Laundry – FoodWatcher

6 Common Laundry Myths, Debunked

With the help of our friends at Steele Canvas—makers of durable, high-quality canvas baskets—we’re tackling all things laundry. Here, we’re debunking some of the most common laundry myths, from freezing jeans to separating lights and darks.

For such…

For such a common household task, doing the laundry the right way can be unexpectedly confusing. From deciphering garments’ hard-to-decode care tags to concocting homemade stain-removal solutions, it can feel like everyone uses their own set of rules for cleaning—and maintaining—their clothes and home textiles. To demystify this seemingly simple chore, we’re coming clean about six of the most common and pervasive laundry myths.

The Bin That Saved My Laundry Routine

We’ve teamed up with our friends at Steele Canvas—makers of durable, high-quality canvas baskets—to tackle all things laundry. Here, we’re highlighting one of our editor’s favorite products: The Canvas Elevated Truck.

Until recently, my laundry bin …

Until recently, my laundry bin was nothing more than a perforated garbage can. A lifeless shade of white plastic, it was the first thing I’d stuff in the closet whenever someone visited my room. Its holes weren’t doing me any favors either: Every morning I’d awake to a front-row view of smelly socks and mustard-stained shirts. And of course, because the bin was so small, it only took a few days’ worth of laundry before a new, record-breaking, clothes-based mountain emerged in the corner of my room. To escape laundry-bin rock bottom, I knew I needed nothing short of a miracle.

9 Things That Should Never (Ever) Go in the Washer & Dryer

When considering which items can and should be put in the washer and dryer, there are two parts to the equation. First, knowing how to properly care for your clothes and home textiles: It’s one of the most important parts of preserving their quality and extending their lifespans, allowing you to also reduce unnecessary waste and overconsumption in the process. Second, putting the wrong items in washing machines and dryers can cause damage to the appliances themselves, resulting in costly repairs or replacements.

This list serves as a general primer on items to avoid, but it’s not exhaustive, and there are always exceptions. So, when in doubt, always consult the care tag of the item you’re planning on washing. (Pro tip from our Managing Editor Erin Alexander’s mom: Print out a guide to all the little symbols that appear on care tags, and keep it near your washing machine—that way, it’s always a breeze to double check if an item is washer- or dryer-safe.)

These On-Sale Dryer Balls Can Cut Your Drying Time in Half

For those who rely on disposable dryer sheets to reduce the static cling when tumbling clothes, dryer balls might feel like an unnecessary accessory to add to your laundry routine. The truth of the matter? These small, hard-working wool balls should re…

When you throw a dryer sheet in with your clothes post-wash, it removes static cling from your drying clothes and provides an additional hint of a fresh, detergent-like scent. While both of those things are ideal (who doesn't love fresh-smelling, lint-free laundry?), over time, the sheets can create a residue buildup in your machine's lint catcher, which can increase your risk of a dryer fire. This residue comes from the chemicals and compounds that are often present in dryer sheets—the same additives that bring a fresh scent, softened texture, and cling-free clothes.

The Viral Couch-Cleaning Hack That Actually Works (We Tried It)

Social media is full of “life hacks” designed to make everyday tasks quicker and easier, and as someone who truly dislikes cleaning, I love finding ways to keep my home tidy and sanitary with minimal effort. So when I stumbled across a viral TikTok vid…

This cleaning method is unconventional, relying on a laundry detergent pod and pan lid, of all things. The video has racked up more than 3 million likes—but is it effective? I tested it on my own couch to find out.