Coming Clean About Eight Laundry Myths, Part II
We all have to do it, but we don't have to do it wrong. Here are four more laundry myths you can live without.
In Part I of this sparkling fresh article, we washed away four laundry myths that no one should have to put up with. Subjects we took on included the value of hot water and the use of bleach, and why you shouldn't overdo it with the detergents. In this sanitary conclusion, we'll come clean on four more myths about laundry.
Myth 5: All laundry detergents are basically the same.
While we hesitate to back any specific product, the Soap and Detergent Association (SDA) argues that liquid detergents work better than their powdered counterparts. This is mostly because they let you pre-treat stains. However, they also seem to be more effective on food, grease, and oil stains.
Consumer Reports has no qualms about putting this laundry myth to rest. According to a recent study, some detergent brands do work better than others. They singled out Tide With Bleach and Tide Cold Water for accolades, along with Costco's Kirkland Signature Ultra as the best low-cost brand.
Myth 6: Dry cleaning doesn't use liquids at all.
While it's true that dry-cleaning doesn't use water, the so-called universal solvent, that's only because water can't dissolve everything. For some stains, other liquids are required and, yes, they do get your clothing wet. So the idea that dry-cleaning is really dry is just a myth.
It might be better, though, if this laundry myth were true -- because most of the liquid chemicals used for dry cleaning are human toxins if not properly handled. Carbon tetrachloride has long since been banned for dry cleaning purposes, but perchlorethylene (perc), another toxic fluid, is still in common use.
Recently, cleaners concerned about the effects of perc have looked into using silicone fluids and liquid carbon dioxide to clean clothes. They may not be as effective as perc, and they might not be as cheap, but they're ecologically sustainable and much easier on the environment.
Myth 7: Dark colors are always going to fade, no matter what I do.
Actually, there's a simple way to avoid this laundry myth, as long as you remember to do it. Simply turn dark clothing inside out before tossing it into the washer (it might be easiest just to make sure you leave it inside out when you take it off). This will reduce abrasions that will dull the color of the fabric.
Myth 8: If I'm clever, I can get just about any laundry stain out at home.
Well, sure, you can try. But what should you use? Baking soda? Club soda? Vinegar? All are popular do-it-yourself remedies, and yes, they all work -- but not always, and not for every stain or fabric. Do it wrong, and you may discover that you've ruined your best silk jacket, or Great Grandma's taffeta wedding dress.
Your best bet is to take the item to a dry cleaner within 48 hours. They're experts at getting stains out (though it may be expensive). If you'd like to test the validity of this one of many laundry myths at home, we recommend that you move quickly and pre-treat the item in Shout, Spray-N-Wash, or something similar before washing it.
