FAQs

01

Soaking white garments in bleach overnight — does it actually make them whiter?

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Chlorine bleach is effective in removing stains; however, it only works within the first 15 minutes of contact with the fabric.
All bleach products include specific instructions regarding soaking time. Leaving garments in bleach for longer than recommended can weaken the fibers and cause the fabric to deteriorate.

01

If a garment is stained with rust, is the only option to turn it into a cleaning rag?

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Rust stains on clothing are often caused by washing machines, dryers, or metal components on the garment that have oxidized.

To remove rust stains, mix lemon juice and water in a 50/50 ratio. Apply the mixture directly onto the stain and let it sit for about 30 minutes before rinsing and washing the garment thoroughly.

01

Ms. Huyền (Dong Nai) asks: “I feel that using a washing machine never gets my clothes truly clean. They wear out easily and consume a lot of electricity, water, and detergent. Please show me how to wash clothes so they come out clean while still saving en

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Most modern washing machines are designed to be user-friendly and efficient. However, not everyone knows how to use them correctly to save electricity and water while extending the lifespan of both the machine and the garments.

Choose the right washing mode based on the type of fabric.
– For delicate fabrics such as silk, use the gentle cycle for about 2–4 minutes.
– For regular clothing, choose the medium cycle (6–8 minutes).
– Only thick fabrics like denim or khaki should be washed using the strong cycle.

Garments made from special or sensitive materials should not be washed in the machine, as they can easily fray, tear, or lose color due to strong friction and mechanical pulling during washing.

If clothes are heavily soiled, wash them for 10–12 minutes before switching to the rinse cycle. To save electricity, water, and time while still ensuring cleanliness, spin out the dirty water after the first wash before continuing. Since the rinse mode does not automatically perform a full spin, residual dirty water can remain trapped in the fabric.

For very dirty clothes, soak them for about 20 minutes beforehand and scrub areas that tend to accumulate dirt, such as collars and cuffs. Use detergent specifically formulated for washing machines—low suds but high cleaning performance. This helps clothes rinse clean faster and can save 1–2 rinse cycles.

Most modern washing machines have a hot-water wash option to enhance cleaning performance. To save electricity, adjust the temperature based on how dirty the clothes are. The optimal washing temperature is 40°C.
At this temperature, detergent dissolves more easily, penetrates fabric fibers effectively, and removes dirt more efficiently. Washing with excessively hot water may cause some fabrics to shrink, wrinkle, or lose elasticity.

After finishing each wash cycle, wipe the inside and outside of the machine to prevent mold and bacterial growth in the damp environment.

01

Putting clothes in the freezer—is it a silly idea?

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The best time to iron clothes is when they are still slightly warm. If you take them out of the dryer while they are still damp but do not have time to iron them, simply wrap the clothes in a plastic bag.

Then place the wrapped garments in the freezer for a few days. This simple trick helps prevent mold and discoloration while making the clothes easier and faster to iron.

01

Did your washing machine “eat” one of your socks?

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Lightweight items such as socks can easily be pulled into the washing machine’s drain system. To prevent this, place heavier garments such as jeans or sweaters at the bottom of the drum and lighter items like socks and underwear on top.

You can also place small pieces of clothing in a mesh laundry bag to avoid losing them. Regularly check the drain hose to prevent clogging and unpleasant odors.

01

Can you make pillows fluffy again after washing?

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Pillows often become flat and less comfortable after washing because the inner filling hasn’t fully dried — something you can’t easily check from the outside.

To fix this, place a tennis ball inside the dryer during the final 30 minutes of the cycle.
The bouncing motion of the tennis ball helps:

– Fluff and separate the filling, making the pillow regain its volume
– Improve airflow inside the dryer, allowing moisture to escape and ensuring the filling dries evenly

This simple technique helps restore your pillow’s original softness and shape.

01

If your wool sweater shrinks after washing, do you really have to throw it away?

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You can restore the sweater’s size by soaking it in cold water mixed with a small amount of hair conditioner.
After soaking, gently roll the sweater inside a towel to remove excess water, then lay it flat on a smooth surface and allow it to air-dry completely.

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