When our moms and grandmas did their laundry they often hung it outside and let the wind, fresh air and sunshine do its work. I still love the scent of laundry dried outside and hang it out when the weather permits. Certain things, that is, because some things are just too tedious to hang . . . or the neighbors do not need to see them. I also do not like to hang towels to dry because they tend to feel like scrub brushes if there is no wind to blow on them. I like them soft, but not necessarily the soft that comes from using fabric softener. There is a happy medium between having enough scrub/drying ability and a freshness that is not perfumed.
So, maybe it's because I rarely use any kind of fabric softener that my towels need a boost now and then. Upon my sister's recommendation, I've begun using Pine Sol every once in a while . . . about 1/4 - 1/2 cup along with the detergent. The pine oil in this cleaner acts as a natural deodorizer and disinfectant. I find it eliminates stale odors and leaves my towels feeling clean, absorbent and smelling fresh, without fabric softener.
PS After using the lemon fresh Pine Sol for a while now, I've read that you are only to use the Original Pine-Sol for use in the laundry. Not sure why. I have had not had problems. I add it to the compartment where I would add the bleach in my energy efficient washing machine. For grease spots, you can rub in right into the spot.
9 comments:
Thanks for that tip..I've never added pine sol to my wash. I will try it.
I am sure going to try this tip .. thanks Anneliese.
Great idea....there is Lilac scent now too. I use baking soda in mine also. It helps feel things so much cleaner. But will try your idea. Thanks,
I ran out of laundry detergent last week and used Ivory liquid dishes detergent for my linens and towels wash. That worked fine. I'm trying to use milder, less environmentally harmful cleaning agents to protect our rivers and water table. For cleaning I use dishes detergent and vinegar, or borax. For scrubbing sinks etc I use baking soda and salt, and vinegar.
Sharon
I'm going to try this...
You are wise to avoid using fabric softener with towels; the softener agents coat the fabric fibers and cause the fabric to become non-absorbent over time. Who wants a non-absorbent water repellant towel?
Pine Sol sure was a housewife's best friend in the 1950's and I suspect it is due for a big comeback with tips like this one.
Wow, I've never heard of using Pine Sol in the laundry! Great tip. I will give it a try.
Love, Bonnie
I have never tried pine sol, but I think it sounds like a great way to freshen the towels. In the summer, we still hang them on the line, but the winters are way too cold!
Just smelling them...and I love that simple tip...I find too that towels are much softer in our dryers than out on the line.
But the freshness of outdoors is hard to beat.
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