10 Hacks I Use That Will Change How You Do Laundry

As a mama of some wild boys, it sometimes feels like my laundry basket is a bottomless pit—just when I think I’ve conquered Mount Washmore, it grows right back up again! But over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that have seriously changed the game for me.

I’m excited to share my top 10 laundry hacks with you! Whether you’re dealing with endless dirty sports gear or just the regular chaos of family life, these tips might just revolutionize the way you tackle the laundry room.

Trust me, if they can make a difference for me, they’re definitely worth a try!

Only Buy White Socks

Why not make your laundry life a whole lot easier? Stick to buying only white socks. Next time you’re at Costco or Amazon, grab a big pack of white socks—tall ones for the boys and ankle-length for the girls.

If they have grey toes or heels, that’s fine, but keep those ankles plain white! This trick cuts down on the headache of matching pairs. Just toss the boys’ socks in one basket and the girls’ in another.

Since the kids’ sock sizes are similar, they can grab and go without fussing over whose is whose.

Dryer Sheets

Here’s a nifty laundry hack for you: You don’t need a whole dryer sheet to fight static. Just rip one in half and it’ll do the job just fine. This little move doubles the life of your dryer sheets, saving you some cash. And if you’re thinking about cutting out waste, consider switching to reusable options.

You can find tons of DIY reusable dryer sheet ideas on Pinterest or switch to using dryer balls. Even a homemade aluminum foil ball can work wonders.

Rubbing Alcohol

Got a stubborn ink stain on your favorite shirt? Grab some rubbing alcohol. This household item can be a lifesaver when it comes to removing pesky pen marks. All you have to do is dab a bit of alcohol directly onto the stain, let it sit to break down the ink, then rinse it out before tossing the garment into the wash.

You can let the alcohol-soaked item sit in water to maximize absorption. Just be careful with colored fabrics, as alcohol can bleach them—stick to using it on whites to avoid any disasters.

Dish Soap

Next time you’re battling a tough grease or oil stain, don’t overlook your dish soap. A small drop directly on the stain can make a big difference. Just apply a bit of dish soap to the greasy spot before you start your wash cycle.

It’s specially formulated to break down oils and fats, so it’ll help your detergent lift those stubborn stains right out of your clothes.

Vinegar

If you’re looking for a time-tested laundry hack, reach for the vinegar. This pantry staple is a fantastic rinse aid that can break down detergent residue and soften your clothes without harsh chemicals. To make the most of it, add 1/2 cup of vinegar to the fabric softener compartment just before the last rinse cycle.

It might take a bit of timing to get right, but the results—softer, residue-free laundry—are totally worth it. Remember, vinegar is at its best during the rinse to ensure it removes all the lingering suds effectively.

Essential Oils

For a naturally fresh twist to your laundry, essential oils are your go-to. Just a few drops of lavender, tea tree, or your favorite essential oil can really enhance the fragrance of your clothes and even ward off bacteria and mold.

Mix a few drops with vinegar or directly into your detergent for a custom, clean scent that’s all yours. However, keep in mind, essential oils can be pricey.

A cheaper alternative? Lightly spray your clothes with diluted essential oil. This way, It’ll still smell amazing, and you’ll be able to stretch your oils a bit further.

Baking Soda

Have you ever used baking soda to get rid of those nasty odors in your fridge? Well, it’s just as effective in your laundry! Baking soda not only helps to freshen up clothes but also boosts the cleaning power of your detergent. Just toss a half cup of baking soda into your washing machine along with your regular detergent at the start of the wash cycle.

It’s a safe, cheap, and easy trick that even professionals like Brandi Winch swear by for keeping everything from everyday clothes to cleaning rags smelling fresh.

Mouthwash

Now, here’s a laundry hack that might surprise you—mouthwash. Yes, the same kind you use for a fresh breath can also freshen up your gym clothes. Add a cup of alcohol-based, sugar-free mouthwash to your wash cycle to help kill bacteria and eliminate gross odors in your gym wear

You can even use it to clean and freshen the drum of your washing machine! Just pour half a cup into the rinse compartment, and you’re good to go!

Lemon Juice

Next time laundry day rolls around, try a squeeze of lemon juice in your wash. This natural bleacher works wonders on white fabrics, helping to lift stains and leave your laundry with a fresh, citrus scent. Remember, it’s best used on whites as it can have a bleaching effect on colors.

For spot treatments, gently blotting stains with lemon juice instead of rubbing to avoid spreading the stain.

Salt

Think of salt as more than just a kitchen staple—it’s also a secret laundry aid. Sprinkling a bit of salt on fresh stains like blood, gravy, or grease can help lift them right out of your clothes.

For blood stains, let the clothes soak in cold, salty water. For grease stains, cover them with salt to absorb the oil, then brush off before throwing it in the wash.

Salt can also carry natural scents from essential oils into your laundry, leaving it smelling nice and clean.