Laundryheap Blog – Laundry & Dry Cleaning

Same-day collection. Free delivery in 24 hours.

Tag Archives: hacks


by Leave a comment

How to tie a Windsor knot

Photo by nappy from Pexels

Whether you’re getting set for a wedding, work, or going back to school, it’s important to know how to properly tie a tie. Follow these simple steps, and you will be tying your tie in no time. 

  • Half Windsor
  • Full Windsor

Half Windsor 

The half Windsor knot is the most popular form of knot. It is a medium-sized knot that is easy to reproduce, and perfect for medium to thick ties. 

  1. Begin by popping the collar of your shirt, and draping your tie around your neck so that it sits below the collar. The wide end of your tie should be on your right-hand side and reach your thigh, and the smaller end on your left and reaching your rib cage. 
  2. Create an X with the two ends of your tie by crossing the wide end over the thin end. From here, loop the wide end horizontally around and behind the thin end of your tie. This should maintain the X shape. 
  3. Next, take the wide end of your tie from the top and through the opening of the X. Make sure to pull it tight. This will create the initial knot. 
  4. Wrap the wide end of your tie in front of the thin end from your right to your left. Then, bring the wide end towards your chest and behind the knot, forming a loop in front of your knot. 
  5. Pull the wide end of your tie through the loop you have created, making sure that you have pulled the full length of it through. 
  6. Finally, adjust your tie by pulling the knot towards the collar of your shirt whilst simultaneously pulling the thin end at the back of your tie down. Adjust your collar so that it is sitting flush with your shoulders before making improvements to your tie. Make sure that your knot is sitting at the top of your shirt, and that your tie is straight and even. 
Image by Steam Pipe Trunk Distributio

Full Windsor

The full Windsor knot is perfect for wider collared shirts. The process involves wrapping your tie twice, so a longer tie is needed for the process. 

  1. Begin by popping the collar of your shirt, and draping your tie around your neck so that it sits below the collar. Adjust your tie so that the wide end is sitting approximately 4-6 inches lower than your waistband. 
  2. Create an X with the two ends of your tie by crossing the wide end over the thin end. From here, tuck the wide end up and beneath the loop around your neck. It should come out and point-upwards behind the X. 
  3. Pull the wide end all the way down, before passing it behind the knot and horizontally from right to left. 
  4. Take the wide end tip, and flip it upwards, tugging it diagonally across the front of the knot. Next, loop the wide end over the top of the loop around your collar and down. It should come out on the left of the thin end. 
  5. From your left position, bring the wide end of your tie over the front of your knot to form a band. Bring the wide end of your tie underneath the loop, around the collar, and down, sliding it through the band. 
  6. Adjust your collar so that it is sitting flush with your shirt, and pull the wide end of your tie downwards until it meets the top of your shirt.
Image by Urkel-os

Keep your tie, along with the rest of your suit, looking sharp with Laundryheap. Simply head to the Laundryheap website or download the free Laundryheap app to book your dry cleaning order today.


by Leave a comment

Backpacking travel hacks

Photo by Pawan Yadav from Pexels

Backpacking is an extraordinary opportunity full of excitement and adventure. That being said, it can also be stressful and costly. These travel hacks will help to limit the stress that comes with backpacking, and allow you to fully focus on the adventure. 

  • Use private browsing
  • Roll your clothing
  • Buy a portable phone charger
  • Take advantage of credit card offers
  • Stay for free 
  • Adapt your travel style
  • Rely on Wi-Fi
  • Use WhatsApp
  • Download Google Translate 
  • Keep rechargeable batteries in the fridge 

Use private browsing 

When booking any kind of travel, always use private browsing. Travel sites can monitor when you have visited their website and what you have searched for by installing cookies on your browser, which can lead to inflated prices. Using private browsing prevents these sites from monitoring your activity and will guarantee you the best travel prices. 

Photo by Peter Olexa from Pexels

Roll your clothing

Travel backpacks do not have a lot of room, so space-saving techniques are essential. One space-saving technique is to roll your clothing rather than fold. Rolling your clothing will make it much easier to arrange them inside your backpack and will also limit the creases on each garment. Alternatively, you can also use your clothing to wrap up valuables that you want to take with you, such as a camera. 

Photo by Vlada Karpovich from Pexels

Buy a portable phone charger 

Although there will be places to charge your phone on your travels, there is no guarantee that your phone won’t completely run out of battery before you get there. It is vitally important to have a charged phone with you at all times whilst you are backpacking, so that you can look up directions, book transport, or in case of emergencies. Investing in a portable phone charger is the best way to guarantee that your phone always has a good amount of battery left in it. Just make sure that you remember to charge your portable charger before leaving for the day. 

Photo by ready made from Pexels

Take advantage of credit card offers

There are several credit card companies that offer lucrative deals perfect for backpackers. These can include travel insurance deals, travel points, and allowing you to use your card in multiple different countries without additional charges. Thoroughly research the pros and cons of several different credit card options, and decide whether it is worth signing up for one. You may find it is the easiest option for you. 

Photo by Anete Lusina from Pexels

Stay for free

If you are an avid backpacker you may have made friends and connections in places that you have previously visited. Alternatively, you may be backpacking to a country that you have never visited before but know someone who lives there. Either way, make use of your connections and try and get free accommodation for a few nights. As long as you trust the individual that you are asking to stay with, there is no harm in requesting if you can sleep on their sofa for a couple of nights. It may end up saving you a lot of money. 

Photo by Tim Samuel from Pexels

Adapt your travel style

If you are travelling to different countries, or even different areas of the same country, you will have to adapt your travel style to reflect how pricey the area is. You will find that in some places, such as capital cities, accommodation, food, and activities are more costly than in smaller towns and villages. Before heading to your next destination, do some research. If the area is costly, find free activities and consider staying in a hostel rather than a hotel. If the area you are heading to isn’t as pricey, don’t restrict yourself. Spend a little bit more money on accommodation or eating at a nice restaurant. Backpacking is all about balance. As long as you have enough money to get yourself safely from one location to another, it’s perfectly acceptable to use the rest of your money to treat yourself. 

Photo by Porapak Apichodilok from Pexels

Rely on Wi-Fi 

Some countries you visit will charge you for making calls and sending texts outside of the country. Don’t risk these charges and instead rely on Wi-Fi. Most areas you visit will have places that supply Wi-Fi, such as restaurants, cafes, and hotels. Use these services to stay in touch with friends and family. Wi-Fi is free, so don’t risk any additional charges by using your phones data. 

Photo by Uriel Mont from Pexels

Use WhatsApp

Texting and calling to a phone outside of the country you are in can incur additional charges. Rather than texting or calling, download WhatsApp on your phone and use it to stay in contact with friends and family. WhatsApp is a messaging platform that uses Wi-Fi to keep you connected. You can send messages, phots, videos, and even call other WhatsApp users completely free of charge. Make sure to download the app before you leave and encourage the people you want to stay in touch with to do the same. 

Photo by Alok Sharma from Pexels

Download Google Translate

As you are backpacking you will encounter an array of different languages. Although you may encounter people who speak the same language as yourself, you will have a much more authentic experience of the countries you are visiting if you interact with the locals, including speaking to them in their native language. Download Google Translate so that you can quickly and efficiently translate what people are saying, and form a cohesive response. Overtime you may find yourself picking up phrases and learning parts of the language. 

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

Keep rechargeable batteries in the fridge

It may sound strange to keep batteries in the fridge, but it is incredibly effective. Most rechargeable batteries retain 90% of their full charge when they are kept in cooler temperatures. When you get back from a long day of sightseeing, put your batteries in the fridge overnight and by the time you go out the next day they will be ready to use again. 

Photo by PhotoMIX Company from Pexels

Never run out of clothing whilst you are backpacking. Laundryheap operates internationally, from the UK to the USA, Singapore to Bahrain, you can check if Laundrheap operates in your next backpacking destination by heading to the Laundryheap website or downloading the free Laundryheap app. 


by 7 Comments

Hacks for folding clothes

Sometimes the worst part of doing laundry is having to fold and put away your clean clothes. Try these handy hacks for folding clothes to make your laundry easier. 

  • T-shirt
  • Jumper
  • Dress shirt
  • Trousers 
  • Socks

T-shirt

If you are someone who folds their T-shirts and stacks them in a draw, one on top of the other, then this folding hack will be a game-changer. Folding your T-shirts to stack on top of one another may be fast and easy, but your neat pile will soon become a mess once you realise the T-shirt you want is right at the bottom. To avoid this mess, fold your T-shirts so that they can be placed in an upright position and neatly stacked behind one another. This way all your T-shirts can easily be seen and picked up without causing a mess. 

How to fold your T-shirt

  1. Begin by folding one side of the T-shirt, lengthwise, towards the middle of the T-shirt so that it’s roughly level with the neckline. 
  2. Fold the sleeve of the side you have folded back over the folded fabric.
  3. Take the non-folded side of the T-shirt and fold it over the folded third of your T-shirt. 
  4. Fold your remaining sleeve back over the folded fabric. 
  5. Take your T-shirt and fold it in half, leaving the bottom of your T-shirt showing.
  6. Finally, fold your T-shirt into a third, making a rectangle shape that will stand up on its own.
Photo by Francesco Paggiaro from Pexels

Jumper

Now that we have welcomed summer, it’s time to fold away our winter jumpers to make room for lighter materials. To ensure that your jumpers will be wearable next winter, it’s best to store them safely and appropriately. This includes being careful of the way that you fold them.

How to fold a jumper 

  1. Begin by folding the arms of your jumper inwards, across the jumper and parallel to the hem. 
  2. Take one side of the jumper and fold it inwards towards the middle, repeating the process with the other side. 
  3. Take the bottom of your jumper and fold it in half upwards, turning your jumper into a neat square shape that can easily be packed away until next winter.

Dress shirt 

It’s always best to hang your dress shirts up to avoid creases. That being said, if you are packing a dress shirt to travel or you want to make space in your wardrobe for clothing you wear more often than it’s always best to fold your dress shirts in a way that will minimise creasing.  

How to fold a dress shirt

  1. Fold one side of your shirt inwards towards the centre.
  2. Take the sleeve of the folded side of the shirt and fold them back over the fold, folding them again so that they are half their length. 
  3. Repeat steps one and two on the other side of your shirt.
  4. Once both sides of your shirt have been folded inwards, take the bottom of your shirt and fold it in half lengthwise. This should make a rectangle that will be easy to store away.
Image by Robert Sheie

Trousers

Similarly to dress shirts, trousers should be hung up in your wardrobe to avoid them taking up space in your drawers. That being said, if you prefer your trousers to be stored away in a draw, or if you are packing trousers to travel, there is a very easy way to fold them.

How to fold trousers 

  1. Fold your trousers in half by placing one leg on top of the other and matching up both sides of the waistband. 
  2. Next, fold your trousers in half lengthwise by bringing the hem of your trousers up to just under your trousers’ waistband- this should create a long rectangle shape.
  3. To create a smaller shape, fold your trousers in half, lengthwise, again.

Socks

It’s very easy to lose your socks or get pairs of socks mixed up. To avoid odd socks, it’s always best to fold them.

How to fold socks 

  1. Lay one sock flat on top of the other, making sure that the toes and heels are matched up. 
  2. Fold the toes of the socks upwards, stopping just shy of the elasticated top of your socks. 
  3. Finish by folding your socks in half again so that they can just about stand on their own. 

If your laundry is piling up, why not use our services to get the job done. Visit the Laundryheap website or download the free Laundryheap app to book your dry cleaning slot. 


by Leave a comment

Hacks for drying clothes

The quickest way to dry your clothes is by using a tumble dryer. For those who don’t have a tumble dryer, or are looking to save on their energy bill, these are our top hacks for drying your clothes. 

  • Invest in a clothes horse 
  • Use a fan 
  • Utilise the outdoors
  • Hang your clothing 
  • Use a hairdryer 
  • Don’t use radiators 

Invest in a clothes horse 

A clothes horse is lightweight, foldable and an energy-efficient way to dry your clothes. You can buy heated clothes horses for faster drying, however, the plastic ones work just as well. 

For the best results, hang your clothes neatly on the rungs of your clothes horse, making sure that they don’t bunch up or overlap. Place your smaller clothing, such as underwear, on the lower rungs and your larger items, such as shirts, higher up. When compared to a tumble dryer, it can take a longer time to dry your clothes using a clothes horse, which is why you want to ensure that air can flow efficiently. 

Place your clothes horse either outside or in a sunny, open, space indoors. If you are drying your clothes indoors, try to avoid placing your clothes horse in a living area as the room can become humid and encourage mould spores. To avoid this, invest in a dehumidifier or open a window to let the moisture out. 

Use a fan 

If you have decided to use a non-heated clothes horse but want your clothes to dry at a faster pace, try using a fan. Hang your clothing on your clothes horse and place it in an open and airy space. Position your fan nearby and put it on a high setting- make sure that your fan isn’t on too high a setting as you don’t want your clothes being blown off. Make sure that you rotate your fan every 30 minutes to ensure that all of your clothes are benefiting from the increased airflow the fan produces.

Utilise the outdoors 

Weather permitting, the best way to dry your clothes is by letting them dry naturally outside. Either hang your washing on a washing line or place your clothes horse on some stable ground outside. The natural breeze and fresh air will swiftly dry your clothes, plus, if the sun’s out it will warm your clothes in the same way as a tumble dryer. An added bonus to drying your clothes outside is that you will be left with fresher, cleaner, smelling clothing. 

Try to avoid hanging woolen clothing on washing lines as the weight of the wool, plus the excess water can drag the item downwards, causing it to become misshaped. Rather than drying outside, place your woollen items flat on a surface to dry.

Hang your clothing 

Whether you’re drying your clothes indoors or outdoors it’s always best to hang them at their full length. Hanging your clothes at full length will ensure that air can easily travel through the material, resulting in them drying faster. In addition, hanging your clothes up will prevent wrinkles, meaning less time spent ironing out creases, and stops your clothes from losing their shape. 

Use a hairdryer 

This hack is only useful for your smaller garments, such as underwear, socks, or hand towels. Begin by removing as much excess water as possible. You can do this by using a high spin cycle on your washing machine or by hand wringing your items. For the best result, set your hairdryer on a medium to high speed and medium heat. Remember, the hairdryer is to increase airflow, not temperature- if you use too high a heat setting you will damage the fibres in your clothing. Make sure you distribute the airflow of your hairdryer evenly, turning your items every few minutes until they are dry. 

Don’t use radiators

Using a radiator will dry your clothing in a timely manner, however, will cause damage. Exposing your clothing to the heat of a radiator will damage their fibres and cause them to weaken. In addition, placing your clothes on a radiator blocks the vents, causing the radiator to use more energy to heat your room/clothing, resulting in a higher gas bill.

If you want your clothes laundered, dried and delivered to you within 24 hours, book your slot with us today. Visit the Laundryheap website or download the Laundryheap app. Now servicing Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan.


by Leave a comment

How To Iron Without An Iron

There is nothing worse than waking up the morning of a job interview, to find your smart shirt is wrinkled and there is no iron in the house. Similarly, you could be on a business trip and discover the hotel iron is out of use 15 minutes before your important meeting.

As harrowing as all these situations sound, there is no need to panic. There are many ways to de-wrinkle your clothing without an iron in sight. Not many things give off a worse first impression than wrinkly clothes, but this list will ensure you don’t need to freak out next time you find yourself without an iron.

  • Use Your Hair Straighteners
  • Hair Dryer 
  • Use A Cooking Pot To Iron
  • Hang Your Clothes In The Shower
  • Use A Tumble Dryer And Some Ice Cubes
  • Invest In A Clothes Steamer 
  • The Damp Towel Technique 
  • Apply Some Vinegar 
  • Let Us Sort It Out

Use you hair straighteners

Hair straighteners don’t just straighten hair, crazy right? In fact, in the 50s and 60s, women would straighten there hair with an actual iron. We are here to reverse that trend and bring it to the year 2020. 

Using the hair straightener as an iron can be especially useful on the collar, cuffs and placket of your shirts. So, next time you are in a rush and need to straighten out the collar on your favourite business shirt, look no further than your trusty hair straighteners! 

Use a hairdryer

Don’t have hair straighteners at hand either? That’s OK. How about trying the hairdryer? Another great way to de-wrinkle your clothes is by using a hairdryer to shoot concentrated bursts of hot air onto the wrinkled area of your clothes. 

This technique is particularly efficient when used on dresses with annoying creases in them. Firstly, you lightly dampen the wrinkled area of the dress. Next, you set the hairdryer to the lowest available setting and blow on the dress from 1-2 inches away. Be sure to keep the hairdryer a fair distance away, as you don’t want to scorch the fabric. Do this until the wrinkles straighten out.

Hang your clothes in the shower

This technique is probably the most well known of all the options on this list. Often the first plan of action when there is no iron available, the shower trick is particularly useful when travelling and finding yourself at the mercy of hotel appliances. 

So, if your hotel room lacks an iron, instead of asking for one at the front desk, why not just hang your creased clothes in the shower? Just turn the heat up and let the hot steam fill the room – this will help your clothes release any annoying creases. Afterwards, your clothes might be a little damp from the steam. Just hang them out to dry for ten minutes, once you come back, you won’t ever want to use an iron again! 

Use A Cooking Pot To Iron

Using a cooking pot to get rid of tough creases is one of the oldest tricks in the book. That’s right, the same pot you would boil your potatoes in, makes for the perfect ironing tool. 

All you have to do is make sure the bottom of the pot is nice and clean, boil some water and then pour it out. From there, you use the bottom of the pot in the same way you would use an iron, running it over the wrinkled areas. The steam from the pot will run out, so you have to make sure you are quick to ensure you have enough steam for all the creases. 

A Tumble Dryer And Some Ice Cubes 

Without a doubt the strangest suggestion on this list, but bear with us. Try throwing a wrinkled item of clothing in the tumble dryer with a few ice cubes and run on high for a couple of minutes. 

As the ice starts to melt it will create steam, this will de-wrinkle your clothes, leaving you with a creaseless shirt. Don’t believe us? Try it yourself. 

Invest in a clothes steamer 

A clothes steamer is the most effective way to iron clothes – even more so than using a conventional iron. Most retail stores use clothes steamers to remove creases from their clothes as opposed to irons. 

The only downside to a clothes steamer is that they don’t come cheap, buying a clothes steamer will cost you considerably more than buying an iron. Also, be careful not to burn yourself on the steam! 

The damp towel technique

The moist towel process is a simple, easy-to-do tip. All you have to do is place your wrinkled garment on a clean surface. Next, put a moist towel flat on top of the garment. Using your hands, press your hands on the towel and smooth out the affected area. It’s as simple as that! 

Apply some vinegar 

If you are an avid reader of our blog, you will already know that we love vinegar! If not, check out our The Benefits of Adding Vinegar To Your Laundry or How To Remove Stains With Vinegar. 

White vinegar works well when trying to eradicate wrinkles from your clothes. All you have to do is mist your clothes with one part vinegar and three parts water. Finish off by leaving the clothes to air-dry for crisp, smart looking clothes. 

Hire a professional 

If after reading this post you still don’t feel confident ironing your clothes without an iron, then maybe it’s time to seek professional help. Laundryheap can collect your clothes in 30 minutes and have them returned to you within 24 hours. All with no delivery fees.