Taking care of baby clothes can be a tricky task and an even trickier one if you have to do it in a laundromat. Washing your little angel's delicate items can be quite the challenge in an unfamiliar setting, but don't worry, with a few handy tips you can ensure your baby's clothes are washed according to the best standards.
5 Tips for Washing Baby Clothes at a Laundromat
1. Use Gentle Detergents
Choose a detergent specifically designed for baby clothes or one that is free of dyes, fragrances, and harsh chemicals. This will help ensure your baby's delicate skin isn't irritated and prevent fading colors from their clothing.
Ingredients to avoid include optical brighteners, bleaching agents, and fabric softeners. Instead, opt for a product that is hypoallergenic and has been tested and approved by the American Academy of Dermatology.
2. Check the Temperature
Baby clothing typically requires using lukewarm water to protect their delicate fabrics and avoid shrinkage. If you don't have access to a thermometer, remember that if it feels warm, it's too hot. The ideal temperature is in the range of 86-104°F (30-40°C). Wash baby clothes alongside garments like towels and bedding that have a similar fabric type.
3. Pre-Sort Garments
Don't just throw all the items into one washing machine. Sorting according to colors and fabrics will help make sure the colors don't run and the delicate items are washed on a lower temperature setting. Sorting options include whites, light colors, dark colors and delicates. Remember to always zip up zippers and turn some clothing inside out, like jeans, to prevent color transfer.
4. Check for Stains
Never assume stains will come out clean after one wash. Use a pre-wash stain remover and treat any remaining stains with a special detergent designed specifically for dealing with them. Use products that are hypoallergenic and free of fragrances. If a stain won't budge, try spot-scrubbing it with a soft brush and cold water, then treat with the appropriate detergent.
5. Do Not Overload
Overloading a laundromat washing machine can cause damage and lead to fabric shrinking or fading of color due to excessive friction between pieces of clothing. Instead, organize the laundry load so that it's not too full and can move easily during the washing cycle. An ideal load size is usually two-thirds the capacity of the machine.
When you want a laundromat with the equipment you need to treat your baby's clothes right, City Laundry in Lincoln, NE, should be your first choice. Whether you've got delicate fabrics or garments that needs powerful stain removal, their machines are up to the challenge. Their self-service units and large capacity washers and dryers mean your clothing will look as good as new without a long wait or multiple loads. They offer both coin and mobile payment options. For questions about their facility, call (402) 483-2113 or visit the website.