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4 Cleaning Hacks to Make Laundry Day Easier

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Laundry day can seem like a drag sometimes, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are a few simple changes that can make a big difference.

1. Limit your laundry essentials.

Having fewer products can save a lot of space, says Loom Towels designer Mikala James, whose must-haves include a natural detergent and a laundry bag. “If you use a natural laundry detergent, then you really only need one ­— it can be used on your delicates, woolens and general clothes,” she explains. “You can also buy a concentrated detergent, so it’s a smaller bottle than usual.” Laundry bags for small delicates are another essential. “I love these,” says James. “It means you can put a bra in a normal wash cycle and know the hooks won’t catch on anything and it’ll be washed gently.”

2. Care for your towels correctly.

Give them an initial 12- to 24-hour soak in cold water. This process allows the cotton to expand, and helps it to be highly absorbent. “The more you use and wash your towels, the softer and more absorbent they become,” James says. “Everyday care is simple: a warm gentle machine wash with a natural laundry detergent — I love the Tangent GC ($22, Amazon) range — is all that’s required.”

3. Freshen up with essential oils.

“If you put things in the dryer, I’ve got a tip to make your laundry smell extra nice and fresh,” James says. “Get an old (clean!) sock, dampen it, and dab it with two drops of essential oil of choice. Then, turn the sock inside out and throw it in the dryer with the rest of your clothes.”

4. Create a beautiful bathroom.

You’ll love doing the laundry when you have towels that double as decor. “Your bathroom is a room you spend a lot of time in, so it should be beautiful,” James says. In addition to double-duty textiles, some of her favorite items include a candle, a handmade ceramic soap dish, and an organizer by Hay. “As the name suggests, these clear- or color-lidded bowls are perfect for storing odds and ends, such as hair ties and jewelry, in the bathroom,” she says. “Also, never underestimate how much plants or a simple bunch of flowers can lift both a room and your mood.”

This post was written by Marnie Hawson. For more, check out our sister site, Homes to Love.

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