Laundry Supplies and Tips
Waterless handcleaners, used in industrial workplaces, and available at most stores where detergent is sold, are excellent for removing oily or greasy stains. Rub a bit on the stain and let it sit before you put it in the washer. The grease cutting ingredients work very well. There are also many pre-wash spot treatment sprays on the market now that are quite effective.
If you store your stain remover spray right in your laundry basket or hamper, you'll always have it handy and can pre-treat soiled items before you throw them in the hamper.
For some neat tips on stain removal see Peggy's Household Tips article Mud Season.
Bleach
There are two types: Clorine bleach, which is only safe on white items and Oxidizing bleach which is for colored. Clorine bleach has disinfectent properties so it's good to use it with: diapers, dish cloths and towels.
Laundry Additives
There are many. Pre-washing stain removers come in sprays or sticks. Bluing can remove yellow tinges on white fabrics, enzyme pre-soak aids help remove heavy stains and will enhance the cleaning properties of your detergent. Try different products to see what works best for you. Again, cheaper doesn't always mean less effective so don't let advertising influence your purchase, if something cheap works, use that.
Non-toxic Aids
Vinegar has anti-bacterial qualities so can be used in place of bleach. Mix vinegar, water and baking soda in a spray bottle for an excellent cleaner or spot remover. Adding a bit of dish soap to the mix will cut grease or oily residues.
Storage
Keep laundry products on a shelf above the washing machine if possible. They shouldn't be easily accessible to children. If you don't have room over the washer, keep them in a container (like a basket)that you can store in a cupboard or on a closet shelf.
The Laundromat
If you don't have a washer and dryer and have to use the laundromat, make up packets of soap to take with you, one for each load, then you don't have to drag the whole box of detergent along. Bleach can go in a smaller plastic container, just take enough to do that day's laundry.
Even if you do have your own washer and dryer there may be times when it pays to use the laundromat. If you have very heavily soiled, greasy work clothes you may want to do them in a heavy duty washer at the laundromat.
If you are washing
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