15 Laundry Hacks That Actually Work
The internet is full of laundry "hacks" that range from genuinely useful to complete nonsense. Here are 15 that actually work—no gimmicks, no special products required.
Quick Answer
The best laundry hacks: use less detergent (2/3 of recommended), add vinegar to the rinse cycle, use dryer balls to cut drying time by 10-15%, turn jeans inside out before washing, and sort clothes as you undress. Skip the myths like freezing jeans or using salt to set dyes.
Washing Hacks
1. Use less detergent
Why it works: Modern detergents are concentrated. The cap markings often suggest more than you need—it's in the manufacturer's interest for you to use more. Too much detergent doesn't rinse out completely, leaving residue that makes clothes stiff, traps odors, and can irritate skin.
The hack: Use about 2/3 of the recommended amount. For lightly soiled clothes, half is often enough.
2. Wash jeans inside out in cold water
Why it works: Denim dye sits on the surface of the fabric. Friction from washing wears it off. Cold water keeps fibers closed and tight, retaining more dye.
The hack: Turn jeans inside out before washing. Always use cold water. This alone can double the time before noticeable fading.
3. Add vinegar to the rinse cycle
Why it works: White vinegar breaks down detergent residue, softens clothes naturally, and helps set dyes in dark fabrics.
The hack: Add 1/2 cup white vinegar to the rinse cycle. The smell disappears completely when clothes dry.
4. Zip zippers, unbutton buttons
Why it works: Open zippers can snag other clothes and damage delicate fabrics. Buttoned buttons create stress on buttonholes during tumbling.
The hack: Close all zippers before washing. Leave buttons open.
5. Mesh bags for small items
Why it works: Socks, underwear, and delicates get lost, stretched, or damaged in the wash. Mesh bags keep them contained and protected.
The hack: Keep a mesh bag in your hamper. Toss small items in as you undress. Wash the whole bag.
Drying Hacks
6. Use dryer balls
Why it works: Wool or rubber dryer balls separate clothes as they tumble, allowing hot air to circulate better. This reduces drying time by 10-15% and helps prevent static.
The hack: Use 3-6 dryer balls per load. Wool balls last for years and are more effective than tennis balls.
7. Throw a dry towel in with wet clothes
Why it works: A dry towel absorbs moisture from wet clothes, speeding up the drying process. It can cut drying time by 15-20 minutes for a full load.
The hack: Add a clean, dry towel for the first 15-20 minutes of the cycle. Remove it after—otherwise it just becomes another wet item to dry.
8. Ice cubes for quick wrinkle removal
Why it works: As ice cubes melt in the dryer heat, they create steam that relaxes wrinkles. Not as thorough as ironing, but effective for casual clothes.
The hack: Toss 2-3 ice cubes in the dryer with wrinkled clothes. Run on high for 10-15 minutes.
9. Don't over-dry
Why it works: Over-drying causes shrinkage, sets wrinkles, and wastes energy. Slightly damp clothes are easier to fold wrinkle-free and finish drying on hangers.
The hack: Stop the dryer when clothes are just barely damp. Hang or fold immediately.
Stain Hacks
10. Dish soap for grease stains
Why it works: Dish soap is designed to break down grease on dishes—it works the same way on fabric. It's often more effective than laundry pre-treaters for oil-based stains.
The hack: Apply dish soap directly to grease stains. Let sit 5-10 minutes. Wash as normal.
11. Hydrogen peroxide for blood
Why it works: Hydrogen peroxide breaks down the proteins in blood, lifting the stain from fabric. It's cheap and effective.
The hack: Pour hydrogen peroxide directly on fresh blood stains. Watch it bubble. Rinse with cold water and repeat if needed.
12. Hairspray for ink (only certain types)
Why it works: Old-school hairsprays with high alcohol content dissolve certain inks. Modern "alcohol-free" hairsprays don't work as well—rubbing alcohol is more reliable.
The hack: For ink stains, skip the hairspray and go straight to rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball. Blot, don't rub.
Organization Hacks
13. Sort as you undress
Why it works: Sorting laundry before wash day is tedious. Sorting in real-time takes the same effort but spreads it out.
The hack: Use a divided hamper or multiple baskets. Toss clothes into the right pile as you take them off.
14. Pin socks together
Why it works: Sock pairs get separated in the laundry. Pinning or clipping them together before washing keeps pairs together through the entire process.
The hack: Use a small safety pin or sock clip to connect pairs before tossing in the hamper. Wash and dry still connected.
15. Empty pockets immediately
Why it works: Tissues disintegrate and coat everything in lint. Pens explode and ruin entire loads. Coins damage machines. Checking pockets at the machine is often too late.
The hack: Make it a habit to empty pockets when you take off pants. Every time. Before clothes hit the hamper.
Hacks That Don't Work
For balance, here are some common "hacks" that are either ineffective or make things worse:
- Aspirin to whiten clothes: Marginal at best. Oxygen bleach works far better.
- Salt to set dyes: Doesn't work for modern synthetic dyes.
- Freezing jeans instead of washing: Doesn't actually kill bacteria or remove odors.
- Club soda for stains: Works slightly, but plain water works just as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need to use less detergent?
Yes. Modern detergents are concentrated, and too much leaves residue that makes clothes stiff, traps odors, and can irritate skin. Use about 2/3 of the recommended amount for most loads.
Are dryer balls worth it?
Yes. Wool or rubber dryer balls genuinely reduce drying time by 10-15% and help prevent static without chemicals. Use 3-6 per load, and wool balls last for years.
Can ice cubes really remove wrinkles?
They help. As the ice melts, it creates steam that relaxes wrinkles. It won't replace ironing for dress clothes, but works well for casual items. Toss 2-3 ice cubes in the dryer on high for 10-15 minutes.
Does adding vinegar to laundry really work?
Yes, white vinegar breaks down detergent residue, softens clothes naturally, and helps set dyes in dark fabrics. Add 1/2 cup to the rinse cycle—the smell disappears completely when clothes dry.
Why should I zip zippers before washing?
Open zippers can snag other clothes and damage delicate fabrics during the wash cycle. Always close zippers before washing, but leave buttons unbuttoned as they create stress on buttonholes during tumbling.
Does freezing jeans instead of washing them work?
No, this is a myth. Freezing does not actually kill bacteria or remove odors from denim. The bacteria go dormant in the cold but revive when the fabric warms up. Proper washing is still necessary.
What is the best stain remover for grease?
Dish soap is the most effective for grease stains. It's designed to break down grease on dishes and works the same way on fabric. Apply directly to the stain, let sit 5-10 minutes, then wash as normal.
Put These Hacks to Use
Our machines and dryers give you the control you need to make the most of these tips.
Find a Location