How To Handle Laundry After A Snow Storm

How to Handle Laundry After a Snowstorm: Dealing with Salt and Stains

Winter storms bring snow-covered streets, cozy evenings by the fire, and unfortunately, plenty of laundry challenges. Salt, slush, and mud stains can wreak havoc on your clothing and linens, but with the right techniques, you can restore your items to their former glory. Here are some expert tips from The Laundorist to help you handle laundry after a snowstorm.

1. Inspect Clothing for Salt Stains

Salt is commonly used to melt snow and ice, but it can leave unsightly white streaks on your fabrics. To tackle these:

• Brush off excess salt: Shake or gently brush off dried salt before washing to prevent further spreading.

• Rinse with cold water: For fresh stains, rinse the fabric under cold running water to dissolve as much salt as possible.

• Spot-treat the area: Mix a solution of one part white vinegar to two parts water. Dab the solution onto the stain using a clean cloth or sponge, then rinse thoroughly.

2. Tackle Muddy and Slushy Stains

When snowstorms mix with dirt, slushy stains can become a common problem. Follow these steps:

• Let mud dry: Scrape off dried mud with a dull knife or spoon to avoid pushing it deeper into the fabric.

• Pre-treat with detergent: Apply a small amount of liquid laundry detergent or stain remover directly to the stain, and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.

• Wash with care: Wash the garment in cold or warm water, depending on the fabric type. Avoid hot water, which can set stains.

3. Protect Delicate Fabrics

Winter accessories like scarves, wool coats, and gloves often require special care. For these items:

• Read care labels: Check for specific washing instructions, as many winter garments require hand washing or dry cleaning.

• Spot-clean where possible: Use a mild detergent and a soft brush to treat localized stains.

• Dry flat: Lay delicate items flat on a towel to dry, reshaping as needed to maintain their form.

4. Eliminate Lingering Odors

Clothing and linens exposed to wet snow can develop a musty smell. To combat this:

• Use baking soda: Add half a cup of baking soda to your washing machine along with your regular detergent.

• Try white vinegar: Add one cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to neutralize odors.

• Dry completely: Ensure items are fully dry before storing them to prevent mildew.

5. Prevent Future Stains

Prevention is key to minimizing laundry headaches after a snowstorm:

• Waterproof your gear: Apply a fabric-safe waterproofing spray to coats, boots, and other outerwear.

• Use doormats and boot trays: Keep snowy boots from tracking dirt and salt into your home.

• Designate indoor clothing: Change into clean, dry clothes when you come indoors to protect your fabrics.

Let The Laundorist Handle It!

Don’t have time to deal with post-snowstorm laundry? The Laundorist is here to help! Our professional laundry service ensures your clothing and linens are thoroughly cleaned, stain-free, and ready to wear. Whether it’s salt-streaked pants or a slushy coat, we’ll take care of it all.

Schedule a pickup today and let us help you beat the winter laundry blues. Because at The Laundorist, we believe every item deserves a little extra care—no matter the weather.