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

The ordinary tennis ball is good for more than a game of doubles. Keep a couple next to your clothes dryer and pop them into the machine whenever you're drying sheets, towels, or heavy garments. Not only will your clothes come out fluffy and soft, but because they'll dry faster, the machine will use less energy.  

Related: 12 Laundry Mistakes You’re Probably Making

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

Keep these unexpected items within reach, along with your favorite laundry staples, for a quick and easy laundry day.

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