Total Laundry Refresh
Ultimate Guide to Washing All Fabrics in Your Home
Keeping your home fresh and clean means more than just washing your clothes—it’s about tackling all the fabrics that collect dust, dirt, and odors. From bedding and towels to curtains and couch covers, every fabric needs special care. Follow this guide to make your entire home feel crisp and clean!
Using a Laundromat for Deep Cleaning
Before we dive into specifics, consider all of the benefits of tackling your laundry at Ellie's Laundry instead of overloading your home washer.
Large-Capacity Machines – Wash bulky items like comforters, rugs, and blankets with ease. Ellie's washing machines range in size from 2-loads to 8-loads (plenty of space for king comforters or a 9x12 washable rug).
Save Time & Money – Get all your laundry done quickly with several high-efficiency machines. A standard wash cycle at Ellie's Laundry is 24 minutes followed by a 24 minute dry cycle. By using multiple washers and dryers, you could potentially wash everything in an hour.
Professional Cleaning Power – Professional-grade equipment ensures a thorough wash and sanitization. Our commercial washers and dryers are specially made to gently yet effectively clean.
Premium Laundry Service - If that still feels like too much, Ellie's Laundry can wash and fold all your spring cleaning items for you. Check out our Wash and Fold services and prices HERE.
Total Laundry Guide
Follow this guide for washing all fabrics throughout your home.
1. Bedding and Linens
Your sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers collect sweat, oils, and dust mites, so washing them regularly is essential.
- Frequency: Once a week
- Temperature: Hot water (if fabric allows) to kill germs and dust mites
- Tips: Use a mild detergent to protect fabric softness.
- Add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to eliminate odors and residues.
- Dry on medium heat to avoid shrinking.
2. Comforters, Duvets, and Blankets
Bulky bedding items can be tricky to wash at home, so consider taking them to the laundromat where larger machines are available.
- Frequency: Every 3 months or as needed
- Temperature: Follow care labels, but typically warm or cold water
- Tips:Use a gentle cycle to maintain fluffiness.
- Toss in a few clean tennis balls or dryer balls to help distribute filling during drying.
- Air dry if possible to maintain loft.
3.
Towels and Washcloths
Towels can develop musty odors and bacteria buildup if not washed frequently.
- Frequency: After 3-4 uses
- Temperature: Hot water for sanitization
- Tips: Avoid fabric softeners—they can reduce absorbency.
- Use a half cup of baking soda or vinegar to help remove odors.
- Shake out towels before drying to keep them fluffy.
- Strip every 6 months to preserve softness. Click HERE to learn more
4. Curtains and Drapes
Curtains collect dust, allergens, and even odors from cooking.
- Frequency: Every 4-6 months
- Temperature: Cold or warm water, depending on fabric (check labels)
- Tips: Use a delicate cycle to prevent wear and tear.
- Air dry to avoid shrinking, or tumble dry on low if fabric allows.
- Vacuum curtains in between washes to minimize dust buildup.
- Open windows during good weather to freshen your air
5. Couch Covers and Throw Pillows
Your furniture fabrics see a lot of use and can harbor dirt, pet hair, and spills.
- Frequency: Every 3 months or as needed
- Temperature: Follow care instructions on labels
- Tips: Spot treat stains before washing.
- Wash removable covers on a gentle cycle with cold water.
- Dry thoroughly to prevent mold or mildew.
6. Rugs and Floor Mats
Rugs trap dirt and odors, especially in high-traffic areas.
- Frequency: Every 1-3 months
- Temperature: Cold water
- Tips: Shake out or vacuum before washing.
- Use mild detergent and air dry to prevent warping.
- For non-washable rugs, spot clean and vacuum regularly.
7. Clothing and Everyday Wear
While clothes are typically washed more often than household fabrics, it’s important to care for them properly to maintain quality.
- Frequency: After each wear for undergarments and workout gear; 2-5 wears for most other clothing. Click HERE for more specifics.
- Temperature: Cold water for colors, warm or hot for whites and heavily soiled items
- Tips: Turn clothes inside out to protect colors and prints.
- Use mesh laundry bags for delicate items.
- Avoid overloading the machine to ensure thorough cleaning.
Final Thoughts
Washing all the fabrics in your home may seem overwhelming, but with a plan and the right techniques, it’s manageable and rewarding. Regular care keeps your fabrics looking fresh and feeling soft while eliminating allergens and odors.
For oversized items or when you have several loads to tackle, consider a trip to Ellie's Laundry, and take advantage of our large-capacity machines to make quick work of bulk washing!
Now your entire home will feel as clean and cozy as freshly laundered sheets!
Give your linens a new life by stripping them of oils, grime and soap build-up.
Store away your winter blankets, comforters and clothing so they don't become musty.
It's spring cleaning time! Don't overlook your laundry and fabrics throughout your home.
When it comes to washing clothes, the question of how often to clean them isn’t always straightforward. Over-washing can wear out your clothes more quickly and waste time and resources, while under-washing can lead to odors or stains that are harder to remove. Here’s a simple guide to help you decide how many times you can wear different types of clothing before tossing them in the laundry. 1. Everyday Basics Underwear, Socks, and Workout Clothes: Wash after every use. These items come into direct contact with sweat and bacteria, making them hygiene priorities. T-Shirts and Tank Tops: Generally, wash after one wear, especially if worn directly against your skin or in hot weather. 2. Outerwear and Layers Jeans: Can be worn 3-5 times before washing, unless they become visibly dirty or smelly. Spot clean minor stains to extend wear. Sweaters and Hoodies: Wash every 5-7 wears if worn over another shirt, as they don’t directly touch your skin. Jackets and Coats: These can often go weeks or even a full season without washing unless they’re exposed to dirt or odors. 3. Specialty Items Pajamas: Can be worn 3-4 times before washing if you shower before bed. Otherwise, wash after 1-2 wears. Dresses and Skirts: Depending on the material and level of activity, wash after 1-3 wears. 4. Bedding and Towels Bath Towels: Wash after 3-5 uses to prevent mildew buildup. Ensure they dry fully between uses. Sheets: Aim to wash weekly for hygiene and comfort. What About Stains? You might think that every accident, spill or grass stain requires a full wash cycle. However, stains are best treated immediately, before they've had time to dry and set into the fabric. So, spot treating a stain as close to it's occurrence is the best course of action. Depending on the severity of a stain and the overall cleanliness of the clothing article, you may be able to simply spot treat and hand-rinse the stain to restore it to wearable quality without the need to run your washing machine. Why It Matters Washing less often helps your clothes last longer and saves water, energy, and money. It also minimizes the environmental impact of your laundry routine. Use your judgment—if something looks or smells dirty, wash it, but don’t feel obligated to clean items after every wear if they’re still fresh. By finding a balance, you’ll save time, money, and resources while keeping your wardrobe in great shape. Happy Washing!
Discover easy ways to strategically save money at the laundromat
How did Ellie's Laundry grow to be the best reviewed laundromat and laundry service in Memphis, TN?
Too much laundry detergent can damage clothes, make them dirtier and waste money. Find out why.