8 Surprising Laundry Secrets

1. Soften Jeans

To soften new blue jeans, wash them several times or soak them for 12 hours in a small tub filled with cold water and fabric softener, then wash as usual. To prevent jeans from streaking, turn them inside out before washing.

(Photo courtesy of Thinkstock)

2. Remove Collar Stains

To remove rings around shirt collars, rub liquid laundry detergent into the stain or collect soap bits in a mesh bag and rub into the affected area. Wash as usual.

3. Whiten Your Whites

To whiten, soak in a solution of cold water and 1 teaspoon cream of tarter before hand washing with mild soap.

4. Clean Baby Clothes

To get baby clothes their cleanest, treat in a pre-soak product, and then launder as usual. Soak items as soon after staining as possible and keep them wet until laundering.

Photo: iStock

5. Wash Nylons and Tights

To wash nylons or tights, place them in a mesh bag and wash with other delicate items without hooks, eyes, or other metal parts that could snag the stockings.

(Photo courtesy of Thinkstock)

6. Care for Corduroy

To keep up the nap on corduroy, turn clothing inside out before washing.

(Photo courtesy of Thinkstock)

7. Clean Curtains

To bring back the crispness to curtains, launder and then dip in a solution of 2 gallons of warm water to 1 cup Epsom salts. Let drip dry outdoors or in the shower and touch up with iron.

Photo: iStock

8. Brush Buttons

To clean cloth-covered buttons that still look dirty after laundering, brush with mild soap or detergent and a soft toothbrush.

Photo: Thinkstock