Podcast Summary
Wirecutter Show: The Wirecutter Show is a new podcast where experts provide practical solutions to everyday problems through in-depth testing and discussions with Wirecutter's team.
The Wirecutter Show, a new podcast from The New York Times product recommendation site, offers listeners expert advice on everyday problems through in-depth testing and discussions with Wirecutter's team of journalists. The show's hosts, Kyra, Christine, and Rosie, bring their extensive knowledge and experience to the table, having tested a wide range of products from hiking boots to mattresses, often going to great lengths to ensure thorough evaluations. The podcast aims to provide practical solutions to common issues and offers listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the rigorous testing process that underpins Wirecutter's product recommendations. Tune in every Wednesday for a new episode.
Laundry Podcast: The Wirecutter team is launching a podcast series focusing on laundry solutions, expert advice, and product recommendations with industry expert Andrea Barnes
The Wirecutter team is launching a series of podcast episodes focused on providing solutions, ideas, hacks, and expert advice for everyday problems, starting with the common issue of doing laundry. The team acknowledges that many people may not have properly learned how to do their laundry, and they will be bringing on industry expert Andrea Barnes to provide guidance on the best laundry products and proper usage. Listeners can expect discussions on topics such as whether Tide lives up to the hype, if hot water is necessary for dirty clothes, and effective methods for removing stains. The team will also be sharing links to related guides and products in the show notes.
Laundry Myths: Contrary to popular belief, white wine worsens red wine stains, front load washers are more effective at removing stains, fabric softener is not necessary, and cold water is more effective for protein-based stains
Common beliefs about laundry, such as using white wine to remove red wine stains, a top load washer being superior to a front load washer, and the need for fabric softener, are not always accurate. Andrea, a laundry detergent tester, shared her experience and methods for testing laundry products, which involved using standardized stain swatches under high pressure. Contrary to popular belief, white wine can actually make red wine stains worse, while front load washers are more effective at removing stains due to friction. Fabric softener is not necessary and is actually just added fat, and cold water is more effective for washing out protein-based stains like cat puke. It's important to challenge common assumptions and seek out reliable sources for accurate information.
Laundry Detergent and Stain Removal Effectiveness: Evaluate detergent effectiveness based on stain removal, not a blank slate. Blood stains can be tested using old methods. Liquid detergent is generally suitable, but powder detergent may be better for heavy soils and colored fabrics. Not all products perform equally well, so test before use.
When it comes to laundry detergent and stain removal, it's not about achieving a blank slate but rather evaluating the effectiveness of different products based on how much stain they manage to remove. For instance, some stains, like those caused by blood, can be tested using old methods like soaking the fabric in the stain for several days. Unconventional materials like engine oil and even blood have been used for this purpose. Another key takeaway is that there are differences between liquid and powder detergents. While liquid detergent is generally suitable for most people due to its ease of use and effectiveness against common body oils, powder detergent may be a better choice for those dealing with heavy clay, mud, or particulate soils. Additionally, powder detergent often contains oxygen bleach, which can be safer for colored fabrics compared to chlorine bleach. However, it's important to note that not all products perform equally well. For instance, popular oxygen bleach-based products like OxiClean didn't perform as well as other detergents in testing, taking longer to dissolve and remove stains effectively. It's always a good idea to test a small area of fabric before using a new detergent or stain remover to ensure compatibility with the fabric's dyes.
Laundry Detergent and Stain Removal: Properly pretreating stains with appropriate detergent or stain remover and using oxygen bleach for color-changing stains can lead to better laundry results.
Enzymes in laundry detergent are effective at removing most common stains, and for more stubborn stains that change the fabric's color, oxygen bleach is recommended. Oxygen bleach, which contains hydrogen peroxide, can be used instead of chlorine bleach for most laundry needs. It's essential to understand the difference between water and oil stains and use the appropriate detergent, either liquid or powdered, for each. Pretreating stains involves applying detergent or stain remover before washing, which can improve stain removal for most types of stains. For particularly difficult stains, such as permanent ink, a specialized stain remover may be necessary. Overall, taking the time to properly pretreat stains and use the appropriate detergent can lead to better laundry results.
Tide stain removal: Tide is effective in stain removal and suitable for most laundry, while Tide Ultra-Oxy is preferred for heavily stained items. MI or MCI preservatives in Tide are rinsed off during washing and found in other household products, causing less allergy concerns than commonly believed.
While pre-treating stains is important, it's not the only solution. Stains that don't come out in the initial wash can still be removed with the right detergent and techniques. Tide is a popular choice due to its effectiveness in stain removal and lack of common allergens. For most laundry, Tide Free and Gentle liquid detergent is recommended, while Tide Ultra-Oxy is preferred for heavily stained items. It's a common misconception that people are allergic to Tide due to a preservative called MI or MCI, but most of it is rinsed off during the washing process and is also found in other household products. For delicate items like cashmere or silk, it's generally safe to wash them with regular detergent using a gentle cycle and a mesh bag, but hand washing with a detergent like Soak is also an option.
Delicate item washing: Hand wash detergent without preservatives and pure oxygen bleach are ideal for washing delicate items and vintage clothing due to their minimal residue and effective stain removal properties respectively.
When it comes to washing delicate items or vintage clothing, hand wash detergent without preservatives and pure oxygen bleach like Restoration are ideal options. Hand wash detergent without preservatives leaves minimal residue, making it suitable for freshening up less stained items. On the other hand, pure oxygen bleach effectively removes stains and odors, even from smoky linens, without the risk of damaging delicate materials. For individuals with limited mobility or grip strength, laundry pods offer the best convenience when operating washing machines or dishwashers. However, for pre-treating stains, hand wash detergent or traditional liquid laundry detergent are still preferred options due to their ability to absorb and treat stains effectively.
Laundry Techniques: Use cold water for most loads, hot water for oil stains, right detergent amount, and air dry or pre-treat stains for energy savings and clothing longevity
Proper laundry techniques involve using the right temperature, detergent amount, and washing machine settings for specific stains and fabric types. For instance, using cold water for most loads, including blood stains, and hot water only for sanitizing or removing oil stains. Additionally, using the appropriate amount of detergent, which is typically less than what many people assume, can help save energy and protect clothing. Lastly, air drying and pre-treating stains are also important practices for reducing environmental impact and extending the life of clothes.
Eco-friendly laundry choices: Using less detergent, washing in cold water, and reusing what you already have can save energy, reduce environmental impact, and keep clothes clean and fresh.
Making eco-friendly choices for your laundry can also benefit your clothing and your wallet. Using less detergent, washing in cold water, and reusing what you already have are all effective ways to reduce your environmental impact while also getting great results. Andrea, a guest on The Wirecutter Show, shared her experience with using powdered detergent and washing in cold water to save energy and keep her clothes clean and fresh. She also recommended using a simple, versatile detergent for all laundry needs. By making these simple changes, you can make a difference for the environment and enjoy clean, well-cared-for clothes.