Laundry Supplies

• Detergent: Laundry detergent comes in two forms: powder (or granular) and liquid. The main difference between the two is texture. An advantage of powder detergent (which predates liquid) is its typically lower price. An advantage of liquid detergent is the fact that it’s predissolved—powder sometimes does not dissolve fully, especially in hard water.
   
  
• Bleach: Household bleach comes in liquid or powder form and is used to whiten or brighten laundry and remove stub­born stains (from whites only). There are two main types of bleach. Chlorine bleach is a strong, pungent chemical that’s highly effective at removing stains, primarily on cotton and synthetic fibers. However, it can damage silk, wool, acetate, spandex, and any fabrics labeled “flame-resistant” or “dry clean only.” Oxygen bleach, sometimes called all-fabric bleach, is milder than chlorine bleach but less effective at removing stains and whitening fabrics. Oxygen bleach is safe to use on just about any type of material, as long as it’s not labeled “no bleach.” Oxygen bleach doesn’t give off the same harmful fumes that chlorine bleach emits. To brighten colored items, you can use color-safe bleach (see below), which is sold either alone or as a detergent component.
   
  
• Fabric softener: Fabric softener is used to soften laundry and reduce static cling—some softeners even make ironing easier. Fabric softener is available in two forms. Liquid fabric softener is added to the washing machine (either to its automatic dispenser or directly into the wash) during the final rinse cycle. Fabric softener sheets, or dryer sheets, are added to the dryer at the beginning of its cycle.
   
  
• Pre-laundry stain remover: This concentrated gel, liquid, or solid detergent, sometimes called a stain stick or pen, brushes, rolls, or rubs on to pretreat stains on fabric before it’s washed. Stain removers work by “freezing” and breaking down stains before they have a chance to set.
   
  
• Laundry additives: A laundry additive is a powder or liquid used in addition to detergent and sometimes instead of bleach. It helps to clean, freshen, and brighten laundry, and is especially useful when trying to remove tough stains, odors, and allergens.
   
  
• Hamper: A hamper is a basket or bin, usually kept in a laundry room, bedroom, or closet, that holds dirty laundry until it can be washed.
• Laundry basket: This handheld container, usually made of plastic, is used to transport laundry from the hamper to the washer, the washer to the dryer, and the dryer to the bureau, armoire, or closet.
• Laundry bag: A laundry bag is often necessary for transporting large loads of laundry, especially to and from the laundromat.
• Mesh bags: These bags are used to hold delicates—such as lingerie and baby clothes—that might snag or tear in the washer or dryer. They’re also handy for keeping socks contained as they’re washed. Look for mesh bags that are labeled specifically for laundry; they’re designed to withstand repeated machine-washing and drying.
• Drying rack: Items that will shrink in a tumble dryer are labeled “hang to dry” or “lay flat to dry,” meaning that they should be hung or placed on a clothesline or drying rack, a floor-standing or wall-mounted wooden or plastic rack with tiers for hanging items and level surfaces for laying items flat.
   
  

Get to Know Detergent Jargon

• Ultra: Indicates that the detergent is concentrated, so you should use a smaller amount than usual.
• All-purpose (heavy-duty): Implies that the detergent can be used with almost any type of laundry fabric (except for the type that requires “mild” or “gentle” detergent), as well as for other household cleaning jobs, such as washing windows or mopping floors.
• Free: Indicates that the detergent lacks dyes, perfumes, and fragrances that tend to cause allergic reactions.
• Color-safe bleach: Indicates that the detergent is safe to use on colored items. Color-safe bleach keeps both colors and whites looking bright.