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Laundry machine

Choosing the Best Laundry Detergent

Learn what type of laundry detergent is right for you. 

By Rinse Team In Care

Today, you have several options for laundry detergent, including laundry powder, liquid detergent, and laundry pods. This wasn’t always the case as liquid laundry detergent wasn’t introduced until the 1950’s. Before then, most consumers used powdered detergent and laundry pods weren’t invented until the 2000’s.

With three options now widely available, how do you know which is best? Below we’ll tell you everything you need to know about laundry detergent to help you choose the best detergent for you.

Laundry inside a machine

Powdered Laundry Detergent

First introduced in the 1930’s, powdered laundry detergent was once the go-to choice for consumers in America. Nowadays, you’ll be hard-pressed to find powdered detergent on the shelves at stores (but it remains popular in other countries). Nevertheless, it’s a cheaper option compared to liquid laundry soap and laundry pods and it will leave your clothes looking just as clean as the alternatives.

Why Choose Powdered Detergent

First and foremost, powdered detergent is not only cheaper but it will last longer as the properties it is made of have a longer shelf life relative to liquid laundry detergent. More importantly, powdered detergent is best for tough stains such as grass, clay, and mud stains as it contains linear alkylbenzene sulfonate, a surfactant compound which is effective in treating stains.

Additionally, powdered detergent is packaged in cardboard boxes which can be recycled more easily compared to plastic containers - making it the more eco-friendly choice among laundry detergents.

Powdered Detergent Cons

The main issue with powdered detergent is that it can leave residue in your washing machine, particularly if you are using very cold water since it may not dissolve fully into the water at that temperature. Additionally, the residue can also make its way onto your clothing, which will make them look dirty despite them being recently cleaned in the washing machine.

As mentioned previously, its packaging may be more environmentally-friendly but it is bulky and difficult to handle and store. The powder must be stored in a dry area so that it doesn’t lump together.

However, if you’re looking for ways to get rid of stubborn stains from your adventures outdoors and are actively looking for small ways to reduce your carbon footprint then we highly recommend you give powdered laundry detergent a try.

Liquid Laundry Detergent

Liquid laundry detergent is arguably the most popular choice when it comes to laundry soap. That’s because it’s easy to use and has dominated much of the market up until the introduction of laundry pods in the 2000’s.

Why Choose Liquid Laundry Detergent

Liquid laundry soap is relatively inexpensive, particularly compared to all-in-one laundry pods and is available in a wide variety of scents, which will leave your clothes smelling fresh. Because it is liquid, it easily mixes with the water inside the machine and is less likely to leave residue.

Also, liquid detergent is particularly useful in treating grease stains as it contains alcohol ethoxylates, which are effective on oil-based stains.

Liquid Detergent Cons

Liquid soap comes in bulkier plastic bottles and although they can be recycled they are a strain on the environment if they aren’t recycled properly. Additionally, the detergent is largely made up of water, which adds weight to the container and also is less environmentally efficient.

Another downside of liquid detergent is that it minimizes the effects of other cleaning agents such as oxygen bleach because they are not stable when mixed together in water.

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There’s no doubt that liquid laundry soap will effectively clean your clothes. The fact that it comes in a variety of scents and is widely accessible makes it the most popular choice among consumers.

Laundry Pods

Laundry pods were first introduced to the laundry market in 2012 and were made famous by the Tide brand, who trademarked the term “pods” (Tide PODS). Laundry pods or pacs have quickly grown in popularity and overtaken laundry powder as the second most popular detergent choice.

Why Choose Laundry Pods

Laundry pacs are arguably the most convenient option on the detergent market. They are single-use pacs that contain detergent and are oftentimes mixed with other cleaning materials. They are meant to dissolve in water, which creates less mess and less work for you.

Each pac is pre-measured to eliminate the overuse of detergent (which can cause residue) and since there is a limited amount of water the cleaning agents inside the pod can remain stable for a longer period of time and yield a quality level of cleaning.

Laundry Pod Cons

Despite laundry pods being lightweight, pre-measured, easy, and consumer-friendly they do come at a cost - they are the most expensive detergent option on the market. Additionally, if you are washing clothes with heavy stains you may need to use more than one pod since each pac is on the smaller side and more detergent may be required to effectively treat certain soiled garments.

Nonetheless, laundry pods are a great choice if you’re looking for a simpler way to do laundry. And of course, you can explore professional cleaning services such as Rinse to take care of your laundry for you so you can focus your attention on more important things besides laundry detergent.

 

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4 most commonly asked questions about silk
Rinse Team

The 4 most commonly asked questions about silk

4 common questions about silk

Hundreds of years ago, possessing silk garments was a sign of luxury reserved for the fashion focused few who could afford it. Centuries later, silk still remains a coveted material (albeit a bit more affordable) -- and for good reason! Not only does silk look and feel fabulous, but it is lightweight, versatile, and a surprisingly strong fiber. The right silk top looks great dressed up for a day at the office, or paired with your favorite jeans for a more casual look.

Properly cared for, silk can add a striking and classy element to any wardrobe. Your best bet for keeping your silk in beautiful condition is to trust it to a professional dry cleaner. However it's still helpful to know the basics of how to care for your silk garments.

Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about silk:

  • Is silk is more delicate than other materials?

 Yes, silk is the most delicate type of material commonlyhow to clean for silk   used to make clothing. Unlike other materials such as cotton, which is much more forgiving when it comes to laundering and fabric care, silk is particularly susceptible to stains and damage from heat and light. While each silk fiber is surprisingly strong, it's important to educate yourself about how to properly care for your silk garments to avoid stains and damage.

  • Why do stains sometimes show up after I have a silk garment cleaned?

Even after the dry cleaning process, it's possible for stains to emerge on silk. What happens sometimes is that when a garment is exposed to heat or light, set in stains that weren't visible previously become visible, and they can actually change the color of the silk material. A classic example of this is perspiration stains near the underarm region of a top. A solution to this would be let your cleaner know what caused the stain on your garment to the best of your knowledge.

  • What can I do to keep my silk garments looking great?

Despite your best efforts, accidents and stains happen to the best of us. If you find yourself at having a slightly embarrassing mealtime mishap, there’s no need to worry! There are steps that you can take to prevent the stain from settling further into the fibers, and therefore increase the chances of totally removing the stain. When the mishap occurs, try your best to address the stain as quickly as possible since the quicker you can tend to it, the more likely you are to preserve the fabric. Use a clean damp cloth to gently wipe the stained area, taking care not to rub vigorously or apply undue pressure. You should also try to avoid exposing the garment to excess light and heat, which will expedite the stain setting process.

  • What should I tell my cleaner about cleaning silk?

Silk lovers, take note! This is an important question. You may not have realized it before, but there is a science to stain removal. Dry cleaners use a wide variety of cleaners and solvents to remove even the most difficult stains, so even though you might not think it really matters what the ingredients in that delicious red sauce were, it does. Your dry cleaner will choose a different stain remover to tackle the remnants of a creamy red sauce than they would to remove a plain tomato based sauce. Vegetable based stains are chemically different from protein based stains, and each stain requires different treatment. When you go to your cleaner, you should be try to be as specific as possible about what caused the stain so they’ll know exactly how to treat it.

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Wardrobe Inspiration: Organization Tricks to Get Your Closet in Shape

Arrianne Talma

It happens to the best of us. You open your closet and it’s a total disaster. Clothes on the floor, clothes half hanging on hangers and clothes that look like they’re about to tumble down from the top shelf. It’s time to regain control of your wardrobe space. Proper storage  is key, and by employing these organization tricks, you’ll never be afraid to open your closet doors again.

The components of a tidy closet

A well organized closet has three key characteristics:

  1. Contents are organized by category (e.g. tops, bottoms, shoes).
  2. All items are color coded within their category.
  3. Each category has its own designated space.

Color code your closet

By color coding each category of clothing, you’ll make finding items in your closet much easier. For instance, you can group together garments in similar shades and tones, ordering them from light to dark. When it comes to patterned tops and bottoms, file them based on the dominant color in the garment. Two-toned striped items can be tricky, but as long it makes sense to you, however you choose to order them is your judgement call.

Clothing category tricks

Here’s how to organize and store each category of clothing.

Tops: Blouses, button-downs and jackets
Knit tops and t-shirts can be folded and placed on shelves or hanging closet organizers with shelving—line delicate pieces like cashmere sweaters with acid-free tissue to protect them against moisture or dust. Blouses, button-down shirts, jackets and blazers should be hung on thin velvet hangers to maximize closet space and prevent garments from slipping off.

Bottoms: Pants and skirts

Pants that don’t wrinkle easily (like jeans) can be folded and stored on shelves or hanging closet organizers. Dress pants and skirts should be hung on thin velvet hangers or hangers with clips.

Footwear: Casual and formal shoes

When it comes to a large walk-in closet, a shoe shelf will show off your shoe collection and make it easy to find the footwear you’re looking for. You can also put your shoes in clear polystyrene boxes, which will stack neatly in your closet. Clear boxes ensure that you’ll be able to find your sneakers or heels quicker than keeping them in regular opaque shoe boxes. For smaller closets, you can use shoe racks placed on the closet floor or over-the-door hanging shoe organizers with pockets to slot in each pair.

Accessories: Jewelry, belts and ties

For a large walk-in closet, designate one to two drawers for jewelry, belts and ties. Use drawer organizers to compartmentalize each group of items so you can find the right accessory without fuss. For a small closet, a hanging accessories organizer is your best bet. It can be hung alongside your clothes and has loops to weave ties and belts through. Use hanging organizers with individual small clear slots to store jewelry, bracelets, earrings and necklaces.

Handbags

File handbags away on shelves separated by shelving dividers. Small leather items like clutches or wallets can be placed neatly together in a shoebox on a top shelf in the closet.

Socks and underwear

 

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Small items like socks, bras and underwear are best folded and grouped together in drawers and separated with drawer dividers.

Next season’s clothes

Use flat underbed garment boxes to store clothing from last season or the next one. If there’s room on the closet floor, garment boxes can be stacked there or kept underneath the bed. To keep stains and odors from setting in, launder your clothes before storing them for the season—and bring your favored pieces to a professional service for top care. Don’t forget to tuck in some pouches filled with dried lavender to keep your clothes fresh and free of moths. By using these simple tricks, you’re well on your way to creating and sustaining an organized closet that will feel like your own personal boutique.

Photos: All About Space / Shutterstock.com, WorldWide / Shutterstock.com, WorldWide / Shutterstock.com, Maryna Pleshkun / Shutterstock.com

how-keep-your-athletic-gear-smelling-fresh
How to Keep your Athletic Gear Smelling Fresh

Athletic gear is designed to absorb moisture and bacteria to make your workouts more comfortable. Find out how to keep your gear clean, fresh, and ready for your next workout. 

Rinse Team

Moisture wicking fabrics are a wonderful thing. Gone are the days of embarrassing sweat stains and drenched cotton t-shirts. Fabrics like Lycra and Spandex draw moisture away from the skin, keeping you dry while you work and play hard. Equally important, these fabrics also remove odor causing bacteria from the skin and trap it in the fibers, so you can smell as good as you possibly can after a tough workout.

To keep your athletic gear smelling fresh and avoid the unpleasant task of trying to rid your gym clothes of funky smells, try following these simple guidelines:

  • Wash After Each Use ​

The most important rule is to wash your workout clothes each time you wear them. If you re-wear them, odors accumulate and further set into the fibers and are more difficult, or impossible, to remove later.
Washing your garments after each use is one of the best ways to keep your athletic gear smelling fresh. Do not wear a new garment more than once before washing.

  • Wait! Don't Toss That Sweaty Shirt in the Hamper ​

Damp clothes crumpled in laundry hampers are the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. Find a place to hang the item to dry before you toss it in your laundry hamper. If hanging space isn't available, you can simply lay the garment on a flat surface. Mold and mildew have the potential to ruin a garment, so it's worth it to take the time to do this extra step.

hang-dry

  • Follow Care Instructions on the Tag

Wash your workout clothing in cold water and dry on a low heat setting. Avoid using fabric softeners as they build up on the fabric and interfere with the garments moisture wicking properties. If you have a garment with stubborn odors, you can add one cup of white vinegar to the wash. As with all your garments, the care instructions on the tag should be the final authority on caring for a specific article of clothing.

  • Avoid Exposing to High Heat

Blended fabrics such as Lycra can quickly lose its elasticity when exposed to high heat in the washing machine or dryer. If you've ever accidentally put your favorite pair of yoga pants in the dryer, you know they're never quite the same again. To preserve the look and performance of your clothing, skip the dryer all together and hang your athletic gear to air dry. If hanging to dry and special care instructions are too much of a hassle for you, play it safe and take your athletic gear to a professional cleaner who knows exactly what to do to keep your athletic gear smelling fresh and looking great.

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