9 Laundry Lifesavers to Save You Money and Time

A messy spill or "hand wash only" tag doesn't have to be a pain. Learn what common household items can be used to save your clothes and  your money.

Money-Saving Secrets

1. DIY Detergent Pods
Pods help anyone in your household use just the right amount of detergent to get the job done, which saves money, your clothes, and oversudsing your machine. How to make your own: Grate a bar of pure soap (such as Ivory) until you have 1/2 cup grated soap. (Or you can purchase soap flakes.)

In a glass mixing bowl, combine the grated soap, 1½ cups washing soda, and 2 tablespoons Epsom salts. Mix in 3 tablespoons 3% hydrogen peroxide and ¼ cup vinegar. Scoop the mixture by heaping tablespoons onto a baking sheet lined with wax or parchment paper. You should have enough for 24. Give the piles-to-become-pods a little spritz of water to set, and allow to dry (about 12 hours). Once dry, store the pods in an airtight container. Like your laundry to smell fresh? You can add 10 to 20 drops of your favorite essential oil when you add the peroxide and vinegar.

Amazing Stain Removers

2. Blood Stains Meat Their Match
Don’t give up on that bloodstain! Head to the kitchen for unseasoned meat tenderizer—it’s amazing for treating even set-in bloodstains. Make a paste by mixing a tablespoon or two (more for larger stains) in a bowl with enough water to make a thick paste. Spread it on the stain and allow it to sit for an hour before rinsing with cold water and washing in the laundry.
                                                    
3. Win the Wine Stain War
Blot a wine stain with a mixture of 1 part dishwashing liquid and 2 parts hydrogen peroxide. If this doesn’t work, apply a paste made from water and cream of tartar and let it sit. One more tactic especially for tough reds: Douse the stain with vodka—the red pigment in wine is dissolvable in higher-proof alcohol.

4. Try this On-the-Go Solution
Need a legit reason to stash some pink packets in your purse or pocket? Applying artificial sweetener to a grease stain will absorb the oil, making washing easier once you get home.

5. Save the Day with Cornstarch
Grease stains on delicates (including silk and suede) can set off your panic button. But you can stay calm and confident with cornstarch. Just lay the garment flat, cover the stain with this simple ingredient, and set it aside...

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