As GH’s resident Household Advice Editor, who’s also tested washing machines at the GHI for several years, I anticipate burning questions from friends, family and colleagues alike. Whether it’s advice on mystery stain removal or how to get a better performance from the washing machine, my brain is picked daily.
Of course, some questions are asked more often than others. In fact, I’ve listed four of the most popular ones here, along with the solutions, to set the record straight.
Q: How often should you wash bed sheets?
A: Most experts recommend washing your bed sheets at least every two weeks, although weekly is best if you suffer from allergies. As much as twice a week may be needed if you let pets sleep on the bed. You can avoid this by letting your pets sleep on a dedicated blanket and washing that instead. Alternatively, you could invest in a dog bed.
Q: How can I make my laundry smell fresh when I live in a flat?
A: It’s difficult to make your clothes smell like they’ve been dried outdoors when you don't have a garden or balcony (or it’s raining). But there are solutions. You can dry your clothes on a retractable clothes horse. It's a nifty space-saver and prevents the temptation to leave laundry in the machine when the weather isn’t playing ball. Just make sure clothes are spaced out properly on the airer.
To keep that dreaded musty smell at bay when drying indoors, you could use a fabric conditioner like Lenor Outdoorable. With SolarDry technology — which mimics the reaction of the sun on your freshly-washed laundry — and musty odour defence, your laundry gets that sun-dried freshness which makes slipping into a piece of clean clothing or fresh bedding such a treat.
Lenor Outdoorable comes in a variety of scents to please every nose. Spring Awakening is bursting with breezy marine notes and citrusy goodness, and is a classic crowd pleaser, while the crisp tones of pine in Northern Solstice make for an airy and energising freshness. Floral Fresh’s blend of sweet and comforting notes will be a favourite for those partial to a rosier, more romantic scent.
Our favourite laundry produts
Q: Can you put trainers in the washing machine?
A: Some trainers can go in the washing machine, but there are a few rules to follow. First, the care label needs to confirm they’re suitable. If no instructions are given, canvas shoes are generally safe, but avoid running shoes, tennis shoes or those with leather.
After excess mud is removed, take off the laces and wash in a small mesh bag alongside your trainers, or soak in an oxy-bleach solution. The trainers can go in their own larger mesh bag and be loaded alongside towels in the washing machine to balance the load. Use a gentle cycle with cold water if no instructions are given. Air-dry in a ventilated space, but avoid the sun to prevent fading. Don’t use the tumble dryer – it will damage the trainers and could be a fire hazard.
Q: How can I prevent faded colours?
There are several ways to keep colours from fading. One solution is to use a fabric conditioner such as Lenor Outdoorable, which not only gives clothes an outdoor fresh scent, but can help protect against fading, too. By applying protective chemical compounds to the surface of the material, it helps to lock in the dye and reduces the effects of wear and washing.
You should also avoid overloading the machine – excessive friction between garments can cause colours to fade more quickly. The same goes for the dryer. You can also make use of gentle wash cycles (or reduce the spin speed for a similar effect). Don’t forget to wash clothes inside out and dry them in the shade to prevent fading caused by direct sunlight.
Get sun-dried freshness with every wash when you use Lenor Outdoorable
