I know, I used to use hot for washing whites, towels, and bed sheets. But no more, most of the time.
I think what started it was my 300 thread count sheets that I bought new. The label said warm wash. but I didn't listen and within 6 months or so it was literally disintegrating. And it is true that the more stress you put on clothing, the faster it will wear out.
Of my clothing I have always pampered those items and I have pieces that are 15 years old plus and and are among my favorite and look great.
I don't like to waste, I don't need to waste, It isn't good for the environment. I don't have have the patented American fear of germs(amongst a whole sick list of other irrational fears) that are exploited by commercial interests.
And now that I know that the washer itself can make the difference in how clean an item is. I have a Duet.
As far as killing mites and the like.
I have found that putting items in the freezer works very good.
I have a bucket for food waste items before they go to the compost bin.
I put the vacuum bags in a bag and then in the freezer when not in use.
I trade off kitchen sponges and when the current one is completely dry I will put it in the freezer for a couple of days.
I would guess one could do the same for clothing/sheet/rugs etc. And it works great. No chemicals involved.(so you probably won't hear about it in the republican owned media). Also, throw pillows and childrens stuffed animals in and it kills germs and mites.
When I go to vacuum, you can smell the difference. What comes out of the exhaust smells clean and almost a hint of bleach.
Also as for washing, I tend to be a soaker. I liked the fact that the Duet has a soak cycle. Soaking is so gentle, no matter what it is. Let the water do the work. Again, you don't even need chemicals. Just patience, something not encouraged in the U.S.
So, as for the first test. I have these drop cloth type sheets. they are just old sheets that I use when ever I want to contain a mess. in the car. painting as splatter guard, to cover furniture, to cover carpet when moving something dirt, etc. Anyway today I moved several things in my car that were dirty. I had the sheets covering the seat so there is no mess in the car or the trunk. Now I have some sheets that have grease and dirt and rust stains on them. And as a special bonus- you also win... No.
I have rubbed some of them in grass and mud. I crushed a red flower in one, and spilled several food items on them as you will see. This was at 3:30 eastern time. I am going to let them set and hopefully dry and in about 2 hours put them in for the soak cycle and then a nice long wash. Any bet on what will come out and what won't.
These sheets I have had for a long time and always wash and fold when they are not in use. But they have rips and paint stains. They have certainly earned their keep.
So here is salsa
