Introducing ‘The Wirecutter Show’
19Digest
The WireCutter Show, a new podcast from the product recommendation site WireCutter, dives into the world of laundry in its first episode. Hosted by Michael from the New York Times, the episode features WireCutter writers Kyra Blackwell, Christine Sirclusette, and Rosie Garen, along with laundry expert Andrea Barnes. They discuss the best laundry detergents for different needs, including liquid vs. powder detergents, oxygen bleach vs. chlorine bleach, and the importance of pre-treating stains. Andrea also covers the pros and cons of laundry pods, highlighting their convenience but limitations for pre-treating stains. The episode emphasizes the importance of using the correct water temperature for different stains and fabrics. Andrea provides tips for making laundry more eco-friendly, emphasizing the importance of washing in cold water, air drying clothes, and using less detergent. She also debunks common laundry myths and shares her favorite laundry products.
Outlines
Introducing the WireCutter Show and Laundry Basics
The episode introduces the WireCutter Show, a new podcast from the product recommendation site WireCutter, and focuses on laundry basics, including detergent types, stain removal, and eco-friendly practices.
Laundry Detergent Basics
Laundry expert Andrea Barnes discusses the best laundry detergents for different needs, including liquid vs. powder detergents, oxygen bleach vs. chlorine bleach, and the importance of pre-treating stains.
Laundry Pods and Other Laundry Products
Andrea discusses the pros and cons of laundry pods, highlighting their convenience for people with limited mobility but their limitations for pre-treating stains. She also covers the importance of using the correct water temperature for different stains and fabrics.
Eco-Friendly Laundry Practices
Andrea provides tips for making laundry more eco-friendly, emphasizing the importance of washing in cold water, air drying clothes, and using less detergent. She also debunks common laundry myths and shares her favorite laundry products.
Keywords
Laundry Detergent
A cleaning agent used to remove dirt, stains, and odors from clothing and other fabrics. Different types of laundry detergents are available, including liquid, powder, and pods, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Stain Removal
The process of removing stains from fabrics using various methods, such as pre-treating with stain remover, soaking in oxygen bleach, or using specific detergents for different types of stains.
Eco-Friendly Laundry
Laundry practices that minimize environmental impact, such as washing in cold water, air drying clothes, and using less detergent. These practices can also save energy and money.
Laundry Pods
Pre-measured detergent capsules that dissolve in the washing machine. They offer convenience but may not be suitable for pre-treating stains or all washing machines.
Oxygen Bleach
A type of bleach that uses hydrogen peroxide to remove stains and whiten fabrics. It is generally safe for colored fabrics and can be used for soaking vintage items.
Tide Detergent
A popular brand of laundry detergent known for its stain-removing power and hypoallergenic options. Wirecutter recommends Tide Free and Gentle for most laundry and Tide Ultra Oxy for heavily stained items.
Pre-Treating Stains
Applying stain remover or laundry detergent directly to a stain before washing to help remove it more effectively. This is especially important for stubborn stains.
Cold Water Washing
Washing clothes in cold water, which is more energy-efficient and can help preserve the color and fabric of clothing. It is generally recommended for most laundry, except for sanitizing items.
Air Drying Clothes
Drying clothes on a drying rack instead of using a dryer, which saves energy and can help prevent shrinkage and fading.
Q&A
What are the best laundry detergents for different needs?
For most laundry, Wirecutter recommends Tide Free and Gentle liquid detergent. For heavily stained items, Tide Ultra Oxy powder detergent is a good choice. For delicate items, Soak hand-wash detergent is recommended.
How do I remove stains from my clothes?
Pre-treat stains with laundry detergent or a dedicated stain remover like Amidex. For stubborn stains, soak the item in oxygen bleach. Use cold water for blood stains and warm water for oil stains.
How can I make my laundry more eco-friendly?
Wash clothes in cold water, air dry them whenever possible, and use less detergent. Avoid using laundry sheets, as they are not effective at cleaning.
What are the pros and cons of laundry pods?
Laundry pods are convenient for people with limited mobility but are not ideal for pre-treating stains. They may also not dissolve properly in all washing machines.
What is the best way to clean vintage items?
Soak vintage items in pure oxygen bleach, such as Restoration, for several hours. Avoid using detergents with builders and fillers, as they can damage delicate fabrics.
What is the best way to remove odors from clothes?
Use a liquid detergent that is specifically designed to remove odors, even in cold water. Wirecutter recommends Tide Free and Gentle for this purpose.
What are some tips for washing clothes in cold water?
Cold water is generally the best choice for washing clothes, as it is more energy-efficient and can help preserve the color and fabric of clothing. However, hot water is necessary for sanitizing items.
What is the best way to air dry clothes?
Use a drying rack to air dry clothes. This saves energy and can help prevent shrinkage and fading.
How much detergent should I use?
Use two tablespoons of detergent for a large load of laundry, unless the clothes are heavily stained. Avoid overusing detergent, as it can leave residue on clothes and cause allergies.
Show Notes
In the very first episode of The Wirecutter Show, which launched on Aug. 21, the team goes deep on laundry—what you’re probably doing wrong, how to actually pretreat stains, and the tips and tricks to make it all easier.
Find more episodes wherever you get your podcasts. And follow The Wirecutter Show to get new episodes right away.
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