Laundryheap Blog – Laundry & Dry Cleaning

Same-day collection. Free delivery in 24 hours.


Leave a comment

Tips for Using Your Washing Machine’s Capacity Wisely

Are you tired of doing multiple laundry loads or finding your clothes not coming out as clean as you’d like? Maximising your washing machine’s capacity is the key to efficient and effective laundry days. Here are some practical tips for using your washing machine’s capacity wisely.

1. Read the Manual

Start by familiarising yourself with your washing machine’s manual. It will give you clear guidance on load capacities and any special instructions for your model.

2. Don’t Overfill

We know the temptation to throw everything into the washing machine as once but try to resist cramming as much laundry as possible into a single load. Overloading can lead to poor cleaning results. As a general rule, leave some space at the top of the drum to allow clothes to move freely.

3. Sort and Organise Properly

Sort your laundry by fabric type, colour, and level of dirtiness. This allows you to wash similar items together and adjust the load size accordingly. For example, heavy items like towels and jeans require more space compared to lightweight garments like t-shirts.

4. Use the Fill Line as a Guide

Most washing machines have a fill line marked inside the drum. Use this as a guide to prevent overloading. If your machine doesn’t have a fill line, aim to fill the drum to about three-quarters full.

5. Prioritise Larger Items

When space is limited, prioritise washing larger items like bedding, towels, puffer jackets and bulky clothing first. These items typically take up more room but can handle being packed together more tightly than delicate garments.

6. Consider Half Loads

If you have a large-capacity washing machine but don’t have enough laundry to fill it, consider using the half-load or eco-friendly settings. These options adjust the water and energy usage to suit smaller loads, ensuring efficiency without wasting resources.

7. Maintain Your Washing Machine

Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the drum and filter, ensures optimal performance and prevents issues that may arise from overloading or underloading. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning and maintenance to prolong the life of your machine.

We’ve written a blog before about the signs that show when your washing machine needs cleaning.

8. Consider Booking With Laundryheap

Juggling the demands of laundry often feels like an endless struggle, especially when managing loads becomes overwhelming or time-consuming. But fear not, there’s a solution within reach: laundry services.

Using a laundry service like Laundryheap is a great way to maximise your washing machine’s capacity efficiently. Our laundry services can handle substantial loads quickly and effectively.

By outsourcing your laundry, you save significant time that would otherwise be spent on multiple loads at home, allowing you to focus on other priorities.

Our washing machines take care of our clothes so it’s only fair we take care of them. By using your washing machine’s capacity wisely, you can ensure your machines will run smoothly and clean your clothes properly.

Remember, if you do have a busy lifestyle, do get in touch with Laundryheap as we will tackle your laundry for you so you can reclaim your time!

To learn more about Laundryheap, visit our website or download the free app on iOS or Android.


2 Comments

Washing Tips for Holiday Pyjamas

Tis the season to be cosy, and what better way to celebrate the holidays than snuggling up in your favourite festive pyjamas? Amidst the Christmas preparation and gift-searching, it’s important to keep those holiday-themed PJs looking fresh and vibrant. In this quick guide, we’ll unwrap some simple yet effective washing tips for holiday pyjamas, ensuring they stay as jolly as the season itself.

Women in christmas pyjamas with gift
Photo Credit – Pexels
Continue reading


Leave a comment

Items That Could Damage Your Washing Machine

Your washing machine is your best friend when it comes to laundry. It’s best to always make sure it is looked after and cleaned. Unfortunately, there are items that could damage your washing machine. If you are putting these items in, now is the best time to stop.

Items that could damage your washing machine

1. Coins And Keys

It’s human to forget things. After all, we all lead busy lifestyles. Coins and keys are items that could damage your washing machine. If you do forget to check your pockets, these two items will spin around the machine and bang against the washer’s drum. To keep your washing machine scratch-free, always remember to check your pockets before you start laundry.

2. Rubbers Mats

Another item that could damage your washing machine is a rubber mat because when the cycle starts, the rubber can tear apart inside. Consequently, this will lead to bits of rubber all over your machine which can cause all sorts of problems. To avoid this, it’s highly recommended you wash rubber mats by hand.

3. Lingerie

You’d be forgiven to think that lingerie will wash like any other clothes. To keep your washing machine safe, it’s best to handwash them to avoid problems. This is because the hooks and wires in your lingerie could very easily hook onto parts of the machine while the cycle is going on. As a result, this makes the machine slow down and could potentially damage it.

4. Pet Hair

We all love pets even if their stubborn hair is everywhere in the house. If you are dedicating a day to doing laundry for your pet’s items, make sure their hair is removed from the items before starting the washing cycle. Use a rubber glove or lint roller to remove pet hair. If you leave this unchecked, pet hair can cause damage to your washing machine because it can clog the drain pumps.

5. Too Much Detergent

It may seem counter-intuitive, but detergent is on the list of items that could damage your washing machine. You’d be forgiven to think that using more laundry detergent will make your clothes smell nicer and fresher.

However, you need to balance it correctly because using too much detergent will cause damage to the washing machine’s control panel and invite unwanted mould and mildew. Usually, bad odours inside the machine are a sign you’ve used too much laundry detergent. Bad odours can also be a major sign that your washing machine needs cleaning!

Now that you are aware of the items that could damage your washing machine, you’ll take care of your machine better next time!

If your washing machine is not working, just get in touch with Laundryheap and we’ll do your laundry for you!

laundry services

To learn more about Laundryheap, visit our website or download the free app on iOS or Android!


3 Comments

Guide To Cleaning Aprons

Cleaning Aprons is a big duty after you’ve left the kitchen. They take care of us, by protecting our clothes from germs and stains, so it’s only fair we take care of them. If you spent a lot of time in the kitchen, you’ll know why it’s essential to keep aprons clean.

What’s The Best Way to Clean Aprons?

Whether you’ve cooked, brewed coffee, or owned a restaurant, we could imagine how messy the kitchen gets and naturally, aprons will get dirty. Cleaning aprons can be a daunting task but fortunately, there are ways to make this easier for you.

Hand washing

If your apron isn’t very dirty and you just need a few stains to be removed, handwashing would be the solution. Simply start off by filling a bucket with hot water and soak your apron in it. Afterwards, pour lemon juice and table salt on the dirty stains.

You always want to be prepared – check if the weather is warm and hang your aprons outside. If it starts to rain, leave your aprons to dry in a drying rack.

Finally, rinse the apron once again with water to remove any salt remaining and dry it once more to ensure the fabric remains of good quality!

Cleaning Aprons - Hand washing and drying

Laundry

When it comes to cleaning aprons, laundry can also be effective.

As a rule of thumb, always read the Apron label to see if its material is suited for laundry, ironing or dry cleaning. For Nylon and PVC aprons, we advise against machine washing.

Using the washing machine when cleaning aprons needs careful planning and awareness. We recommend washing the aprons separately from other clothing. Separate white aprons from bright or darker clothing or aprons to avoid colour mixing.

Cleaning Aprons may need their own special laundry day to avoid strings tangling with other clothes or aprons. However, you can always tie the apron’s strings together in a bow as a solution.

For better results, always read labels on the cleaning liquids to make sure they match the apron colour. Brightly coloured or darker aprons are cleaned with colour-safe liquids to maintain quality.

As a general rule, aprons are laundered for 30 minutes.

A reminder that all apron materials have different washing needs. Cotton Denim and Cotton Canvas are better washed separately as colours may latch on each other.

We offer laundry, ironing and dry-cleaning services to help you out if your work or business gets too busy.

Cleaning Aprons - Laundry

How often should Aprons be cleaned?

Every Apron tells a hundred stories. Some need cleaning attention while others can remain in the kitchen. When cleaning aprons, take into consideration how long you have used your apron. Usually, if the apron is used after two or three times then it needs to be cleaned.

LaundryHeap - Laundry, Ironing and Dry Cleaning services

We hope your Apron needs are fulfilled. Cleaning Aprons is important not only for you but for people around you.

A reminder that if your laundry or responsibilities piles up, our services can help you!

Whether you’re a business or just someone who needs their Apron cleaned, visit our website to book with us or download our free Laundryheap app on iOS or Android!


1 Comment

How to wash your underwear

Photo by 🐴chuanyu2015 from Pexels

If you’re wondering why the lace in your underwear is coming unravelled or why the elastic in your waistband isn’t doing its job anymore, it’s probably because you’re washing your underwear wrong. Have no fear, because we are here to rid you of ALL your underwear washing woes. 

  • Should you be washing underwear with normal clothes?
  • Killing germs
  • How to wash your delicates
  • How to wash cotton
  • How to wash bras
  • How Laundryheap can help

Should you be washing underwear with normal clothes?  

Unless you wash your clothing at a minimum of 60 degrees, the bacteria from your underwear can transfer to the rest of your load. You may now be wondering why we are advised to wash clothing at anything less than 60 degrees. Aside from the environmental benefits of a cold wash, cold water will CLEAN clothing but will not ELIMINATE microorganisms. Unless your clothing is particularly dirty, simply cleaning it will suffice. 

Killing germs 

There are several ways that you can rid bacteria from your underwear asides from a hot wash. Using an oxygen bleach detergent can kill the bacteria from underwear at as low as 20 degrees. After washing underwear in the washing machine, you should always clean your machine. The e-coli and bacteria from your underwear can stick to your washing machine and transfer to other loads of laundry. To wash your machine, simply add two cups of white vinegar and run an empty cycle. This will leave your machine sparkling clean and ready for your next load of washing. 

Running an empty cycle every time you wash your underwear is not very environmentally friendly. Rather than wasting water, energy and detergent try hand washing your underwear instead.

How to wash your delicates

Washing your delicate underwear is always difficult. Lace can become unravelled, silk can lose its silkiness and colours can fade. 

It’s always best to hand wash your delicates to avoid any unnecessary trauma to the material. Use warm water and a detergent without enzymes. Be careful not to use too much detergent as this will leave behind a soapy residue. Use a gentle plunging action when washing and avoid vicious rubbing. When drying NEVER hand-ring out residual water or use the tumble dryer. Instead, hang your underwear outside, but avoid drying in direct sunlight. This process will ensure that lace stays in tact and your silks stay silky. 

If you do want to use your washing machine to wash your more delicate underwear make sure you check the care label first. This will give you an indication of what cycle and temperature you should use. Additionally, put your underwear in a laundry bag or pillow case to avoid lace being snagged in the washing machine.

Photo by Emms x

How to wash cotton 

Unlike underwear made from silk or lace, cotton is a more durable material, and, therefor, is less likely to be damaged in the washing machine. That being said, it is still important to use a laundry bag or pillow case to ensure that your cotton stays soft. Additionally, don’t wash your underwear with jeans, towels or any other rough materials. Unlike with delicate underwear, you can use any detergent to wash your cotton underwear, just don’t overuse it as you will leave a soapy residue.

Photo by Eric Wüstenhagen

 How to wash bras 

Bras can be worn 2-3 times before they need to be washed. Regardless of if you hand wash or use a washing machine, its best to use a detergent that doesn’t contain bleach or alcohol. If you can’t find a detergent without either of these ingredients, use a small amount of baby soap for the same effect. 

To ensure that your bras stay in good shape it’s best to hand wash them. Hand washing is the best way to eliminate sweat and odours and prevents them from losing their shape. The best way to hand wash your bras is to leave them in warm water with a small amount of detergent. Leave them for 40 minutes to 1 hour before taking them out of the water and hanging them over your shower curtain pole, or leaving them flat on a towel to dry. Never tumble dry your bras as this will lead to them losing their shape. 

If you want to use your washing machine to wash your bras, use a delicate cycle setting and a laundry bag. Additionally, make sure you don’t wash your bras with any rough or heavy materials as this will break down the fibres of your bra and lead to their deterioration. 

Photo by Castorly Stock from Pexels

How Laundryheap can help 

If you don’t want to risk ruining your underwear, Laundryheap can help. Simply book your slot using our app and we will pick up, wash and deliver your underwear back to you within 24hrs. We now offer contactless collection and delivery, among other support services to limit physical interactions.


Leave a comment

How To Wash A Sleeping Bag

Whether you use a sleeping bag for camping, trekking, festivals or caravan trips, over time, your sleeping bag will become dirty and start to smell. Therefore, it is essential that you clean your sleeping bag after every use. Here are some tips on how to properly wash a sleeping bag.

Machine Washing A Sleeping Bag

Most sleeping bags are machine washable but to prevent any damages to it, check the care label first to ensure that it’s suitable to be machine washed.

  • Make sure zippers and Velcro tabs are fastened before putting them into the wash.
  • Machine wash on a cool delicate cycle with a mild detergent. For down sleeping bags, use a detergent especially for the material or Nikwax down wash.
  • Do not add fabric softener or bleach as it can damage the fibres of your sleeping bag.
  • After the wash has finished, run it through a rinse cycle to remove any soapy residue.

Never get your sleeping bag dry cleaned as it can ruin the material, especially for down sleeping bags. It is best to wash your sleeping bag in a front-loading machine. If you do not have one or can’t fit your sleeping bag in your front-loading machine, use a laundry service.

Hand Washing A Sleeping Bag

Hand wash your sleeping bag if it is not machine washable. Ensure that all zippers and Velcros are fastened and wash inside out if it has a waterproof lining.

  • Fill up your bath tub with warm water and add the appropriate detergent. Stir until the soap fully dissolves in the water.
  • Place your sleeping bag into your bath tub and use your hands to gently scrub sections of the sleeping bag together. Leave it to soak for 30 mins to 1 hour.
  • Drain the tub completely and refill again with water to rinse out soap. Repeat until soap is full removed.
  • Roll the sleeping bag to remove excess water.

Never wring or twist your sleeping as it may ruin the filing inside.

Drying A Sleeping Bag

Air drying:

  • Lay your sleeping bag to dry on a flat surface.
  • Hang your sleeping bag up to dry on a clothes line.

Machine drying:

  • Dry on a low heat setting. Add some towels to reduce drying time and (clean) tennis balls to prevent any clumps in the filing.