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Have you ever had the unpleasant surprise experience of pulling your favorite white shirt out of the washer, and it’s a bright shade of pink? That problem could have been avoided if you separated your laundry first. It may take a few more minutes to complete your laundry routine, but you will be pleased that your clothes come out clean and the same color when you sort your garments! If you’re not sure how to separate laundry colors, don’t worry, our experts share a few tips to give you all the confidence you need!

Sort by Color

When washing your clothes, it is wise to sort your clothes by color; separate your lights, darks, and mediums. Garments with high saturated colors are more likely to bleed in the washer. Items that you wash for the first time, like a new sweater, may also be more likely to bleed. Wash these garments separately the first few times so they can’t ruin your other clothes. Another helpful tip is to throw a color-absorbing cloth in with your laundry, as it will absorb some of the dye from the water.

Sort by Fabric

Fabrics vary in weight and texture, which can be harmful to your clothes when you wash them together. Rougher fabrics and materials can cause damage to your more delicate items, such as shirts with buttons or zippers. Also, when drying your clothes, it is crucial to note that different materials have different dry times. Lighter materials do not require as long a dry time as heavier materials do, resulting in them becoming overly dry. If you try to avoid that by shortening the dry time, your heavier materials may come out damp, which can cause a bad-smelling, musty odor. So it is best to sort laundry by fabric as this will ensure that each article of clothing is receiving an adequate amount of dry time.

Sort by Level of Dirtiness

Sorting clothes for laundry based on their dirtiness level is a great idea. While tossing overly dirty clothes in with other garments may seem more convenient, it is actually doing more damage to your clothing. The clothes that you have been wearing at work will require a more intense cycle to get rid of the stains and dirt that have accumulated. By washing them along with your other items, you are risking damage to your more delicate clothes. The heavy cycle can cause damage to the fabric, or the dirt from your work clothes can appear on the other items in the washer. So it would be beneficial to wash your work clothes separately from your casual clothing to avoid further damage.

Are you still wondering, “Do I really need to separate my laundry?” The answer is yes! If you’re looking for a 24-hour self-serve laundry experience, we invite you to stop into Bakers Centre Laundry today! Our team can answer all your questions and are here to help you with all your laundry needs.

Your pillows are used every day, and if you get the recommended eight hours of sleep a night, you’re spending over 220 hours a month on your pillow! Even if you’re using a pillowcase, your pillow is still going to get dirty. Accumulation of sweat, dirt, oils, and dust mites can build up and cause allergies that could affect your sleep quality. If you’ve been wondering how and how often you should wash your pillows, check out this handy guide from Bakers Centre Laundry.

How Often Should You Wash Your Pillows?

Experts recommend washing your pillowcases, sheets, and other bedding every two weeks. Your actual pillow can go a little bit longer—the recommendation is to wash them every three to six months. If it’s been longer than six months, check the care label and toss them in the washing machine!

How to Wash Pillows

Before you decide to wash your pillows, you should always check the care label. Some pillows can lose their shape or fluffiness if washed in a machine, so this is an important step. How to wash your pillows also depends on the type and material. Typically, if you have a pillow made from memory foam, buckwheat hulls, or gel, it can’t be washed in a machine. Feather, polyester, and microfiber pillows are almost always machine washable. Once you’ve determined if your pillows are machine washable, you can follow this easy, step-by-step guide:

1. Always check the care label for recommendations on temperature and wash cycle.
2. Most machine-washable pillows can be washed on a gentle cycle with warm or hot water and regular detergent. 
3. Run another rinse and spin cycle to remove as much moisture as possible.
4. Once the cycle has ended, you can let your pillows air dry, which could take up to three days.
5. If your pillows can be dried in your dryer, use the lowest temperature. High temperatures can damage the filling and cause it to clump together. You can also add tennis balls to help fluff them as they dry.
6. Whether you choose to air dry or toss your pillows into the dryer, ensure they are thoroughly dried before using them to prevent damage to the fibers or mildew smells.

If you have a memory foam pillow, never put it in the washing machine. Instead, sponge in warm soapy water at least once a year. Rinse well and remove excess water with a towel. Avoid drying these in direct heat or sunlight. 

If you’re worried about your pillow losing its shape or getting lumpy, always wash two pillows together with sheets and towels so that the load is balanced. If you have a top-loading washing machine with an agitator, always place them vertically to prevent damage. 

Why Choose Bakers Centre Laundry?

If you’ve been looking for a quality 24-hour full-service laundromat that can help with all your laundry needs, stop into Bakers Centre Laundry today. We are here to provide the cleanest, safest, and most friendly laundromat with the best laundry services in Philadelphia. From simple questions like, “How often should you wash your pillows?” to professional laundromat drop-off services, our team is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our services.

When it comes to laundry, one of the most important rules is that not all articles of clothing can be washed or dried the same way. Since clothing varies in material, it is only fitting that the wash and dry process for different materials vary as well. Clothes that are categorized as delicate, for example, should be washed and dried differently from towels. It’s important to take note of their recommended washing and drying treatments in order to keep your delicates in good condition. We asked our laundry experts at Bakers Centre Laundry how to go about laundering delicate clothing and here is what they have to share.

How to Wash Delicate Clothing

Delicate clothing should always be washed differently from normal articles of clothing. From items with embroidery, knitted and wool items, to silks and rayon, these items are categorized as delicate and should be washed as such. Some will say that hand washing these items in the sink with cold water will suffice, however, if you are running out of time and need a quicker way to launder these items, use the delicate wash setting on the laundry machine. Using a mesh bag for each individual delicate item can help protect these items even more during the washing process. If you need further information, be sure to refer to the label on your clothing tag for exact instructions! 

How to Dry Delicates

Similar to the washing process, the best solution for how to dry delicates is by air drying. If the delicates that you are dying are heavier materials, such as knitted items or wool, be sure to lay them flat on a towel to dry. Lighter fabrics such as silk can be dried on a hanger. However, if you need to dry your delicate clothing quicker, use the lowest dry setting on your dryer. Using strong heat can tamper with the quality of your clothing’s materials. The drying process is important for your delicates as any excess heat can diminish the quality of its material. In addition, the power of the drying machine could cause damage to any beaded articles of clothing. Be sure to refer to the tag on your clothing if possible for detailed instructions on how to dry it!

Highly-Rated Laundromat Near Me

At Bakers Centre Laundry, we take pride in helping our customers with all of their laundry needs. From delicates to oversized blankets and every garment in between, our team of laundry professionals is always ready to assist with any questions you may have or washing advice you may need. For more tips on best practices for laundering clothing or to learn more about our top-tier laundromat, please contact us today.

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We’ve all been there before; you toss your favorite sweater or jeans into the washer or dryer, only to find it shrunk down to an unwearable size. If you’ve ever wondered why your clothes go from human to child-sized after a laundry cycle, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there’s a simple solution if you first understand what causes clothes to shrink in the first place. Below, we’re sharing a few helpful tips for preventing your clothes from shrinking.

What Causes Clothes to Shrink?

If you want to stop shrinkage in its tracks, you need to understand your fabric. Cotton, linen, and some synthetic fabrics are made by being pulled, stretched, and twisted. When you wash and dry them, it allows the fibers to relax and return to their pre-shrunken state. Wool and other furry fibers have a unique surface structure of overlapping scales which differs from the smooth surface of a typical synthetic fiber. Ideally, animal fibers should never see the inside of your dryer.

How to Prevent Clothes from Shrinking 

Always separate your laundry by fabric before washing. If you remember that heat and agitation are natural and animal fibers’ worst enemies, learning to avoid shrinkage is easy. 

Always Check Fabric Care Labels Before Washing

Always read the care instructions to see what type of washing and drying cycle is best for your clothing. Pay careful attention to the recommended water temperature, laundry cycle, and drying instructions. Most natural fabrics require a gentle or delicate cycle, while wool and silk should be hand washed or dry cleaned.  

Use Cool Water and Proper Wash/Dry Cycles

When you wash your clothing in hot water, more damage is caused. This can lead to shrinking and wear and tear on your clothes. While using cold water may not eliminate all types of shrinking, it will certainly decrease the likelihood of it happening. It’s also a good idea to avoid using heavy-duty wash cycles, which can further agitate your delicate fabrics. 

Air Dry Your Clothes

If possible, air-dry your natural and animal fibers. Investing in drying racks or folding tables will give you the space to lay your clothes flat and let them dry on their own. If you absolutely must place your clothes in the dryer, choose a delicate cycle. Start drying your clothes on a low heat setting and then remove them while still damp. You can then allow them to air dry to complete the drying process. You can put very delicate clothing into mesh laundry bags to further protect them. When the cycle is complete, immediately remove laundry from the dryer to prevent shrinkage. 

Why Choose Bakers Centre Laundry

At Bakers Centre Laundry, we are always here to help answer all your laundry questions, like “How to prevent clothes from shrinking?”. By following these handy tips, you can extend the life of your clothes and prevent shrinkage. If you’ve been searching for the nearest 24-hour laundromat that provides unbeatable customer service and is fully attended 24/7, look no further than our exceptional laundromat!

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Waterproof garments are a sound investment, especially if you live in areas that reach freezing temperatures or experience heavy rain. Weather and daily use can all cause your waterproof jackets and pants to become dirty, and like your favorite pair of jeans, your waterproof clothes will need to be washed eventually. Dirt, salt, oils, and other gunk can all interfere with the performance of your waterproof clothing, and over time, it can even lose its repellency. Because the nature of the water-resistant fabric is different from your normal t-shirt, ordinary laundering typically isn’t recommended. Regular detergents can break down the water-resistant fibers and strip your garments of their waterproof coating. If you’ve been wondering how to wash a waterproof jacket or pants, continue reading the tips below. 

How to Wash a Waterproof Jacket or Pants

Waterproof jackets and pants require special care to keep their water repellent coating. When your gear needs to be washed, it will show some common signs, including:

• “Wetting out” – if you notice your jacket is soaking up water rather than repelling it, this is a sign it’s time to clean your gear and re-waterproof it.

• Dirt and stains – your waterproof jacket or pants are made for the outdoors, and because of this, it’s going to get dirty. If you spot visible stains or dirt, you know it’s time to clean your garments. 

• Sweat – your waterproof clothing is made with special fabrics designed to keep you warm and dry, so chances are you might sweat in your clothing. Body oils and sweat can lead to the deterioration of the water repellent coating, so you’ll want to wash your gear right away.

Are your waterproof pants looking a little dirty? Maybe your jacket isn’t as water-repellent as it used to be. Then it’s time to wash your waterproof gear! Utilize these steps to guarantee your waterproof clothes will be good for years to come: 

• Before washing, check your garments care tag and follow the washing instructions.
• Brush off any visible or loose mud or dirt. Zip up any zippers on jackets and pants. 
• Use a gentle liquid detergent (preferably one designed for waterproof fabrics) and wash your waterproof clothes separately from other laundry items. 
• Wash on a warm, permanent press cycle and avoid using fabric softeners.
• To dry your waterproof clothes, you can air dry or toss them in the dryer. If you’re drying in your dryer, set it to low heat.
• Your waterproof clothes are clean and dry!

If you notice your gear absorbing water after washing and drying, you may also need to re-waterproof your clothes. While it’s not recommended to reproof after every wash, you should do so when necessary. 

Caring for your rain and snow gear is a bit different than your regular laundry, but if done right, you can enjoy your waterproof clothes for years to come. If you’ve been searching for a 24-hour laundry service near me, consider stopping into Bakers Centre Laundry today for all your needs.

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A great pair of jeans is not only a wardrobe staple but an investment piece. Keeping them looking their best isn’t difficult, but it takes some extra care when it comes time to wash them. While handwashing seems to be the ideal method, it’s not always the most practical. The experts at Bakers Centre Laundry are sharing how to wash jeans properly to keep them from fading. 

How to Keep Jeans from Fading

Your jeans require special care on laundry day to ensure they last for years to come. But, how often should you wash your denim? Experts suggest washing your jeans every five to ten wears or whenever they appear dirty. If you’re active in your jeans, it’s best to wash them more frequently. If you sit all day, you can go longer between washes. Follow these simple steps to keep your favorite jeans looking good as new. 

Read the label.

Before you wash your jeans, always read the care instructions. This label contains information to help prolong the life of your denim and should be followed to prevent fading and avoid dye transfer. 

Spot treat stains.

If you spill sauce or have a grease stain, you don’t necessarily need to throw your jeans in the wash every time. Dab the spot with a liquid dish detergent using a white cloth. If it’s an ink stain, try hairspray or rubbing alcohol to remove it. You can also use cornstarch to remove a variety of spots.  

Turn your jeans inside out.

One of the simplest ways to keep your jeans from fading is washing them inside out. Washing your jeans this way helps to reduce friction that rubs away the dye, and it ensures the area is clean from oils and sweat. Make sure to zip up the zipper to reduce snags on other garments. 

Select your detergent.

Select a detergent that protects from discoloration, pilling, and fading. It’s best to avoid bleach and fabric softener, which can both harm the indigo dye. Alternatively, you can wash your jeans with vinegar to help neutralize odors and set the color. 

Use cold water and wash with similar colors.

Always wash your jeans with like colors and in the coldest water option to prevent dye from transferring onto lighter-colored clothing. Jeans are heavy when wet, so avoid washing more than two pairs at a time. 

Choose the gentlest wash.

Wash denim on the gentlest or delicate cycle to reduce unnecessary friction between other fabrics. 

Hang your jeans to dry or follow the care label.

Most jeans should skip the dryer. Check the care label before tossing them in because the heat can cause the fibers to shrink. Instead, opt to line dry or let them dry on a flat surface. 

The experts at Bakers Centre Laundry are always here to answer any questions you may have about laundering your favorite clothes. If you’ve been searching for an affordable laundromat near me, stop by today and check out our services. 

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We’ve all been there before; you pull your favorite shirt out of the dryer just to find it shrunk down to an unwearable size! It’s frustrating, but there are a few simple reasons why your garments shrink after completing a cycle. Keep reading for some simple tips on how to prevent clothes from shrinking in a dryer. 

Why Do Clothes Shrink in the Dryer? 

There are several reasons why your clothes shrink, including the fiber type, the temperature, and rotation. Different materials react differently when dried, especially when heat and agitation are included. While some fabrics are perfectly okay in the dryer, others should never see the inside of your machine. Natural fibers, such as wool and cotton will stretch more than man-made fibers, such as polyester and nylon, and will often shrink more when exposed to heat and agitation. As the dryer is tossing your clothes around, the fabrics gradually constrict, leading to a shrunken sweater or a too-tight t-shirt.  

How to Prevent Clothes From Shrinking in the Dryer

Even if you follow most laundry rules, shrinkage can still happen. If you’re looking to avoid this common mishap, take a look at some laundry techniques we’re sharing that will help prevent your clothes from shrinking. 

Check clothing labels

Always read the clothing tag before washing and drying your clothes. Pay attention to the water temperature, cycle recommendation, and drying instructions. Delicate fabrics, like wool, cashmere, and silk, will do best when either hand washed or dry cleaned, where cotton clothing does best in a gentle laundry cycle.

Use cold water 

Cold or warm water is less damaging to most fabrics. Your favorite shirt is much more likely to shrink if washed or dried in hot temperatures. 

Use proper wash/dry cycles

Avoid using heavy-duty cycles on clothes prone to shrinking and consider using the delicate cycle instead. You can also separate delicate clothing into mesh bags for increased protection. Avoid using high heat when drying, and instead, opt for a low heat setting. You can also remove your clothes from the dryer when they are still slightly damp and lay flat or hang them to finish air-drying. 

Air dry when necessary 

Not every article of clothing is meant for the dryer. Letting your clothes air dry is a great way to prevent them from shrinking. 

Consider a High-Efficiency Washer

If you’re in the market for a new washing machine, consider purchasing a front-loading or top-loading high-efficiency washer. These washing machines are often made without a center agitator, which can be damaging to your clothes and cause shrinkage. 

We hope we helped answer the age-old question of “why do my clothes shrink in the dryer?” and provided some helpful tips to prevent this annoyance from occurring. If you are looking for a local full-service laundromat that is open 24/7 and provides self-serve and drop-off options, consider stopping into Bakers Centre Laundry today!  

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We’ve all been there; you’re running late, put on a pair of pants, and they’re wrinkled. Luckily, you can make it out the door sans wrinkles without an iron! The laundry experts at Bakers Centre Laundry went on a mission to figure out how to remove wrinkles—quickly and easily—without an iron. Check out our clothing care hacks below to begin your day looking as crisp as can be! 

How to Remove Wrinkles from Clothes

One of the best ways to get rid of wrinkles without an iron is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Once you remove your hot clothes from the dryer, promptly fold or hang them versus tossing them into a laundry basket or in a pile on your bed. If wrinkles have appeared, try these 6 hassle-free fixes. 

Use the Dryer

If you’re searching for the easiest way to remove wrinkles from your clothes, toss them back into the dryer! For items like shirts and pants that are wrinkled all over, slightly dampen a small thing, like a sock or washcloth, and toss your wrinkled clothes into the dryer on high for five to ten minutes. Remove the item as soon as the cycle is over. This method is best for cotton clothing or cotton blends.

Steam From the Shower

Similar to the method above, steam from your shower can help release stubborn wrinkles. Make sure to close all the windows and doors in your bathroom, put the clothing on a hanger, and hang it in the back of your shower or on the shower curtain rod. In about fifteen minutes, the steam will smooth out the wrinkles, and you’ll be ready to take on the day.

Flat Iron

The flat iron you use on your hair makes a perfect ironing tool for quick fixes. Your flat iron works wonders on small areas, like your shirt collar or between buttons. Before you begin, ensure there is no product buildup left from your hair on the iron to prevent stains on your clothing. Delicates, like silk, should be ironed on the lowest temperature setting possible, and sweaters can be ironed at a warmer temperature. 

Wrinkle Remover Spray

If you don’t have an iron on hand, a wrinkle remover spray will do the trick. Most are safe for all fabrics and are made with a fabric releasing technology. Simply spray the garment and shake vigorously.  

Spray with Vinegar

If you don’t have a wrinkler remover spray—no problem! You can quickly make your own with some everyday household items. Try mixing one part vinegar with three parts water. Using a spray bottle, mist the garment all over and let it air dry. Alternatively, you can mix one cup of distilled vinegar, one teaspoon of fabric softener, and one teaspoon of rubbing alcohol and spray the wrinkled area.  

Use a Hot Pot

This method works best for small wrinkles. Boil a medium-sized pot of water, and once it starts to steam, spill the water out. Then, use the bottom like you would an iron. Avoid “ironing” plastic embellishments, like buttons, because this can melt them. 

No one likes to iron, but wrinkles happen to everyone. If you find yourself without an iron, try these tried and tested hacks so you can enjoy wrinkle-free clothing. If you need help with your wrinkles, stop searching for the best 24-hour laundromat near me, and stop by Bakers Centre Laundry today! 

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It’s Sunday, and you find yourself running around your home gathering a week’s worth of dirty laundry to wash. Towels, jeans, workout clothes, and bedsheets make their way into your laundry basket. Even if Sunday is laundry day, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you should throw everything in the washing machine that day. While some items, such as socks and underwear, should be washed after every wear, other garments, like jeans, can get more than one wear before a wash. Today, the experts at Bakers Centre Laundry are sharing a personalized laundry schedule to follow so you know exactly how often you should do your laundry. 

Creating a Laundry Schedule Based on Your Needs

To determine how often you should wash your clothes, sheets, towels, and everything else, several factors need to be considered. Try following these best practices for the best outcome the next time you do your laundry.

• Be mindful of how you separate your clothes – While we all know to separate dark clothing from light, there are various other ways to divide your laundry. Separate lightly soiled clothing from items that are dirty or muddy and abrasive fabrics from your delicates.  
• Don’t overload your machines – Your washing machine and dryer work best when they’re not overloaded. Your clothes need room to spin around so the detergent can be distributed evenly and everything can be dried uniformly. 
• Clean and sanitize your washer – You wash away dirt, gunk, grime, and bacteria from your clothes, so it’s a smart idea to sanitize your washer regularly. 
• Choose the correct water temperature – Knowing what fabrics do best in what water temperature can help extend the life of your clothing. Delicates, like silk and wool, do best in cold water, while hot water works best for stronger fabrics, like cotton and polyester. 
• Select the best detergent for your laundry – Sometimes, you need a laundry detergent that’s best for sensitive skin. Other times, you need help fighting stains and spills. Choose a laundry detergent that works best for you and your family. 

How Often Should You Do Laundry? 

While we know socks, underwear, workout gear, and undershirts should be washed after every use, bras can be worn three to four times before washing, depending on the season. Your bras can be washed less frequently when the weather is cooler and you aren’t sweating as much. Your socks and underwear are in close contact with your skin and sweat every day, so it’s crucial to wash them after each wear. 

Daily wear items, such as shirts, blouses, dress pants, dresses, and pajamas, can go a little longer, usually worn two to three before washing. Clothes like jeans, sweaters, and jackets can be worn even longer, usually five to six times before washing.  

Household items, like hand and dish towels and washcloths, should be washed at the end of every day. Bedsheets and pillowcases should be washed every week, while blankets can go a little longer between washings, anywhere from one to three months. Be sure to wash all these items in hot water and dry on high heat to help kill bacteria. 

If you’re looking for more answers to your laundry questions, know the experts at Bakers Centre Laundry are here to help! If you’ve been searching for a full-service 24-hour laundromat near me, you can rest assured that we will take care of all your laundry needs. Connect with us today to learn more about our services.