You Should Keep Toothpaste in Your Laundry Basket—Here’s Why
This is from Apartment Therapy
Laundry isn’t just about washing dirty clothes so you have clean ones to wear. It’s about cleaning and maintaining your wearables and textiles so that they always look their best, whether that means making jewelry sparkle, getting stains out of the lining of a purse, or keeping shoes looking their sharpest. And there’s a simple way to have all those things: A tube of non-gel toothpaste.
Next time you’re grocery shopping, grab a basic tube of toothpaste and stash it in your laundry room, or with the bag or kit, you take with you to the laundromat. It can do so much more than brushing your pearly whites.
Here are some of our favorite things that you can do with toothpaste:
Clean the rubber off your sneakers. Scrub with an old toothbrush and a dab of toothpaste to get those white rubber edges looking like new.
Get the gunk off your iron. Squeeze some toothpaste onto a rag and scrub your iron with it. Wipe off with another wet rag and dry.
Remove lipstick, ink, and grass stains from clothing. Cover the stain with toothpaste, rub together vigorously, rinse with warm water, and launder as usual.
Remove wine stains from tablecloths. Smear with toothpaste and let sit before laundering as usual.
Address exploding ink stains with toothpaste. Using the same basic method as above, dab toothpaste on the stains, rub together and then rinse.
Make jewelry sparkle. Use an old toothbrush and some toothpaste to scrub everything from gold chains to your rings’ precious stones. Rinse and wear.
Remove errant wads of gum from clothing. Smear the toothpaste over the gum and then flatten the wad with a ruler or something else with a flat, sharp edge. Once the toothpaste dries, the gum should be easier to remove.
Buff scuffed shoes. Dab with toothpaste and rub with a soft cloth.
This is an article I found that is a little “out of the blue”, but interesting. I remember growing up we had to change our sheets every Saturday, but I don’t think most people change them that often. I would love to know the average.
Warm weather may mean more rooftop cocktails and outdoor workouts, but it also means there’s a whole lot more sweat on your body by the time sunset rolls around. So when you get into bed at night in the months from May to October, chances are you’re bringing more dirt and grime than in the cooler months.
We spend 56 hours per week in our sheets that’s a lot of time. There is a natural accumulation of microorganisms in bedding as people constantly shed skin, saliva, and hair. In the spring and summer, heat and humidity provide the perfect environment for dust mites to thrive, which means they’re likely joining you while you sleep. Oh, and since it’s allergy season, pollen from the air can get in there with you, too, which means it’s basically a full-on microscopic mixer every night. So how often should you be washing your sheets in the heat?
Keep scrolling to find out how often you should clean your bedding in the spring and summer.
First things first: There is a difference in the frequency with which you should wash your bedding. In the winter, it’s perfectly acceptable to change your sheets every other week. During the warmer months, though, that doesn’t cut it. We recommend a weekly routine in the spring and summer as we have a tendency to sweat much more.
Pillowcases should be swapped every week, regardless of the season (your face has bacteria that transfer directly to it), and duvet covers should always be washed every other week. As for the oft-overlooked items, which can also be loaded with some of the creepy crawlies, Calleja suggests washing pillows every six weeks and comforter inserts every month.
There are all sorts of things lurking in your sheets, pillows, and comforters that you may not be aware of, and they could pose a threat to your health if cleanliness isn’t maintained, and your bedding properly laundered. All those dust mites, bacteria, fungi, and pollen on dirty sheets can cause nasal congestion, stuffiness, runny nose, scratchy throat, allergies, provoke asthma, and worsen eczema and acne. Yikes.
To wash properly, research shows that hot water is an effective way to kill dust mites and other allergens. Calleja also suggests using gentle hypoallergenic, phosphate-free soaps and chlorine-free whitening powder when necessary. Because TBH, if you’re going to spend 56 hours a week in your sheets which is basically all of your free time, not counting the hours you’ll spend at the beach or sipping rosé on rooftops you may as well keep them as fresh and clean as possible.
If Fido sleeps in your bed with you, there are a few more things you should know about washing your sheets.
If you’re a hooman (as they say on the Internet) to a Fido or Fluffy or if you live with someone who is you’re likely aware of the overwhelming number of health benefits associated with dog ownership. From potentially lowering blood pressure to maybe even increasing your lifespan, pups are basically an immunity booster in a cute furry package.
And so it only makes sense that dog people would want to spend as much QT as possible with their pups, including at bedtime. Studies show that about 40 percent of dog owners sleep with their pets, but is it really safe to co-sleep?
While dogs can actually transmit some 70 diseases to humans, you don’t need to kick your little buddy out of bed in a hurry. The risks for the average population are probably overall low, especially if you do some simple basic things.
How to safely co-sleep with your furry friend
It may sound obvious, but washing your hands often is a top priority,especially if you’ve just touched your dog and are planning to eat a pre-bed snack (but it’s good advice to follow all the time). This is really really important, pointing to a recent outbreak of multi-drug resistant Campylobactertransmitted from puppies to people, which could have been avoided with proper handwashing. And don’t forget to wash your sheets, comforter, and any other dog bedding on the reg. Probably more often than you think you should.
Secondly, and this is likely another obvious one, keep your dog healthy and clean. One of the biggest concerns for people who sleep with their pet is getting fleas or ticks, which is a valid concern because pet owners are more likely to encounter ticks on themselves than non-pet-owners. (Although, to be fair, this could just be because dog owners tend to spend more time outside.) But you can help keep your bed bug-free by speaking to your vet about the appropriate flea and tick control products, which are now very safe for pets.
One of the biggest concerns for people who sleep with their pet is getting fleas or ticks, which is a valid concern because pet owners are more likely to encounter ticks on themselves than non-pet-owners.
Keeping a close eye on your dog when it’s on a walk or playing in a park is also important for co-sleepers. Eating rotten garbage or dead animals can cause your pet to become ill, and they may spread their sickness to you. There have even by documented cases of the plague and other serious diseases being transmitted from pet to owner.
Everyday grime and dirt that undoubtedly sticks to your dog’s paws could carry some risks, but they “haven’t necessarily been well-quantified. As long as their paws aren’t overly full of muck and all kinds of other things, then probably especially for the average person, the risk is pretty low. And here’s a tip: Clean your pooch’s paws before bedtime!
Of course, there are certain populations of people who should think twice before cuddling up, including young children under five, elderly people over 65, pregnant women, and the immunocompromised generally those with HIV/AIDS or people with cancer and receiving chemotherapy. These groups are not only more susceptible to the types of diseases dogs can spread, they’re also likely to get more severe cases.
What it really comes down to is: Before you let your dog in your bed, invite him to be part of your nightly self-care hygiene routine. You’ll both be better for it.
11 ways a pro can help you get the most joy from your remodel while minimizing headaches along the way
This a wonderful and easy to read article from Houzz on why you would want to hire our team:
When people consider hiring an interior design professional for the first time, they often don’t know what to expect. Television can make it seem as though designers are magicians. This can create the illusion that designing, purchasing for and executing a vision can happen in a day; that concepts cost next to nothing to achieve; or that these professionals do nothing but shop, cause drama and have the time of their lives spending clients’ money. That’s good entertainment, but it’s not reality.
In the established design industry, the career is serious business. It takes years to master the art of interior design. It is complex, calculated and practical. A design professional is often part creator, part project manager and sometimes even part therapist, helping homeowners to determine their dream design and bring it to life while helping them to breathe through the complexities from start to finish. Design professionals have learned over the years to wear many hats to benefit their clients.
Here are some of the top reasons for entrusting your project, whether it’s big or small, to a design professional.
1. Designers keep it real. It’s important to have big design dreams, but it’s also important to have a good idea of your design limitations. Television shows can make it seem as though anything is possible, no matter your space or your budget. In reality, every project has limitations, whether from the physical structure (like immovable walls and support columns) or other factors.
Design professionals can help you determine which of your goals are realistic for your project and warn you of potential issues before any work or buying begins. This ensures that your plans are achievablewithin the budget you’ve set.
2. Designers see potential. When it comes to your space, design professionals see not only the limits but the potential. It’s easy to get used to a furniture plan or functional layout in your space or to think that there are no other options. Trained eyes can help you see possibilities you might not have considered. Whether you’re planning a major renovation or just refreshing your style, a design professional can help you get the best from your home.
3. Designers use a time-tested process. Knowing your project’s limits and potential is just the beginning of a process that design professionals use to make sure a project stays on track from start to finish.
Each designer may have a unique way of doing things, but ultimately an experienced professional will have a tried-and-true method that will help guide the project and make sure nothing gets missed.
4. Designers can save you money. Yes, bringing in a pro to help manage your project can even save you money. There are financial considerations that you might not see upfront, including the considerable potential cost of mistakes.
That said, while professional design can prevent expensive errors, it is still a luxury. But it’s one that can be considered an investment in the enjoyment of your home.
5. Designers speak many languages. Some design professionals may actually speak many foreign languages, but all speak languages you might not be aware of, such as “contractor,” “architect” and “permit approval officer.” Communication is key in any design project, and mistakes and hiccups usually occur when a seemingly simple conversation or request is misinterpreted by one or both sides.
An experienced professional will know how to properly communicate your design vision to the relevant tradespeople and suppliers, with detailed drawings, documentation, and follow-ups to make sure your design dreams don’t get lost in translation.
6. Designers bring the best tools. Design professionals use a range of software programs that produce accurate drawings and 3D visualizations of a space.
Whether you’re moving walls or ordering furniture, you might find it tough to picture in your mind exactly how things will fit and look.
Proper drawings will ensure that the pieces come together in the right way, and in good proportions, so you don’t have to return items and start again.
Professionals can give you access to a wide range of samples and materials that have been preselected from their favorite providers. A trusted designer with knowledge and taste will greatly simplify the process of browsing materials and finishes by showing you the best of the best, rather than an overwhelming array of options.
Designers may look at hundreds of stone samples, fabrics or plumbing fixtures before showing the best three or four choices to their clients.
Most designers have access to exclusive products, paint colors, hardware or other go-tos that they have used before and know work well. These recommendations from an experienced pro are invaluable.
7. Designers save you time. Designing, building and furnishing a home is a bit like planning a wedding: You don’t realize the incredible number of decisions that need to be made until the process is already underway and the to-do lists start to pile up.
Designers are trained to anticipate obstacles, which happen in virtually every project. A professional with years of practice overseeing complex projects will be able to spot the ways things could go off course and then plan ahead to avoid issues. Coordinating the ordering and delivery of materials, the different tradespeople, and installers, and your personal schedule can be hectic, but it’s important to make sure these moving parts coordinate smoothly, or the project can see serious delays.
With every project, not everything goes according to plan. Things come up that require quick reactions. Designers are there on hand to make the crucial decisions on the spot so you can focus on life’s more important things.
8. Designers think creatively. It’s easy to go into a store, buy a furniture set from a display, have it delivered to your home, set it up and call it a day. But will that set from a showroom floor suit your unique space? A design professional can think creatively about your goals for your space and come up with solutions and ideas that you would never have thought of.
Clients often tell me, “I never would have pictured that piece or color in my home, but now that I see it, it’s perfect.”
9. Designers know how to edit. While it’s important to be able to think of creative features to add to the space, it’s equally important to know what to leave out. An interior design professional can guide you through the intricate process of knowing when to stop adding new elements and how to get rid of old clutter. Ultimately, it is good editing that gives a home a collected sensibility while remaining personal, unique and true to the people who live there.
10. Designers offer a range of services. Hiring a designer isn’t just like handing over the keys to your home and letting someone take over.
While some designers specialize in full-service offerings, others will tackle smaller one-off jobs like helping you pick paint colors, find the right furniture, select materials or simply plan a space.
Of course, with different offerings comes different fee structures, which is something you’ll have to discuss with your design professional.
11. Designers find the wow factor. Finally, this brings us to the reason people often begin a design project in the first place: the wow factor.
Clients may find it hard to take risks, and that makes sense. Nobody wants to gamble with hard-earned money and lose. However, it’s important to take at least some design risks to find the dazzling, show-stopping moment that makes a project feel as though it was worth undertaking in the first place.
A design professional can help you figure out where to add elements of drama, whether that be in the scale of a light fixture, the mix of different metals, the tone and finish of a beautiful hardwood floor, a darker shade of a wall paint, a generously sized area rug, the right appliances, the perfect pieces of art or another area where it could be too easy to take the safe route.
With all this in mind, results will be more spectacular than you ever could have imagined.
Hopefully, by enjoying reading this article you will have a better reason to hire
Get the layout dimensions that will help you wash and fold and maybe do much more comfortably and efficiently
Laundry rooms rule. If you have the luxury of space, laundry rooms can be more than places to clean clothes; they can be welcoming, accessible places for more activities, such as caring for pets, sewing, doing DIY projects, wrapping packages, starting seedlings and more. Several of my clients consider these spaces crucial to the operation of their homes, even finding a sense of peace when attending to their laundry room chores.
As with kitchens, there are a number of considerations and dimensions to be aware of during the planning stages for a multipurpose laundry room. Below are several functions you might want to consider and some basics for how to lay everything out.
This laundry room goes glamorous with its chandelier, bold cabinet color, and prominent tile backsplash. The cabinet door on the lower left provides an opening for the family felines to take care of business in their hidden litter box in a dignified way. The washer and dryer have been elevated for easier access: The platform sets them about 12 to 15 inches (30 to 38 centimeters) above the floor.
There are four primary areas and functions of laundry rooms.
Entry and prep. If you install a laundry sink, you will probably want to place it where you enter the room and set down the items to be washed. Here you can sort, apply fabric treatments and soak stains if necessary.
Washing. It is good to have a countertop where you can place your sorted loads before putting them in the washing machine.
Drying. You’ll also want another section of countertop for items that need to be line dried, as well as space to fold dried laundry.
Storage and ironing. Following the typical sequence, you then need space to put things in preparation for ironing. (Note that ironing space may be less desirable in this room if you want to watch TV while you iron, or if the dry cleaner does much of your pressing.) Folded ironing boards measure about 14 inches wide, 60 inches long and 3 inches thick (36 by 152 by 7 centimeters).
Of course, some people with large spaces want to use their laundry room as a craft or sewing area, mudroom or dog washing station, or to hide the litter boxes. These are very specific to each of us; planning spaces with a little extra room for these functions lets individual habits dictate their use.
This cutaway plan illustrates the laundry room sequence outlined previously, with common dimensions.
Cabinets
Depth. Like kitchen cabinets, standard laundry room cabinets have a depth of 24 inches (61 centimeters) for the base and 12 inches (30 centimeters) for the upper.
Widths. Widths are standard, beginning at 9 inches (23 centimeters) and going all the way up to 48 inches (122 centimeters) in increments of 3 inches (8 centimeters) for most prebuilt cabinets. You can get any width with custom-made cabinets, but if you stay with the standards, you will save money even with custom-built units.
Height. Base cabinets are designed to have a countertop that’s 36 inches (91 centimeters) high. The height of the upper cabinets will depend on your ceiling height and how far you can reach. Positioning them at least 18 inches (46 centimeters) above countertops is standard, while 24 to 42 inches (61 to 107 centimeters) in 6-inch (15-centimeter) increments commonly defines the height of the wall cabinet itself.
Allow at least 42 inches (107 centimeters) of width between opposing cabinets and walls. Washers and dryers placed side by side are typically designed to fit within 60 inches (152 centimeters) of width, but some manufacturers make more compact machines.
This laundry room conquers the myth that a laundry room must have an antiseptic nature. Contemporary art and a lamp on the countertop and soft, warm colors make it very cozy. If you place your machines side by side, you will have a nice, broad surface on top of them.
It will help to have between 18 and 42 inches (46 and 61 centimeters) of free counter space on either side for your laundry prep and folding.
This design nicely uses the space above the machines for a drying rod set at about 76 inches (193 centimeters) high. A tilt-out frame with more rods provides a drying rack for smaller items. Some newer washers and dryers stand taller than a conventional 36-inch-high countertop, which can work to your advantage if you’re tall.
Stacking the machines is an option when space is limited. If this is your requirement, be careful to have or buy machines that can be stacked. The width of the space shrinks to less than 30 inches (76 centimeters) for most models when they are stacked, and the height usually is under 6 feet. This laundry enclosure cleverly provides an ironing board that folds out of the cabinet. Most people will have an independent ironing board, so remember to provide a place for its stowage in your design.
In this generously proportioned laundry room, a countertop at left is a broad, flat surface for package wrapping. Notice that its height matches the countertop to the right (with the sink), which is 36 inches high. Two counter-height stools provide seating.
Keep in mind that stools come in two heights: counter height, with seats about 24 inches (61 centimeters) high; and bar height, with seats about 28 inches (71 centimeters) high.
The countertop on the rear wall is about 6 inches higher to accommodate taller machines.
When glamour is the goal, you can finish your laundry room like this one with marble floor tiles, slab countertops, and a mosaic backsplash, in addition to two sets of machines. The cutout in the cabinet panel on the lower left for the litter-box entry is whimsical and fun while keeping the box out of sight. Since this room is designed with opposing rows of countertops, it is approximately 9 feet wide definitely a generous space. The length is about 11 feet.
This laundry room also serves as a mudroom, with a bench, hooks, and cubbies for taking off dirty shoes and hanging up wet garments. The bench height should be about 14 inches (36 centimeters) above the floor. Set your hooks at about 54 to 60 inches (137 to 152 centimeters) above the floor, but make certain that if a bench is below, you still have enough room for coats and other things to hang.
You may even want to have a desk in front of a window. The desk height is 30 inches (76 centimeters) above the floor, and a slide-out keyboard tray is 4 to 5 inches (10 to 12 centimeters) below that.
Notice the double faucets of the large sink on the back wall. If you frequently hand wash delicates, a place like this would be perfect for doing so.
According to Houzz mosaic tile floors, bold wallpaper, and built-in benches are some of the features that can make your laundry room shine
Whether you have a laundry room with enough space for a built-in bench or just a hallway closet with sliding doors, these trending laundry areas offer plenty of ideas for making the most of every inch. Here are 10 clever ideas from the most popular laundry room photos on Houzz uploaded in the past three months, as determined by the number of times people saved them to their idea books.
1. Small space, big impact. This laundry room isn’t the biggest of spaces, but it crams style into every square inch. The gold flower-shaped chandelier, bold mosaic cement floor tiles and brass hardware all combine to make a big impact.
2. Sophisticated suds. The Shaker cabinets painted a warm French gray, the distressed oriental rug and an antique washboard on the countertop make for a soothing and sophisticated laundry room. Notice the custom niches built into the lower cabinets — they’re a clever place to store rolled-up towels.
3. Wheel in the wash. This beach-inspired laundry room, features a lovely ocean blue tile backsplash, white Shaker cabinets, and bleached oak floors. But it’s the practical touches such as the laundry bag on wheels and glass containers filled with laundry pods and clothespins that make the space both stylish and functional.
4. Hidden wonder. Sliding pocket doors painted gray can close off this laundry niche to unsuspecting guests, but when the doors are open, the practical space reveals bold fig-patterned wallpaper. It features a rod for hanging and drying clothes and a woven basket for storing cleaning supplies.
5. Take a load off. The custom built-in bench topped with orange upholstery makes this laundry and mudroom combo in Philadelphia a great spot for doing the wash. The bench is the perfect perch for taking off your shoes or relaxing for a bit as your clothes finish drying. The cork floors are another warm and practical touch.
6. Whitewash. This sublime laundry room is nearly all white, but the multitude of textures keeps it from looking bland. Notice the wire-mesh front on the cabinets and the cement tile floors they add just the right amount of texture and subtle pizzazz.
7. Clever touches. This laundry room offers plenty of great ideas. The stainless steel shelving unit to the left of the washer and dryer is ideal for storing towels, the rod above the sink is a smart way to hang wet items, and the glass bowl with scoop makes a stylish container for detergent.
8. Mixing colors. While mixing colors in your washing machine can be a mistake, it works just fine in this laundry room. The homeowners of this new-build home wanted a bold, bright color palette. Blue cabinets and floral wallpaper from Osborne & Little did the trick.
9. Timeless elegance. With its subway tile backsplash, Shaker cabinets, black quartz countertops and slate tile floors, this laundry room, has a classic look that’s both trendy and timeless. The open shelves above the sink are a great spot for storage baskets and cleaning supplies.
10. Rustic radiance. A mix of warm gray paint and reclaimed barn wood on the walls makes for a rustic backdrop in the laundry room. The handmade cement tiles on the floor add a splash of radiance to the space. Other notable features include the beadboard ceiling, bamboo blinds and large Mason jars on the open shelving.
First things first: There is a difference in the frequency with which you should wash your bedding. In the winter, it’s perfectly acceptable to change your sheets every other week. During the warmer months, though, that doesn’t cut it. We recommend a weekly routine in the spring and summer as we have a tendency to sweat much more.
