If cleaning and organizing are two mainstays on your perpetual household to-do list, it’s likely that keeping your laundry in order falls close behind. You work hard to maintain your home—which is why working smart, especially when it comes to laundry, is so important. To help you do so, we’ve culled some of the best laundry how-tos; even the most knowledgable laundresses will benefit from these innovative tips. Work them into your routine, and they’ll reduce your time in the laundry room and leave your clothes looking as good as new. A good piece of advice to start? Put time into the prep work—that means taking a peek at any clothing labels that list how certain pieces should be cleaned.

While your washing machine will be doing the brunt of the work to tidy up soiled garments, some articles of clothing will require more of your attention. Keep in mind that clothes made out of more delicate fabrics, like silk or linen, shouldn’t be tossed in the wash with other more durable pieces (think cotton). Ahead, we explain how to best launder all kinds of textiles, including the special ones. There’s good news: You can beat the hassle of taking items like these to your dry cleaner by hand washing them.

Laundry does, however, occasionally require that extra hassle, especially when it comes to pesky stains; trying to eliminate odors can be just as challenging. Even so, neither of these nuisances have to to cause a headache. With products like white vinegar in your corner, you will be able to lift the most stubborn of marks and smells without having to depend solely on bleach or other products that can, unfortunately, damage clothes. You’ll soon be able to hit the reset button on the rest of your laundry misconceptions—use these helpful hints to craft a laundry routine you can rely on.

 Wash down pillows and comforters

Clean down pillows in the washing machine every three to six months to remove bacteria and odors, and launder comforters only as needed, up to twice annually. (Each washing strips feathers of their natural oils, which causes them to lose their loft.) Dry both on the lowest heat setting—along with a clean tennis ball, to help evenly redistribute the feathers—and keep them even by fluffing daily when you make the bed. Between washings, air out down items, preferably outdoors on a clothesline, once or twice a year to keep them smelling fresh, and spot-treat small stains with mild dishwashing liquid and water.

Remove stains like an expert (Or just let us do the job!)

The best way to fix a stain is to treat it before it sets. Quickly scoop up solids with a dull edge, and blot liquids with a clean white cloth from the outside in to avoid spreading. Treat stains before washing, and always make sure stains have been removed before putting items in the dryer; heat sets stains into fabric. Use a Stain First Aid chart to treat specific spot types. If you need any help with stains that don’t get removed, you can use laundry delivery and pickup companies such as Laundrex, who will come collect your clothes and return it all crisp within less than 24 hours!

If you need laundry or dry cleaning for your clothes, you can book directly through the Laundrex App or call us on 70000 864!