Laundry is one of the worst chores, and yet one of the most important to regularly complete. These must-have laundry products make completing your laundry just that little bit easier. 

• Laundry detergent 
• Fabric softener
• Bicarbonate of soda
• Oxygen bleach 
• Chlorine bleach
• Distilled white vinegar
• Dryer balls
• Drying rack 
• Laundry bag
• Collapsible laundry basket

Laundry detergent 

You can’t do laundry without laundry detergent. Well, you could, but it wouldn’t be as easy. Laundry detergent helps pull away embedded dirt from your laundry and washes it away with water. Detergents come in the forms of powder, liquid, and pods, or you can make your own. Whether you have sensitive skin, want to use a lower temperature, or are trying to tackle tough stains, there is a laundry detergent for you. 

Fabric softener

Fabric softener is the perfect accompaniment to your laundry detergent. Although it shouldn’t be used on every item, it helps fight wrinkles, reduces static, and makes laundry soft to the touch. Fabric softener is especially useful for those with irritable skin as it softens the fibres of your laundry, making items smoother against the skin. 

Baking soda

You may know baking soda as a must have baking product, but it is also a laundry must have. Baking soda is a natural mineral which can be used in several ways throughout the laundry process. For example, mixing 1 cup of baking soda with half a cup of water creates a paste that will lift common stains. Alternatively, adding half a cup of baking soda to your washing machine will help regulate the pH level in the water, allowing your laundry detergent to act more effectively to remove bacteria and dirt. Baking soda can also be used as a natural alternative to fabric softener and to control suds in your washing machine. 

Oxygen bleach

Oxygen bleach, unlike chlorine bleach, is safe to use on all washable fabrics, except silk, wool, and leather, and can be used on both coloured and white laundry. When oxygen bleach is mixed with water the chemicals in the bleach oxidise and help to lift and remove deeply embedded dirt and stains, whilst brightening the colours of your laundry. You can use oxygen bleach as a pre-treatment or in your washing machine. 

Chlorine bleach

Chlorine bleach has a much stronger bleaching power than oxygen bleach which is why, if you are using it on coloured clothing, you must always test for colourfastness. It is, however, incredibly effective at removing tough stains, disinfecting, and brightening white clothing. Before using chlorine bleach, remember to always water it down as it can be corrosive and cause damage to your laundry and your skin. 

Distilled white vinegar

Much the same as baking soda, distilled white vinegar has many uses in the laundry room. If you have white laundry that’s looking a little grey, distilled white vinegar will get your items back to their original state. Simply add 1 cup of vinegar to a large pot of water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, remove your watered down vinegar from the heat, add your items, and leave overnight. Wash your laundry as you usually would and be dazzled by how bright your whites have become. In addition to making whites whiter, distilled white vinegar can also be used as an alternative to fabric softener. Add half a cup to your washing machine and it will leave your clothing soft and smelling fresh. 

Dryer balls

Drying laundry, even with a tumble dryer, is a hard task. That is why dryer balls are a must have laundry product. Dryer balls are small balls made from wool, plastic, or hard rubber, that reduces static in your laundry and reduces drying times. The balls roll between the layers of your laundry load as the tumble dryer spins, separating each item and allowing air to be evenly distributed throughout your laundry. In addition to this, dryer balls, on average, can be used in up to 1,000 washes, making them environmentally friendly and cost effective. 

Drying rack

Even if you do have access to a tumble dryer, it’s always handy to have a drying rack. Although they aren’t the fastest way to dry your laundry, drying racks are the most environmentally friendly option. In addition, they come in a variety of shapes and sizes so they can fit any room, and they can be bought incredibly cheaply. If you are looking for a slightly quicker way to dry your clothes, there are heated drying racks available. 

Laundry bag 

A laundry bag is perfect for washing your more delicate items, such as underwear or smaller items made of silk or lace. Simply place your items in your laundry bag, and wash them as you usually would. The bag will prevent your clothing from getting snagged in your washing machine, resulting in no expensive items being damaged. In addition to protecting your delicates, laundry bags will also prevent you from losing your socks.

Collapsible laundry basket 

If you find that laundry takes up a lot of your space, buy a collapsible laundry basket. Although it’s only a small space saver, they are incredibly convenient. Fill your basket with your laundry, and, once it is empty, fold it down and store it away until you need it again. They are easy to use, cost effective, and will save you at least a small amount of space. 

If you are running low on must have laundry products, don’t panic. We are here to help. Simply head to the Laundryheap website, or download the free Laundryheap app, to book your Laundryheap order today.