Got laundry? Check out these must-try laundry hacks and resources from a mom who truly understands the fine art of dirty laundry. Thanks to Febreze In-Wash Odor Eliminator for sponsoring this collection of tips.
It's happened to me on more than one occasion: that awkward "I don't know how to respond to that" pregnant pause.
I'll be chatting with someone and they'll casually ask me, "So, what does your husband do?" When I reply that he's a garbage man, there's a brief moment of panic in their eyes. They stumble with a response... so I quickly fill in the gap, "We've got great insurance, it pays well, he's home before 5, and my husband's an introvert who loves working alone. It's perfect for our family." Generally, people then attempt to move on to another topic that's more comfortable for them, as I smile.
See, the thing is... My husband is much more than "just a garbage man."
This really hit me while we were grocery shopping this summer. We'd just checked out and were strolling out the door pushing a full shopping cart when he suddenly whirled around...
"Shoot," he said.
"What's the matter?"
"I forgot to get cash," he replied.
"What do you need cash for?" I asked.
"Lemonade."
See, the thing is, my husband doesn't just pick up the trash while he works: He waves to the toddlers with their faces pressed against their living-room windows, gawking in jaw-dropping wonder as they hear his huge (and mysterious) garbage truck approaching their house. He smiles at the children playing in their yards who stop to watch him work. And he purchases lemonade at every kid-run sidewalk stand — all summer long.
My husband makes sure he has cash in his wallet so he can make a child's day by leaving a big tip after buying a glass of their lemonade. I realized at that moment that my husband is a modern day hero. Young children look up to him, and he takes that job very seriously.
The short video in this blog post The Garbage Man Is Our Hero is a sweet reminder for us ALL to take pride in what we do... Little people are watching us more than we know. How cute is this little guy? See the DIY costume tutorial here on Snap Happy Mom.
So, with a husband who's a garbage man, I am by all accounts a master of the art of dirty laundry. Below are some of my favorite laundry hacks, products, and resources.
1. Get the STINK out.
We wash my husband's work clothes in the ultra-hot sanitize mode. However, with certain colors and fabrics, that's not always a suggested option, so for those situations, I've been using Febreze In-Wash Odor Eliminator. You simply pour the product in with your laundry detergent during the regular wash cycle. It works great on getting that damp smell out of kitchen and bathroom towels.
Want to try it out, too? Be sure to download this $2.00 coupon first.
Curious how it works? According to their site, "Febreze In-Wash Odor Eliminator is specially designed to capture malodors in the wash cycle. The captured odors are then washed away in the rinse cycle. The scent in Febreze In-Wash Odor Eliminator is specially designed not to interfere with the scent of your other laundry products." Check out their FAQs and get more info.
2. Pin "The Ultimate Stain Solutions Resource" for later.
Check out this *huge* comprehensive list of stain solutions. Each solution contains the supplies you'll need and the preferred method for cleaning the stain. You can browse through the image list or use the built-in search toolbar for a quick reference. You're gonna want to pin this handy, go-to "stain-opedia."
3. Learn to "read" Textile Care Symbols.
Learn standard Textile Care Symbols to ensure the longevity of your beloved laundry items (or any work-issued clothes you don't want to have to buy more of due to a simple mistake).
If you're like me, this kind of information doesn't stay "top of mind." Pop over to lettered & lined on Etsy to check out some of her adorable laundry room printables. Decorate your work space with playful prints and utilitarian pieces. This one is my favorite. So sweet.
Today I'll be thankful
for all the little socks,
the grass stained jeans,
the endless piles of laundry
for there will come a day
when the laundry basket
is empty and these days
will be profoundly missed.
4. Get on board with Dryer Balls — They ROCK.
Invest in a set of long-lasting Dryer Balls. Why? Here's just a few perks of a set of Smart Sheep's Wool Dryer Balls...
- Softens laundry naturally -- No chemicals or synthetics are used (Great for babies and those with sensitive skin!)
- Shortens drying time and saves energy (Use 3 balls for small/medium load, 5-6 for large.)
- Are extra-large (9 in. circumference), handmade, and eco-friendly (They're a healthy, petroleum-free alternative to plastic dryer steamer balls.)
- Saves you money -- Replace disposable dryer sheets and liquid fabric softeners, as these last for 1,000+ loads
Although, I admit... I think these adorable hedgehog dryer balls are pretty awesome, too.
If you want to be even more frugal, you can make your own wool dryer balls out of yarn. I loved this easy DIY tutorial.
5. Try these simple Laundry Hacks.
Check out these Buzz Feed laundry hacks to make you a real laundry pro. In less than 2 minutes, you'll learn how to keep your jeans looking like new, what to do with pesky wrinkles when you don't have an iron handy, how to keep your whites and colors vibrant, and learn the surprise way to clean and disinfect your washing machine. Got any guesses? You'll have to watch and see...
If you have any favorite laundry hacks, products, or resources to add to the list, let me know in the comments. Lemonade Stand season may be ending for my husband, but Hot Cocoa Stand (and chocolate STAIN!) season is coming up.
Happy folding,
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Disclosure: This sponsored post is a part of the Mom to Mom Advice Campaign with KSW Media. Thanks to Febreze In-Wash Odor Eliminator for sponsoring this article and today’s conversation. All content and opinions as always, are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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