The 7 Weirdest Things That Can Clean Your Laundry

If you're washing bath towels as often as recommended (at least every three uses), they'll probably stay fresh and clean. Sometimes, though, laundered towels develop a musty odor. That smell is caused by bacteria that were left behind after your shower or attracted by a buildup of laundry detergent. To refresh your towels, skip the detergent and wash them with white vinegar on the hottest cycle. For especially stinky towels, wash them a second time with vinegar, then wash again with regular detergent.

Related: 8 "Zero Dollar" Laundry Room Hacks

If you want to cut costs in the laundry room, ditch the dryer sheets and switch to aluminum foil. Rip off a sheet of foil from the roll, then shape it into a tight ball. Repeat until you have two or three foil balls, then drop them in the clothes dryer when you want to fluff garments or eliminate static cling. Unlike dryer sheets, these DIY creations can be reused for months, cost next to nothing, and don't release potentially harmful chemicals.

Related: Here Are a Dozen Things to Stop Paying For in 2018

For whiter whites and brighter colors, add one-half cup of baking soda to a cold-water prewash. Alternatively, baking soda can be used to pretreat stains. Mix baking soda and water until it forms a paste, rub it on the affected area, and let it sit before you wash the fabric as normal. 

Related: 9 Smart Hacks for Laundry Day

While you should never use dish soap as a replacement for laundry detergent, you can use a dab of it as a stain treatment for greasy spots. Use your fingers to work a drop into the stained portion of the garment, then rinse thoroughly. Pop the item into the wash, then remove the garment to dry. If the spot is still there, repeat the process until it disappears. 

Related: 20 Instant Updates for a Laundry Room You Can Love

Discover and admire beautiful and innovative home architecture, from grand Victorians to quaint cabins and all the styles in between. Take a look at the latest images and inspiration!