LAUNDRY TIPS FOR NEW MOMS!

New moms may find themselves confronted with a whole new set of problems when doing the laundry. I know, I have been there quite recently. You will hear tips from anyone and everyone on how to deal with spit-up stains, and stains from diapers that held up less than perfectly! I have a few for you, too. So read on! **This is not an advertisement. I don't sell the products I'm mentioning-I just use them and love them!** Email me with questions at dunnmountain@hotmail.com

WHAT'S THE SECRET?

Not really a secret, but probably not as well known as it ought to be. I used OxiClean in the laundry and it has done WONDERS for all organic stains (nearly all) that I have come across as a new mom. That is a supplemental cleaning agent added to the laundry as well as detergent. (I recommend Dreft for new moms as it's gentle on baby's skin and recommended by pediatricians) For tougher stains I used a spot treater by the makers of OxiClean called Orange Clean. It's great for getting out stains from solid waste and spit-up especially for formula fed babies!

HOW DO I USE IT? (remember to check color-stay of any garments you may have doubts on)

For the OxiClean supplement you just add 1/3-1/2 a scoop to every load of laundry. It helps brighten whites, and gets out organic stains pretty well by itself. If that's not enough-and sometimes for formula stains and solid waste stains its not-then I use the spot treater.

For very tough stains you can use the OxiClean as a soaking solution. Get a container you can put 1-2 gallons of HOT water to soak clothes in. Then add 1-2 FULL scoops of OxiClean to that and mix it up really well. Then soak the clothes for at least 1-2 hours. It SHOULD get the stains out in that amount of time. You can leave it up to a day in there. I usually saw results in first few hours. It's a good idea to wear gloves as the actual solution is not good for your skin-and it has a funny smell. You will then wash the clothes as normal after the soak and they should look GREAT!!

Another idea for tougher stains is to mix a very small amount of water in with some OxiClean in a small dish or container to create a paste. Then paint the stained areas with the paste and let it dry-brush off. Remember to wash it after treating with OxiClean ALWAYS!!

Using the spot treater is just about like any other spot treater. Always make sure it won't damage the dye of the fabric. I have not had problems-but you should check color stay first! You can by the spot treater premixed in a bottle. It's labeled as OxiClean Pre-treater or spot treater. You can also by the concentrated form and make SEVERAL bottles yourself. That is labeled as Orange Clean. Mix 4 oz of the concentrated fluid with approx. 16 oz of water (that makes what is in the bottles you buy premixed). Spray on the stains as needed-but DO NOT LET IT DRY ON THE FABRIC. It is orange colored and I suppose it could stain it-but I have never found out myself. Then wash the clothes as normal. It's GREAT for formula stains!!

THIS WORKS COMPARED TO WHAT?

Everything else I've tried. I've used Woolite stain treaters, Shout, others I can't remember the names! Even bleach! It has not caused any problems with coloration on my clothes thus far, and has done a very good job getting out organic stains. I say organic because it doesn't do as good of a job getting out artificial colors, dyes, ink, or highly staining foods such as grape juice, strawberries, and tomato sauce (it works, but takes a few tries). The next best thing was the Woolite protein stains solution-but I believe it is no longer sold.

WHERE CAN I BUY THIS STUFF?

Glad you asked! I have seen several places to buy OxiClean products. The best one is Costco for the 6# jugs at $12.99 each. You can buy smaller jugs (2.5-5#) but they aren't as cost effective. Bed Bath and Beyond sells the Orange Clean concentrate for $15.99 a bottle, which makes 8 bottles of the OxiClean pretreater (which sells for about $4.99-5.99 a piece). You can also buy this all straight for Orange Glo, but I find them to be more expensive.

ONE LAST THING:

I have never seen this to bother my daughter's skin. She has a very fair and sensitive skin, but it has never caused any rashes or adverse reactions. It is supposed to be used IN the wash or the clothes are supposed to be washed after being treated. It is not good for your skin directly. And remember-use fabric softeners that will not affect flame retardent clothing and that have NO fragrances!!!!

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