Denim isn’t as tough as you think – my laundry tips will keep your favorite jeans from shrinking and fading
WASHING machines can be the mortal enemy of your favorite pair of jeans if you're not using them correctly.
A laundry expert has shared the cleaning tips she swears by for prolonging the life of your pants.
Morgan LaLonde, brand manager at Whirlpool, spoke exclusively to The U.S. Sun about the best ways to wash your jeans.
For her first hack, she addressed an "outdated misconception" about denim.
"Denim may seem like a tough fabric but that doesn’t mean you should choose a heavy-duty wash cycle," LaLonde said.
Instead, she recommended opting for a "delicate or gentle cycle" on your machine.
She also revealed the best water temperature to choose for the best results.
"Use cold water to avoid shrinking or fading," LaLonde advised any nervous jean owners.
She suggested investing in a mild detergent, "especially one made specifically for dark clothes if your jeans are blue or black.
DRYING
LaLonde also discussed the drying mistakes that can shorten the lifespan of your denim clothing.
"Exposing your jeans to direct heat in the dryer can shrink, fade, or yellow denim," she explained.
"It can also cause damage to stretch denim fabrics that contain spandex or Lycra."
Instead, she endorsed the idea of hanging your jeans out to dry naturally.
If you don't have the option of air-drying, she recommended selecting a low or no-heat cycle.
LaLonde also suggested using dryer balls to keep your jeans tumbling.
She also broke down the best type of washing machine to add to your home.
Tips for fluffy soft towels
Morgan LaLonde, brand manager at Whirlpool, told The U.S. Sun how to get your towels soft and fluffy and keep them that way.
- Select a warm or hot water cycle on your washing machine because "if the wash cycle isn't hot enough, towels can build up soapy residue that can also leave them feeling crunchy and stiff."
- Don’t use too much detergent. LaLonde explained that "soapy residue can become difficult to wash out and lead to stiff or scratchy towels."
- Avoid over-loading your washing machine and "allow the towels to move around and get thoroughly cleaned."
- Select a low to medium heat on your dryer "because over-drying or high temperatures may cause damage."
- Store in a cool dry place to "maintain a fresh and fluffy feeling."
WASHING MACHINE DESIGN
LaLonde explained that while older washing machines use more water, this "doesn't always mean a better clean."
"Current high-efficiency washers use less water and generally clean better than traditional dual-action agitator washers," she said.
"This is because high-efficiency washers clean primarily through the wash action."
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According to the professional, the features included on certain machines can elevate the wash cycle.
"Top-load washers with impellers and front-load washers rub clothes against each other and lower water creates a higher concentration of detergent, which improves cleaning," she said.
