help ensure the brightness of your clothing as well as avoid any damage to the fabric or color. From your white clothes wash temperature to some tips on washing whites, here is your guide to washing your white clothes.

What Temperature Do You Wash Whites?

Using the correct water temperature when it comes to washing whites is critical to ensure effective cleaning. Not only can it ensure effective cleaning, but it can also help reduce color bleeding or damage done to the fabric.

First, you should wash white clothes separately. This will help retain the whiteness, keeping your white clothes just as bright. Dirty clothes should always be sorted by color to prevent any color transfer.

Now the common question: do you wash white clothes in hot water? Short answer: Yes, but it depends.

White clothes should generally be washed using hot or warm water. Using higher temperatures for whites can effectively help remove stains and bacteria. However, the most effective temperature depends on the fabric as well. Some fibers will shrink and become weaker in hot water, so the best course of action is to use lukewarm water, ranging between 90 to 110 degrees.

Warm water is ideal for fabrics that will weaken in hot water but won’t be clean in cold water. Not only will warm water effectively clean your clothing from dirt and body oils, but warm water will also help minimize the chance of shrinkage.

When to Use Hot Water for Laundry

Not using hot water when washing white clothing may come as a shock, as the common advice is to wash your white clothing in only hot water. Washing your clothes in hot water is still an option, but you should keep in mind that doing this will lead to faded colors, setting stains, and shrinkage.

However, other types of situations are useful for using hot water. Using hot water for laundry is beneficial when washing:

• Bed and kitchen linens
• Sickbed linens
• Bath towels
• Sweaty garments

Hot water can effectively clean up oily stains and sanitize linens, so it’s best to use this temperature for laundry containing heavily soiled garments

Related: How To Wash A Weighted Blanket

Guidelines to Washing White Clothes

When it comes to washing different types of clothes, there are general guidelines to follow to ensure the best quality clothes even after throwing them in the washing machine.

Pretreat Stains

First, it’s important to pretreat clothing with stains. Stains from grease or perspiration can be treated with liquid detergent by gently rubbing using a clean toothbrush. For any other colored stains, you can try using undiluted liquid oxygen bleach immediately before doing laundry.

Brighten Dull Whites

If you’re looking to brighten dull or old white clothing, washing them with a color remover or using boiling water and oxygen bleach can help give you brighter white fabrics. However, it’s important to keep in mind that every piece of clothing is different, so you should ensure that you’re following the care instructions.

Consider the Fabrics

Certain types of fabrics require different care instructions. For example, you will probably need to separate delicate undergarments from things like white towels or sheets. Sorting laundry by both color and fabric is the best way to avoid damaging your clothing.

Delicates Are Separate

Although we’ve already covered what temp to wash whites in, another general guideline is to wash most delicate whites in cold water. Hot water can easily damage certain fabrics, so using a gentle cycle paired with cold water should suffice for delicates.

Read the Instructions

This tip is important enough to repeat throughout any laundry guide. One of the most important tips is to read and follow the care tag instructions on your clothing. Although these general guidelines inform you how to wash white clothes in what water and what to do with stains, the instructions on your clothes should be followed regardless.

Where to Find Professional Laundry Services

Knowing what temperature to wash white clothes and how to clean your clothing can be difficult and confusing. Turning to professionals can help take the weight off your shoulders and bring some relief knowing that your clothes are properly taken care of.

Martinizing Dry Cleaning is a trusted business for all things dry-cleaning in the East Bay area. With over 15 years of experience providing quality and reliable dry cleaning services, Martinizing Dry Cleaning offers the highest level of standards when it comes to cleaning and customer service. We use green and eco-friendly cleaning methods, ensuring our cleaning experience is good for both your clothes and the environment.

If you’re looking for quality laundry services in the East Bay, get in touch with our highly experienced and professional team at Martinizing Dry Cleaning.

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