Check out the article below for more tips for washing laundry from the Holland Sentinel. Though they are specifically referring to sheets and towels, these tips can be applied to any type of laundry.

We use sheets and towels daily, but given proper care, they can last for years. And while prolonging the life of the items we own isn’t as obviously green as, say, recycling, this practice helps conserve resources and save money.

The life expectancy of your linens depends on how much use they get, says Linda Cobb, who offers cleaning advice under the name The Queen of Clean.

Putting sheets right back on the bed will cause them to wear out a little faster, says Cobb, but the tradeoff is saving time with folding, particularly those tedious fitted sheets. A few other simple steps can help prolong the life of these household staples.

1. Use the right product

Your choice of detergent certainly matters for laundry items, but also the environment.

“Harsh detergents and bleaches break down fabric fibers,” says Cobb, who personally recommends the Vaska line. She recommends using “quality, safe, natural laundry products” to extend the life of linens.

2. Read the label

Check labels and wash sheets and towels at the recommended water temperature; some items call for a gentle wash cycle or should not be bleached. Most Americans also use too much detergent, according to the Whirlpool Institute of Fabric Science, especially as washers become more efficient and detergents more concentrated. Excess suds can re-deposit soiling matter on your laundry.

3. Don’t let soiling build up

Unlike blue jeans, which benefit from fewer washes, going too long between launderings for sheets and towels causes dark discoloration to build up that won’t necessarily wash out. Cobb recommends pre-treating any spots so stains don’t set in.

4. Thoroughly dry items before putting them away

Still-damp sheets and towels can harbor bacteria and mold, according to the American Cleaning Institute, formerly the Soap and Detergent Association. This is also true of damp linens stuffed in a hamper, or towels that don’t dry out fully between uses.

5. Line dry when possible

That fuzzy buildup in your dryer’s lint tray is made up of fibers that used to be part of your sheets and towels. This is normal for newly purchased items, says Cobb. But each trip to the dryer eats away, ever so slightly, at your linens. If weather and local ordinances permit, hang out your linens to dry and cut down on both energy use and wear and tear. If you do use the dryer, be sure to clean out the lint trap after every use.

Did you know?

Concentrated versions of laundry detergent and fabric softener use 15 to 50 percent less material than traditional packaging, according to the American Cleaning Institute.

If you happen to be buying new linens, Egyptian cotton is known for having a long lifespan. Organic cotton and cotton-bamboo blends are generally grown using sustainable methods.

1. Before You Load – Pre-rinse dishes if they won’t be washed right away.
2. Stacking Dishes – Face the dirtier side of dishes (tops of plates, insides of bowls) toward the center of the machine. Pots, pans and casserole dishes angle down.
3. Never stack items - The water spray won’t be able to reach dishes that on top of other dishes.
4. Put flat pans and other larger flat dishes along the sides and back of the rack. If they are in front, by the door, the detergent will be blocked from reaching all the dishes.
5. Rest glasses upside down on the top rack, angled so they don’t collect water. Don’t allow them to touch, to prevent breakage.
6. Use Fresh Detergent – Keep detergent fresh by always storing it in a cool, dry spot. Don’t buy more than a two months’ supply at once. Don’t use regular dishwashing liquid designed for hand washing dishes or it may end up looking like this:

You can buy dishwasher detergent at ToiletPaperWorld.com. Get dishes virtually spotless and remove stubborn grease with a quality dishwasher detergent in gel, powder or tabs.

In honor of Scott’s 130th Birthday, ToiletPaperWorld.com is giving away A YEAR’S SUPPLY OF 2-PLY SCOTT TOILET PAPER! All you need to do is place your order as usual between 10/5 – 10/11 and you will automatically be entered into the drawing.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SCOTT – and thank you for 130 years of excellence and high quality products.

** Winner will receive 2 cases (160 rolls) of Scott 2-Ply Toilet Paper. Winner will be randomly selected by the IT department and winner will be notified on 10/12. **

All you need is a few supplies and a child's imagination!

When it comes to making something out of something that doesn’t seem to exciting, leave it to kids to come
up with the best idea ever. Toilet Paper crafts, like Toilet Paper Roll puppets, can be a great way for your child to show off some creativity while using easy to find materials right at home. Here’s how to make one of your own:

Materials Needed:
- Toilet Paper and/or Paper Towel Rolls
- Craft Sticks
- Glue
- Scissors
- Construction Paper
- Various Craft Supplies (felt, moving eyes, yarn, etc.)

Instructions:
Very simple!
Decorate the cardboard toilet paper rolls to make different people or animals. You can even cut them to different heights. Use the misc. craft supplies to make hair, clothes, mouths, etc. Use the scissors to cut out the details you want in 3-D, or add on other craft supplies. If you’re feeling really artistic, you can also paint your rolls to resemble just about anything!
Glue the craft sticks inside the bottom edge of the cardboard roll for handles, so you can have a puppet show later! Remember – be creative!

As Spring Cleaning season looms just around the corner, you can start to get a head start on your cleaning routine today by opting to organize your cleaning supplies. By taking the time to get your spics and spans in a row, you can be sure that cleaning will be easier and less frustrating than you last remember. After all, Spring Cleaning can be a very rewarding experience when you get it done right. Here are the steps you need to get your supplies ready for the fight against dirt, grime and dust bunnies:

Step 1: Find A Space
Most people tend to shove their supplies under a shelf, in a cupboard, or even in a bucket in a closet. The point of organizing your cleaning supplies is to find a space where it can fit comfortably and be dedicated to storing just cleaning supplies. If you don’t have an entire closet to devote, you can always think about setting aside part of a pantry, a nook under a staircase, or even an organized bin.

Step 2: Clean Up
Sort through your supplies and sort out what’s unnecessary. If you have two half-used bottles of the same product, combine them together. Pitch brooms, mops, or rags that are worn out beyond repair. Start organizing your products by room, type, or whatever way works best for you. Try to secure loose items like brooms, rags, and bottles by tossing them in bins, buckets, or hanging them up on racks, hooks or similar.

Step 3: Stock Up
Once you’ve cleared out the clutter, replenish your supply of depleted cleaning products. ToiletPaperWorld.com is your source for finding the Cleaning Supplies You need to restore your cleaning space to where it should be – just in time for Spring Cleaning.