The 7 Weirdest Things That Can Clean Your Laundry

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.  

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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

For a natural stain remover, try salt. It's particularly good for grease stains. Start by covering a fresh grease stain with salt, then wait for the grease to be absorbed. Re-salt the spot until the stain is gone, then wash. Always air-dry stained items because the heat from the dryer can set the stain. If the stain is still there after the item has dried, retreat and wash again.

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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. 

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

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