Laundry 101

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Real Simple April 2008Ellen Silverman

Your back-to-basics guide to washing, drying, and tackling stubborn stains.

Complete Laundry-Room Cleaning Checklist

Follow this step-by-step guide to efficiently clean your laundry room (in just a few hours, or over the course of a few days). 

  • Run white vinegar through the washer. This will sanitize the inside and clear away soap scum.
  • Empty the lint trap. Wipe off fuzz with a damp cloth or a used fabric-softener sheet. Or wet your hands and run your fingers over the mesh screen to scoop up the lint. Fabric softener can cause a waxy buildup on the screen, so wash it out in a sink or vacuum it.
  • Wipe the interior walls of the dryer. Use a cloth dampened with dishwashing liquid and warm water. Scrub any linty residue around the trap opening with an old toothbrush, if necessary.

View The Entire Checklist

How To: Remove a Grass Stain

Summer means light-colored clothing―and light-colored clothing often means grass stains. This quick approach should get the green out. 

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