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10 Tips for Washing and Caring for Laundry

Tips on how to do laundry properly. Now it’s time for the laundry. With clever tricks, you can care for your textiles sustainably and prevent the colors from fading. For the cleanliness and longevity of your laundry. Sort things worth knowing about detergents, fabric softeners, laundry symbols, and the right laundry.

Hundreds of years ago, housewives had various tricks for getting their laundry clean and flawless. They also allowed the clothing to have a long life. Nowadays, this is primarily done for us by a state-of-the-art and fully electrically controlled machine. But there is still a lot to consider when washing clothes properly.

How do I get my laundry clean?

Sure we can just do our laundry by using the washing machine. But here, too, there is a lot to consider. Which detergent can I use? How do I dose it? Do I need a fabric softener? How can I wash gently? And those are all legitimate questions you’re asking yourself. Because not all of your clothes can take the hot water or the spin cycle. We give you the following tips for washing and caring for your clothes.

1) The right detergent for washing clothes

It is actually almost impossible to find the right detergent among the countless detergents on offer. Therefore, you should try several detergents to find the right one for your appliance. The most important criteria for your detergent should be the following:

  • Refrain from fragrances, because they could cause nasty allergies.
  • Using as few surfactants as possible damages the environment, especially our groundwater.
  • Avoid concentrates, as very few strictly adhere to the dosage recommendations.
  • Do not use detergents with optical brighteners, as these can fade colored and dark clothing.

2) Natural alternatives to conventional detergents

Anyone who walks past the shelves with detergents in the supermarket these days has a huge selection of different brands, fragrances, and promises. But how did our great-grandparents manage to walk out the door clean 100 years ago? Quite simply: In the past, they used completely natural resources. These can currently only be found in organic shops, health food stores, or online.

In this country, the horse chestnut is considered a favorite alternative to conventional detergents. Because this ensures clean laundry. But evergreen ivy can also be used as a variant. The contained saponins have an excellent cleaning effect. You can also make your own laundry detergent. This saves you time and money. Or use the miracle cure baking soda on white clothes.

3) fabric softener, yes or no?

This is the question that most people ask themselves. If you are overly allergic to different products and foods, you should generally stay away from fabric softeners. Because there are too many additives in it. This promotes an allergic reaction. In addition, if a piece of clothing is washed with fabric softener in a single wash, it will still carry it up to 40 washes later. Instead, use our instructions for making your own fabric softener.

4) Substitute for fabric softener

As already mentioned, you can make your own fabric softener. So you can save money and have an environmentally friendly alternative. You can simply use effective vinegar for this. So you have to put a good shot in the fabric softener compartment before washing. This then ensures that the limescale that gets onto the clothing with the water dissolves from the fibers. This also makes the clothes nice and soft. The clothing itself does not smell of vinegar. Because the smell goes away after a few minutes. Vinegar is also used to care for the washing machine. Also, read our article on home remedies for cleaning washing machines.

5) Washing machines can also work quietly

Especially if you live in a multi-family or multi-party house, it is advisable to buy a washing machine that works as quietly as possible. Because old models no longer have to be in today’s technology. Since they make the subtenant’s blanket vibrate with every spin cycle. Therefore, quiet washing machines are an advantage for you and your neighbors. Therefore, pay attention to our tips for buying a new washing machine.

6) A washing machine that is too full cannot wash

The operating instructions for each washing machine state how much clothing the respective drum can and should hold. If you do not take this into account, you will not have an optimal washing result and the clothes may still be dirty. In addition, the drum will eventually rattle and no longer run smoothly. That’s why you should take the loading specification seriously. As a result, your laundry will be properly washed and clean. In addition, your washing machine will work longer. In addition, you’d better wash some clothes by hand. Read our contribution to the question washing machine or hand wash? And our easy hand wash guide for delicate clothes.

7) Does the sun really bleach?

Yes, she does! Experienced laundresses hung their white tablecloths and tops on the clothesline in the backyard as soon as the sun shone. Because that not only served to dry the laundry quickly but also to fade stains from the sun. And that works fine. So don’t use bleach, just wait until the sun shines and then get out with the light-colored textiles. Also, read our instructions on how to bleach your lawn.

8) Dose detergent according to water hardness

Different levels of water hardness can prevail in households. Depending on the hardness of the water, a different detergent is recommended. If you don’t know exactly how hard your water is, you can find out more from your local waterworks. And then dose your detergent accordingly. This way you can achieve an optimal washing result. And at the same time not burdening the environment with unnecessary detergent consumption. You can save on detergent with a phone call and also do something good for the environment. Also note our contribution to cleaning, drying, and caring for down comforters.

9) Gentle wash with a pillowcase

Nothing is more annoying after washing than small holes in the thin fabrics of clothing. That’s why you should always pay attention to the gentle cleaning of your delicates during the wash cycle. You should use an old pillowcase as a laundry cover when washing in the machine. And use the gentle cycle at the same time. This will prevent the lint filter in your washing machine from becoming clogged. Accordingly, the pillowcase is optimal protection for your clothes from holes and tears. Also, note our article on the 6 most common mistakes when doing laundry.

10) Close zipper when washing

Many people mistake holes in clothing caused by zippers for small moth holes. In reality, however, the small teeth of the zipper quickly tear holes in clothing. Therefore, you should close zips before washing. You also prevent your zipper from working after the wash cycle. Therefore, check your clothes for zippers before washing. If it does happen, you can loosen the stuck zipper with candle wax.

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Lifestyle

Washing Soda as an Environmentally Friendly Helper in the Household

Washing soda is used in the home to clean dirty surfaces. It doesn’t matter whether it’s fat deposits, burnt pots, or dirty white laundry, the miracle cure of washing soda will help you quickly and easily. It is also a cheap and environmentally friendly alternative.

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly alternative, the soda is just the ticket. With this, you can remove even stubborn dirt. In addition, the smell of sweat can also be combated with soda. Consequently, we will show you the areas of application that you should know.

Laundry soda as an environmentally friendly alternative

Why is straight soda an eco-friendly alternative? Naturally occurring sodium carbonate is a mineral. And unlike other chemical detergents, it does not contain surfactants, but on the contrary, can neutralize these acidic degradation products of surfactants. This is possible thanks to the alkaline properties of the washing soda. Consequently, it is an eco-friendly option.

Areas of application of washing soda

As already mentioned, pure soda is a cheap and environmentally friendly cleaning alternative. Therefore, you should definitely have it in the household. Consequently, we will show you where and how you can best use it. You can also get the washing soda in drugstores or simply on the Internet:

1) Clean soda to a baking sheet

There are some home remedies for cleaning the baking sheet. That includes the soda. When combined with hot water, the mixture turns into strong lye. This allows you to effortlessly remove stubborn dirt. So mix 2-3 tablespoons of plain soda with hot water. Then put the mixture on the baking sheet and let it work for some time. Then rinse everything thoroughly. You now have a clean baking sheet.

2) A clogged drain

If you have a clogged drain in the kitchen or bathroom, you don’t need to call a professional handyman right away. Instead, first, try to remove the dirt with pure soda and the effective household remedy vinegar. To unclog the clogged drain, add 2-3 tablespoons of the soda. After that, pour a small cup of vinegar afterward. Then let everything take effect and foam vigorously. After a longer exposure time, you should rinse with water.

3) Remove fatty deposits with washing soda

You can also remove annoying fat deposits with sodium carbonate. That is why it is so popular with many people. To do this, dissolve some washing soda in water as needed. If you like, add a little dish soap. You can then use it to clean greasy surfaces with ease. However, the soda is not suitable for all surfaces. Therefore, do not use it on aluminum, glass, or painted surfaces. It works similarly with the popular household remedy baking powder.

4) Clean baked pots with soda

Similar to the baking tray, burnt pots or pans can also be cleaned with soda. So you can fill the pot with water and 2-3 teaspoons of soda. Then let it all boil up. After letting it simmer for a bit, you can rinse the pot with water. The burned-in should now be gone.

5) Make dish soap yourself

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly alternative to dish soap, make your own dish soap with soda. To do this, take an empty jar. Then add a teaspoon of baking soda and a tablespoon of straight soda. Then fill the vessel with water. You can also add a few drops of essential oil for a pleasant scent. Finally, close the jar and mix the mixture by gently shaking. Also, note our household remedies and tips for cleaning the kitchen.

6) Clean white laundry with washing soda

The pure washing soda is just as well suited for washing white laundry. So you can add washing soda instead of detergent. Or you make your own detergent. For this, you need 2 tbsp washing soda and 15g of neutral curd soap, preferably grated. Then mix the ingredients with a liter of water and you have your own eco-friendly laundry detergent. But you shouldn’t use soda on delicate natural fibers. Also, read our other laundry tips.

7) Remove sweat odor with pure soda

Not only the odors in the washing machine are neutralized by the pure soda. The smell of sweat in your laundry can also be removed in this way. In addition, some people also swear by soda when it comes to combating sweaty feet and hands with home remedies. So put a little of the soda on a damp cloth and rub it on your feet. Then you have to rub your feet dry.

8) Pure soda for washing machine cleaning

It’s not just your white laundry that benefits from pure soda, your washing machine does too. Because as a home remedy for cleaning washing machines, it can eliminate bad odors. You can also use it with white laundry during the wash cycle. This saves you time and energy. That’s why it’s worth using washing soda.

9) Remove moss with washing soda

If you have a patio and moss settles there after a while, use washing soda to help. To do this, dilute some washing soda in water. You can now use it to scrub away the moss on the terrace or balcony. Also, read our tips for terrace design, so it can become an oasis of well-being. You can also use the soda to remove moss from old tombstones.

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Washing Sensitive Clothing by Hand – This is How it Works

Almost every household has a washing machine, but delicate items of clothing are often unsuitable for this. What now? Do you go to the dry cleaners or do you prefer to wash by hand?

What temperature for handwashing?

Hand washing is not as complicated as you might think at first glance. And you don’t need a tumble dryer to get your favorite pieces back in shape. It doesn’t matter whether it’s your favorite jacket or an evening dress, the first thing you should do with all items of clothing is the label beforehand washing them. Because even if you don’t put your clothes in the machine, temperature specifications may have to be observed. These help you to ensure that your best piece does not shrink and that you do not bring your favorite classics out of shape by washing them incorrectly. You can easily determine the temperature with a bathtub thermometer.

The right detergent for sensitive clothing

It is best to use a washbowl or a corresponding basin, where you fill in enough water at the required temperature. Then add the detergent according to the recommended dosage. But be careful: you have to make sure that the detergent is suitable. A mild detergent is the best choice for many sensitive items of clothing. On the other hand, if the item is made of wool, you should use a wool detergent. If you need to remove stains first, you can treat them with cold water or a suitable stain remover. Please also note our tips for removing make-up stains with the effective gall soap.

Hand wash instructions

Once you have found the right temperature and detergent for your hand wash, you can begin. To do this, choose a bucket suitable for the laundry or wash larger items by hand in the bathtub. You should proceed as follows so that everything works perfectly:

Step 1: Soak

You now put the garment completely into the soapy water and move it back and forth a little. Be careful not to twirl, rub, or scrub, as this will distort the delicate fabric fibers. Now wait about 30 minutes and let your clothes soak. If stains are still visible afterward, add more warm water and extend the time. Here, too, make sure that you do not exceed the maximum temperature on the washing label.

Step 2: Rinse

The next step is to drain the soapy water or empty the tub. Now fill it with cold, fresh water and gently squeeze out the garment inside. Repeat this process until no more foam comes out of the fabric. The water must remain completely clear before the next step, as soap residue can cause discoloration.

Step 3: Express

After the cold water runs clear, empty the tub again and squeeze the liquid out of the fabric. Please make sure that you do not rub, twirl or even wring, as this will damage the fabric. Spread a dry towel on the floor and place your garment on it. Now you can carefully pull it back into shape. Now roll up the towel along with your clothing to draw even more moisture out of the fabric. And you’re done with the hand wash. In addition, read our guide to removing stubborn stains with lawn bleach.

Hand wash to dry properly

After you have largely removed the excess water with the towel, you can start drying the clothes. Layout a wide, dry towel on the drying rack or a table and spread out the washed clothes on it. Now you let it dry until there is no more liquid in the tissue. Make sure to turn every 2-4 hours so the garment dries evenly.

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Caring for Wool and Washing Wool Sweaters

Lots of useful tips for caring for wool. Now properly care for woolen clothing and wash woolen jumpers gently. Because clothing made from the natural material wool is still trendy. But many do not even know about the special care for the extremely sensitive material.

Wool is a natural material that is comfortable to wear. And with the right care, it can keep you nice and warm for a long time. But good, high-quality wool, such as mohair, cashmere, or silk, is expensive. You should also take good care of your woolen clothing so that you can wear it for as long as possible.

The advantages of soft wool

Wool has the extremely useful property that its outer skin repels both water and dirt. It is often sufficient if you shake out clothes made of real wool. Or brush the woolen clothes to get them clean again. Since the wool fiber has a scaly structure similar to that of human hair, it requires a particularly gentle washing program. If you look at them under the microscope, you can see the scaly structure of the wool fiber.

How do I wash wool sweaters?

How should I care for my new wool sweater? Should I wash the new wool sweater in the washing machine or by hand? Most of the time, the label on the sweater will give you an answer. Because if it is a machine washable knitwear, you can wash the sweater in the washing machine without hesitation. Because in this case the wool is covered with a wafer-thin layer of synthetic resin. Otherwise, you should prefer a hand wash. Consequently, we give you tips for washing wool.

1) The right detergent for wool

Basically, wool consists of creatine, a protein that makes it very elastic. In order to maintain this elasticity and not lose it during washing, you should always wash wool garments with a special detergent for wool. Or at least use a mild detergent. Because the detergent must be tailored to the sensitive fiber. If it is too strong, there is a risk that the wool fiber will become brittle and hard or otherwise damaged. You might also be interested in our article on making your own laundry detergent.

2) wool sweater in the washing machine

There are many tips for washing and caring for laundry. But you should wash wool at a maximum of 30 degrees or cold. If the sweater is to be washed on the full cycle, you can first put a large amount of water in the washing machine before adding the knitwear. However, you should only fill the washing machine a third full with clothes. You should also avoid using fabric softener. Because this would smooth the surface of the wool fibers too much. This allows the wool to wear out.

3) Hand wash program for wool

Some washing machines have a special hand wash program. That’s why you can use it to wash your woolen clothes without hesitation. Because the clothes are only moved slightly, as would be the case with hand washing. Here too, the rinsing water has the same temperature as the washing water. But if you want to be on the safe side, wash your wool clothes by hand. This way you can avoid matted laundry.

4) Note sorting of the same color

If you want to wash several items of clothing made of wool, you should always sort them by color. Because colored clothing is often chemically treated. If the color is then not washfast, the color may bleed. Color bleeding from dark clothing causes light clothing to discolor quickly. You should also avoid other common mistakes when doing laundry.

5) Dry wool clothes properly

After each wash, you should only wring out the woolen clothing moderately. Then lay them out on a dry towel. Thus, the moisture is sucked out of the garment more quickly. Under no circumstances should you hang up the wool sweater on a clothes hanger or clothesline. Because this would lead to unsightly deformations. Drying in the tumble dryer should also be avoided, as the sweater would otherwise shrink enormously. Also, read our clever tips for drying laundry.

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Food

Washing or Soaking Rice – Does That Make Sense?

Before preparing it, you should wash and soak rice. We explain why and what you should pay attention to.

At first glance, it is actually quite easy to cook rice. If we take a closer look at the topic, it becomes apparent that there are quite a few things to consider when preparing rice. It’s not just about the consistency and taste of the cooked rice, but also about the health aspects. Find out here why you should definitely wash and soak rice.

Washing and soaking rice: That’s why it’s so important

Some people cook rice directly without washing it first. Others swear by washing the grains thoroughly beforehand. Very few, however, remember to soak the rice beforehand. These are important steps, because with the right preparation you can reduce the arsenic contained in rice.

Background: In recent years, various studies and investigations have repeatedly found arsenic residues in rice. Arsenic is a semi-metal that occurs naturally. This element is classified as “carcinogenic to humans” according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). This is why there have been maximum levels for arsenic residues in rice and rice products in the EU since 2016.
Arsenic can also be found in other foods such as bread or cow’s milk, but rice is particularly contaminated. This is because the rice fields are flooded during cultivation and the arsenic is released from the soil. Arsenic was found in all six products examined in a WDR random sample study. More information on this topic: Arsenic in food.
Due to the arsenic residues found, the Federal Office for Risk Assessment (BfR) advises against consuming rice too frequently and in too large quantities. Instead, you should replace rice and rice products with other grains and foods – especially for babies and children. Incidentally, brown rice and parboiled rice are particularly affected, since the arsenic is mainly deposited in the outer layers of the grain. However, these types of rice also contain more valuable nutrients than white, polished rice.
But you don’t have to do without rice completely, because the method of preparation plays a major role and can significantly reduce the arsenic content in rice. It is important to wash the rice before preparation – and preferably even soak it.

Soaking, washing and cooking rice: arsenic content

There are two popular methods of cooking rice: the swelling method and the water method. (More info on the two methods: Cook rice)

Culinary connoisseurs argue about which method gives the rice the best consistency and tastes best. Scientists, on the other hand, want to find the preparation method that can remove the most arsenic from the rice.

A study from 2015 took on this task and tested various methods. The results for this:

Thorough washing can leach some arsenic from the rice.
The arsenic contained can be reduced even more by soaking the rice for several hours beforehand.
The rice-water ratio when cooking is also crucial. With the swelling method (water 2:1 rice) almost all of the arsenic remains. For the test, the researchers cooked the rice in the ratios 3:1, 6:1 and 12:1. The more water you use, the more arsenic you can end up rinsing out with the cooking water.
The researchers achieved the best result by soaking the rice overnight, then washing it and then boiling it in water at a ratio of 12:1. With this method, over 80 percent of the arsenic could be reduced.
These findings apply to all rice varieties examined. The exact percentage of arsenic content varies depending on the type of rice. You can find this in the linked study.

Step-by-step instructions: wash and prepare rice

According to research, you should soak and wash rice beforehand. Also, a relatively high water to rice ratio is important for cooking. However, so that you don’t have to use too much energy to heat the water, we do not recommend the 12:1 ratio, but a ratio of 5:1. This represents a good compromise and is also recommended by the BBC, based on the findings of Prof Meharg, one of the authors of the study mentioned above.

Prepare rice correctly – instructions:

Soak the rice in enough water overnight. To do this, cover the rice with water by about an inch.
Drain the water the next day.
Then wash the rice with water until the waste water is clear and no longer cloudy. This not only flushes out arsenic, but also excess starch and any impurities.
Place the rice in a saucepan with water in a 1:5 ratio.
Once the water is boiling, turn the heat down to low. Then let the rice simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes. The exact cooking time varies depending on the type of rice.
Drain the cooking water and drain the rice in a colander.

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Use Washing Machine or Hand Wash?

There is a washing machine in every household these days. Operating the washing machine is not difficult, but which laundry actually belongs in the washing machine? With the following tips and tricks, it will be easier to clean your clothes correctly in the washing machine or by hand in the future.

Do I still have to wash the laundry by hand?

Doing laundry wasn’t easy in the past. Because in the last centuries it was usual to clean the laundry by hand at any time. The housewives soaked their clothes in a large cauldron for 24 hours before they worked them by hand with various tools such as washboards. Since this washing process could take several days, people only put in a washing day every few weeks. Today we have high-tech devices that make life easier. This includes the washing machine. But not every piece of clothing is suitable for the washing machine.

1) When is hand washing of textiles necessary?

Although a washing machine is now standard equipment in a household, many people wash their textiles by hand. Even today there are some situations in which there is no way around handwashing. Consequently, you should also prefer hand washing in the following cases:

  • Silk and wool are delicate textiles. They can be damaged in the washing machine despite the appropriate washing programs. It is better to wash these textiles by hand.
  • Garments that rub off can in principle be washed in the washing machine – in individual wash cycles. However, this procedure consumes a lot of electricity and water and is time-consuming. It can therefore make more sense to hand wash textiles that stain.
  • A defective washing machine due to a move or other unplanned situations makes hand washing a suitable means again. If you don’t feel like laundry service, wash the laundry by hand in a water bath.

2) Observe care instructions and sort laundry accordingly

When washing clothes with the washing machine, it is customary to sort the laundry according to color and material beforehand. It is also important to pay attention to the care instructions for the clothing when washing the clothes. Because washing a garment wrong ruins the fabric and makes it unsightly. In the worst case, the clothes can no longer be worn after washing.

Consequently, it is advisable to find out about the explanation of various laundry symbols in order to avoid mistakes in the future. Furthermore, it makes sense to only wash identical fabrics together. White laundry, colored laundry, and special items of clothing made of fine fabrics such as wool or silk should be washed separately. And for some items of clothing, hand washing is explicitly indicated, especially here you should take the washing recommendation seriously. The symbol usually shows a hand reaching into a kind of tub.

3) Which detergents are suitable for handwashing?

Delicate items of clothing should only be soaked briefly before washing. Liquid detergent is preferable to powder detergent for washing by hand. Because the powder is anything but skin-friendly and makes your hands rough. As far as the detergent is concerned, special delicates or wool detergents are suitable for sensitive textiles. Detergents for coloreds are more suitable for the clothes that go in the washing machine. Also, it doesn’t hurt to use rubber gloves when washing by hand to protect the skin from inflammation. You can also use this to make a mild detergent yourself.

4) Dry laundry after cycle or hand wash

The washed laundry – regardless of whether it comes from the washing machine or the water bath – can be dried in the air. The following applies to hand washing: It is best to wrap the textiles in a bath towel beforehand and let them lie flat to dry. If a dryer is used, only non-sensitive fabrics may go into the dryer. Either way, it’s important to flatten and hang up the finished laundry. If the laundry is left in the laundry basket or washing machine for a long time after washing, there will be musty smells in the washing machine and clothes. And it is then more difficult to iron the textiles. Therefore, note further tips on how to dry laundry properly. These help for perfectly dry laundry.

5) How can the washing machine be used in an energy-efficient manner?

Costs can be saved in the household by using the washing machine in an energy-efficient manner. In principle, it is worth fully loading the washing machine and setting the washing program gently. The material is preserved in the long term and you can save electricity with the washing machine. In this context, washing at low temperatures (30 or 40 degrees Celsius) has proven itself, whereby a detergent containing bleach can be used once a month to prevent biofilms from forming on the textiles. If infections occur in the household, it also makes sense to wash the textiles at high temperatures. This applies to non-sensitive textiles such as linen towels, nightgowns, pajamas, or hand and tea towels.

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Clean Smelly Washing Machine with Home Remedies

A smelly washing machine and smelly laundry are annoying. In order to effectively remove bad odors, you need to clean your washing machine regularly. Simple tricks and natural home remedies can help here.

Reasons for an unpleasant smell of the laundry

Laundry that is freshly removed from the washing machine and smells unpleasant is very annoying. But why is this? Experts agree that liquid detergent and fabric softener are the main causes of this problem. Of course, the liquid detergent is a win for the environment, but the washing machine doesn’t like it that much. In order to be able to avoid smelly laundry, you should look around for clever detergent alternatives.

How often to clean the washing machine?

You should also clean your washing machine regularly to avoid smelly washing machines and smelly laundry. So you can benefit from the long service life of your device. But how often do I have to clean the device?

At the latest when your clothes smell bad after washing, you should clean your washing machine. It is also advisable to run a wash cycle at hot temperatures once a month without laundry. As a result, you can fight germs and bacteria. You should also regularly remove dust from the device with a damp cloth. You should also clean the fluff filter, the seals, and the detergent container once a month. In this way, you can prevent and neutralize unpleasant odors. Simple household remedies are sufficient for cleaning the washing machine.

1) Vinegar against limescale

If there are coarser deposits, you should instead use the home remedy vinegar essence. Then put this home remedy in the washing machine with an old bed sheet and let it work at 95 degrees to clean the washing machine. Then run a program 1-2 more times. This is the only way to completely remove the vinegar essence. Fat and other deposits are then effectively removed.

2) Citric acid for cleaning washing machines

Citric acid is cheap, environmentally friendly, efficient, and available in every drugstore. It will help you loosen limescale without damaging delicate rubber components as vinegar does. It is also a good way to descale the washing machine. Accordingly, put a maximum of eight tablespoons of citric acid in the empty washing machine (directly in the drum). Then choose a washing program with a maximum of 40 °C and start the machine without laundry. Once 50 percent of the wash time has elapsed, pause the wash program for two hours. This allows the citric acid to take effect. Then end the washing program. In the following video, you can watch the cleaning procedure with citric acid and find out why the acid must not be heated above 40 degrees.

3) Baking soda against dirt

Using baking soda can also keep the machine clean. To do this, mix two bags of baking soda with a little water. Then put the paste directly into the washing drum or detergent compartment. Then run the smelly washing machine on a hot wash cycle. You will quickly enjoy nice-smelling and clean laundry. In addition, note useful tips for descaling the kettle.

4) Cleaning with soda

Cleaning the washing machine with the home remedy washing soda is environmentally friendly and easy. Because you can add this to the laundry during a normal washing program. This saves water and energy. Consequently, simply add 1-2 tablespoons of soda directly into the detergent drawer with the detergent. In addition, soda has outstanding advantages:

  • more powerful than baking soda
  • gentle on seals
  • versatile usable
  • Cheap

5) Clean in washing machine with baking soda

If you don’t have soda at home, you can also use the popular home remedy baking soda to clean a smelly washing machine because baking soda helps against odors, limescale, and bacteria. It is used without washing: Put 50 grams in the washing machine and run a full wash cycle at a minimum of 40 °C.

Important tips for using the washing machine

In addition to the home remedies mentioned, there are a few tips and tricks that you should take to heart. Otherwise, it can quickly happen that you have to buy a new washing machine. But don’t panic with the following tip your washing machine will last for a long time without problems:

6) Allow moisture to escape

To keep your washing machine from smelling, you should always let the moisture escape. To do this, avoid closing the washing machine door. It must always be open so that the device can dry well after use and no mold forms. You should also keep the detergent compartment open so that the residual moisture can escape. In line with the topic, also note tips for reducing high humidity.

7) Occasional heat wash

As already mentioned, low temperatures are often to blame when clothes smell bad. Microorganisms multiply rapidly in humid climates. Therefore, occasionally run your machine at high temperatures (60 – 95 degrees. Then germs and bacteria die. At 30 – 40 degrees, only a small part of the microbes in the laundry is washed out. While at 60 degrees, significantly more Therefore, wash underwear, tea towels, and cleaning cloths at this temperature. For all other clothes, follow the care instructions for the textiles. However, if a family member is ill, it would be advisable to wash their laundry separately at 60 degrees.

8) Clean detergent compartment and lint filter

High temperatures at regular intervals are good but only help to a limited extent with dirt in the detergent compartment. Because detergent and fabric softener residues often remain in the compartments, causing mold to form. Since the entire detergent drawer can usually be removed in just a few simple steps, cleaning is possible without any problems. How to remove the element can be found in the instructions for use of the washing machine.

Then hot water and a good brush are enough to remove dirt without leaving any residue. You can also use some citric acid if necessary. Then let all components dry thoroughly. Likewise, a foul smell can emanate from the fluff filter. If this is rarely emptied, hair, lint, and many other components accumulate. The machine manufacturers provide individual information about the correct removal and cleaning of the sieve.

9) Maintain door seal

The door seal in the porthole of the washing machine provides a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Since the surfaces here are constantly damp and clogged with hair, fluff, and detergent residue, soiling is inevitable. Here, too, citric acid is a reliable helper. Accordingly, put a few squirts of the home remedy on a rag and wipe the entire sealing ring thoroughly with it. And your washing machine stays clean.

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Cooking Tips

Washing Fruit Properly: What to Do About Pesticides on the Skin?

You should wash fruit before eating it – especially fruit from conventional agriculture, because it is almost always contaminated with pollutants. We show you effective tips and home remedies.

Pollutants are everywhere

In conventional agriculture, pesticides are used as standard to combat pests, diseases and weeds – the consumption of which is usually also harmful to human health. Fruit and vegetables are also treated for transport so that they survive the long journey undamaged. You can find more information about pesticides here.

Consumers will therefore find food in the supermarket that is not suitable for immediate consumption, but should first be washed thoroughly. Although within the EU certain maximum residue levels of pesticides may not be exceeded, smaller amounts are almost always present.

In 2020, the Oldenburg Food and Veterinary Institute tested 79 samples of apples, of which only those from organic cultivation showed no residues of pesticides. Even if the EU only assumes a health-damaging effect above a certain value, the following still applies: the fewer pollutants, the better. We will show you what is important when washing fruit and vegetables.

Wash or peel fruit?

Most of the pesticide residues are on the skin of the fruit. So is it better to peel the fruit?

While this would actually be the most effective way to remove pesticide residues. However, most of the vitamins are also found in the peel. It is therefore advisable to wash the fruit well and eat the peel as well. Because it is precisely the peel that makes the fruit really healthy.

With organically grown fruit and vegetables, you can safely eat the peel after washing. You can read about the requirements that foodstuffs must meet under the EU organic seal in another article.

Wash fruit properly: This is how you remove the pesticide residues

Pesticide residues are mainly found on the skin. You have to wash them off before you eat them. However, some pesticides also penetrate under the peel and are not removed by simply washing.

For fruit with an edible skin, you should wash the fruit thoroughly under warm running water and then rub dry with a kitchen towel. The water jet and vigorous rubbing already removes a large part of the pesticides. Rubbing the apple quickly on the trouser leg, on the other hand, is of little use, as this only removes some dust and dirt on the surface. With more sensitive fruits such as berries or apricots, you have to be a little more careful when patting dry.

In general, only wash fruit just before eating it. Because fruits are surrounded by a natural protective layer. The water will damage it and the fruit will spoil faster.

Homemade fruit and vegetable cleaner

You can remove pesticides even more reliably than with water with a household remedy, namely with commercially available baking soda (sodium bicarbonate). This is according to a 2017 study at the University of Massachusetts. The scientists washed the apples treated with the fungicide thiabendazole and the pesticide phosmet in three different ways – with chlorine bleach, a baking soda solution and with tap water.

The baking soda and water mixture removed most of the pesticides on the skin, provided the baking soda solution was allowed to sit on the fruit for around 15 minutes. However, pollutants that had penetrated the skin of the apples were less successful in removing them with this method.

Washing fruit with a baking soda solution before eating is an effective way to remove pesticide residues. However, this means quite a lot of effort for a piece of fruit, especially the 15-minute waiting time. If you want to be on the safe side, organic products are still the best choice.

What you should also consider: Five tips for pesticide-free fruit

The easiest and most effective way to avoid pesticides is to buy organic fruit. There, chemical-synthetic pesticides are forbidden in cultivation.
Even if you peel the fruit, you should still wash it first. Because if you cut it up or peel it, pollutants on the peel get into the pulp. This applies, for example, to citrus fruits, avocados or melons.
Buy local and seasonal fruits and vegetables whenever possible. In this way you avoid long transport routes, for which the food is additionally treated. Fruit from the EU is also usually subject to stricter requirements with regard to the pesticides used. We help you to find regional products.
Avoid cleaning with dish soap. You get rid of a little more pesticides this way than just rinsing your fruit with water. However, residues from dishwashing detergent can also be harmful to health.

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Washing Machine Not Draining? That Could Be The Reason and You Can do That

You put a load of laundry in the washing machine. At first everything works perfectly, but then: The washing machine no longer drains. What has to be done now?

Washing machine won’t drain: what you can do now

Sometimes a few little tricks or checks help. First of all: does the machine have electricity? Simple but not negligible. Just turn it off and on again. Are the lights on the machine lit? If not, is the plug in correctly? The next easy step is to check the fuses in the fuse box. If not, these can be reactivated, but this may indicate an electrical problem in the wiring system and may require investigation.

Most modern washing machines have a display. Looking at it can help one identify a possible problem if an error code is displayed. Depending on the manufacturer, this code consists of various lines, a pictogram or a combination of letters and numbers. You can then check this code in the operating instructions or on the manufacturer’s website and narrow down the error.

You can also help yourself without an error code by performing some fairly simple checks. If you set the machine to “pump out”, just listen to see if the pump is running. Does she rattle? Or makes strange noises? Then it may be defective. However, if it sounds normal, the drain hose could be the first cause. Due to the vibrations, it can happen that it is kinked. That could be the cause. Or it can be a button, a coin or something else that prevents free flow. You can check this yourself with a little skill. You pull it out of the pipe into which it ends, possibly unscrew it on the machine. Then, if you pour water in at one end, it should flow out at the other end. If this is not the case, remove the blockage, screw it back on and try it out. It may also be necessary to place the hose in a water bath that has been enriched with a fat-dissolving agent to remove deposits. A compressor and a lot of air can also be helpful. Just blow it out.

Still not pumping? Now it gets a little more difficult

Another problem can be a clogged lint filter. This separates the pump from the drain area and should be cleaned at least once a month. On most machines, this screen is located behind a flap at the front. You open this, then you can unscrew the sieve and clean it. But a certain amount of caution is required here! If the machine stopped during the washing process, the water content in the drum will drain out immediately. It is therefore essential to have suitable collecting vessels ready. Clean the fluff filter, put it back in and try it out. By the way, since the water has run out of the machine in this case, you can now also take out the laundry. If nothing has helped up to that point, it gets more complicated. You should only try the following suggested solutions if you have a certain level of manual dexterity and possibly also the appropriate tools.

Another possibility is that the drum V-belt has come off or snapped. As in a car, where it drives the alternator and various other units, this belt is there to connect the washing drum and the engine. If it breaks, the drum stands still. To check this, first disconnect the device from the power supply. Depending on the machine, you then have to remove the rear wall, which is firmly connected to the machine with several screws. If it is removed, you can see immediately whether the strap is present. You then press the strap together with your hand. Is he tight? Or can you push it far through? In this case it is worn out and no longer transmits the power of the motor to the drum, in which case it must be replaced. A look at the manual can tell you which part you need. If necessary, you must also contact the manufacturer. However, since this can be a tricky matter under certain circumstances, you should consider having a specialist carry out this repair.

If the drain pump is defective, there is no way around repairing or replacing it. However, a lot of expertise and skill is required here. If you are unsure, you should only hire a specialist there. Here, however, the factor of economic efficiency already comes into play. A final possibility is an electronic defect. As already mentioned, this can be indicated by an error code on the display. He checks the electronics and can tell you what is defective and what the costs are. In this area in particular, repairs often become very expensive very quickly. Then you have to consider whether a repair is still worthwhile if the machine is already well outside the warranty period, or whether buying a new one is a more economical alternative.

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The Washing Machine Eats Socks – or Does it? Where Are The Clothes Going?

Probably everyone knows the phenomenon of the “eaten” sock in the washing machine. But why do so many socks actually disappear when washing – and what can I do about it?

Why do socks disappear in the washing machine?

Sometimes we blame the washing machine even though we misplaced the sock ourselves or it disappeared among the other clothes we were washing. In fact, the machine is often really the culprit. The so-called bellows are responsible for this, i.e. the rubber seal between the laundry drum and the washing machine door. This actually prevents liquids from leaking out during the washing process. When the drum is spun at around 1000 revolutions per minute, high forces are generated. To prevent water, detergent or foam from getting into the housing, there is a rubber ring between the moving drum and the front of the washing machine.

If the washing machine is too full, the laundry cannot move freely when turning and small items of clothing, such as socks, are pushed through the gap between the rubber and the drum. Larger items can also get caught there, but they pull the rest of the laundry back into the drum.

The swallowed sock, on the other hand, now wanders through the inside of the machine. Should she reach the bottom of the case, she will wait there until the washing machine is unscrewed for inspection and the missing items of clothing are collected. But when the sock gets to the heating element, it usually gets caught there and actually dissolves over time. The only strange thing is that usually only one sock is “eaten” by the machine and the corresponding counterpart reappears between the rest of the laundry.

Tip: how to never lose your socks again in the wash

By the way: Old washing machines are more susceptible to the phenomenon than newer models. But you don’t have to buy a new machine straight away. It would be helpful to put a new rubber seal between the door and the drum.

An easy-to-implement trick is to always pay attention to the correct filling quantity when loading in order to avoid the drum being too full. You can also tie the socks together before washing so that you end up with a complete pair.

To be on the safe side, a laundry bag in which you can pack your clothes is ideal. This is also recommended for bras, by the way, to prevent them from getting caught in the machine. Alternatively, there are sock clips or holders that make the tiresome sock drama a thing of the past.

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