Simple Solutions to Keep Your Clothes Fresh, Bright, and Hassle-Free
Summer brings sunshine, outdoor adventures, and longer days, but it also ushers in a season of sweat, stains, and seemingly endless laundry. Whether it’s grass-streaked shorts, chlorine-soaked swimsuits, or towels stacked after a beach day, summertime laundry can feel like a nonstop cycle of washing and folding. The heat and humidity can also create musty odors, mildew, and challenges with line drying.
If laundry is piling up faster than you can keep up, don’t sweat it, literally. Here are ten smart, time-saving, and effective ways to ease summertime laundry woes and keep your clothes looking (and smelling) their best.
1. Pre-Treat Stains Immediately
Summer stains are stubborn; think grass, popsicles, sunscreen, BBQ sauce, and dirt. The key is to act fast. Don’t toss stained clothes directly into the laundry basket where they’ll sit for days.
Quick fix: Keep a stain remover pen or spray in your laundry area (and even in your car or beach bag). Treat stains as soon as possible and let them soak for 10–15 minutes before washing. For natural alternatives, try lemon juice or baking soda for lighter stains and white vinegar for sweat and odor.
2. Sort Smart to Save Time
Hot-weather clothes often come with unique care needs. Wet swimsuits, sweat-soaked athletic wear, and towels can harbor bacteria and odor. Avoid tossing everything in one load.
Smart sort tips:
- Wash swimsuits separately to protect delicate fabrics.
- Group towels with other heavy items.
- Wash activewear in cold water with a gentle cycle to preserve elasticity and prevent odor buildup.
Sorting saves time on rewashing items that weren’t properly cleaned the first time around.
3. Choose the Right Detergent for Summer Needs
Summer laundry demands more from your detergent, especially when it comes to odor, sweat, and stains.
Best bets:
- Use a sports-specific detergent for workout gear to target bacteria and odor.
- Consider a detergent with enzymes to break down proteins found in sweat and food.
- Avoid overdosing, which can lead to residue buildup and dull fabrics.
High-efficiency detergents work well in cold water and are more eco-friendly for those extra loads.
4. Don’t Let Damp Clothes Sit
After a beach day or workout, it’s tempting to leave damp clothes and towels in a bag or laundry basket. But heat and moisture are a perfect recipe for mildew and musty smells.
Solution: Hang damp items to air dry immediately, even before washing. Use hooks, a laundry rack, or the shower rod until you’re ready to launder. This prevents bacteria from setting in and makes washing more effective.
5. Air-Dry with Intention
Line-drying clothes is energy-efficient and gives that fresh outdoor scent, but it can also lead to stiffness or sun-faded colors if not done properly.
Tips for success:
- Hang clothes inside-out to protect colors from sun bleaching.
- Dry towels partially in the dryer, then hang to finish air-drying to reduce stiffness.
- Use hangers for shirts and pants to prevent wrinkles.
If pollen is high or you live in a humid area, consider using an indoor drying rack to avoid allergens and mold.
6. Wash Swimwear Gently
Chlorine, salt water, and sunscreen can degrade swimwear over time. Here are tips to keep suits in good shape:
Care guide:
- Rinse immediately after wearing to remove chemicals and oils.
- Hand wash in cold water with mild detergent (or use a lingerie bag in the machine).
- Avoid wringing out swimsuits. Instead, gently press out water and lay flat to dry.
Never toss suits in the dryer; heat breaks down the elastic and fades colors.
7. Control Odors Naturally
Sweaty clothes can linger with odor even after washing. Instead of masking smells with fragrance, neutralize them naturally.
DIY odor fixes:
- Add one cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle.
- Soak musty items in a baking soda solution before washing.
- Hang clothes in direct sunlight for a natural deodorizer.
Regularly cleaning your washing machine can also reduce lingering odors in laundry.
8. Protect Delicates and Lightweight Fabrics
Summer wardrobes often include more delicate and lightweight fabrics, like linen, rayon, and chiffon, which require special care to prevent shrinkage and damage.
Laundry tips:
- Use mesh laundry bags to protect delicate items.
- Wash on gentle cycles and skip the dryer.
- Steam or iron lightly if needed after air drying.
Taking a few extra steps can extend the life of your favorite breezy summer pieces.
9. Tackle Laundry Daily or Every Other Day
In summer, laundry accumulates fast, especially if you have kids, pets, or outdoor hobbies. Avoid the overwhelming weekend laundry marathon by spreading it out.
Time-saving strategy:
- Set a recurring reminder to do one small load daily or every other day.
- Designate baskets by clothing type or family member to streamline sorting.
- Fold and put away each load right away to prevent buildup.
Frequent small loads make laundry less daunting and help prevent mildew in sweaty clothes.
10. Create a Summer Laundry Station
Having everything in one place can make laundry feel less chaotic.
Essentials for your station:
- Stain removers, detergent, vinegar, baking soda
- Mesh bags for delicates
- Drying rack or clothesline
- Hooks or pegs for air-drying damp items
- Baskets for sorting clean and dirty clothes
An organized laundry space makes the process smoother, and even enjoyable.
Summertime is for relaxation, not laundry stress. With a few proactive strategies, you can tame the extra loads, beat stains and odors, and keep your clothes looking great all season long—and have more time enjoying the sun.
Looking for additional laundry help? Find out about our services and email us with questions at info@laundryzone.com or call us at our two locations in Mayfair at (215) 701-1010 or Hunting Park at (215) 309-8479.