To soften new blue jeans, wash them several times or soak them for 12 hours in a small tub filled with cold water and fabric softener, then wash as usual. To prevent jeans from streaking, turn them inside out before washing.
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To remove rings around shirt collars, rub liquid laundry detergent into the stain or collect soap bits in a mesh bag and rub into the affected area. Wash as usual.
To whiten, soak in a solution of cold water and 1 teaspoon cream of tarter before hand washing with mild soap.
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To get baby clothes their cleanest, treat in a pre-soak product, and then launder as usual. Soak items as soon after staining as possible and keep them wet until laundering.
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To wash nylons or tights, place them in a mesh bag and wash with other delicate items without hooks, eyes, or other metal parts that could snag the stockings.
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To keep up the nap on corduroy, turn clothing inside out before washing.
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To bring back the crispness to curtains, launder and then dip in a solution of 2 gallons of warm water to 1 cup Epsom salts. Let drip dry outdoors or in the shower and touch up with iron.
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To clean cloth-covered buttons that still look dirty after laundering, brush with mild soap or detergent and a soft toothbrush.
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