Tide Stain Release

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

When I got married, I noticed that the pile of clothes that needed stain treatment was WAY bigger than when it was just my laundry – IMAGINE THAT! Then, when I had our first baby 15 months ago, the pile was just totally out of control. I have found that OxiClean (or Sun Oxygen – its less expensive competitor – found at Big Lots) does a nice job on the laundry load as a whole, but does not eliminate the toughest of stains. Most of the toughest stains come from things like baby formula and spit-up. These stains are tough because they contain protein. Like blood, formula and spit-up have so much protein in them that the stains are here to stay. As Emily has gotten older, we don’t have to worry about formula stains or spitting up, but carrots, sweet potatoes, and squash are all brightly colored stains that she wears proudly on EACH AND EVERY item of clothing!

What to do about this?! A few months back, I received a coupon in the Sunday paper for Tide Stain Release. Tide Stain Release is an in-wash “booster” that comes in a capsule much like dishwashing soap packets. You simply add the capsule to your water and detergent and throw the clothes in. You DO NOT have to wait until the capsule melts. I have found that Tide Stain Release does an AWESOME job on tough stains without soaking or pre-treating. I think it smells a bit like Sweet Tarts, but that’s just me. I can find a candy or chocolate smell in just about anything so you’ll have to test it yourself. I have been really happy with how helpful the capsules are and how much less scrubbing and pre-soaking I have had to do.

Another part to this success story is hanging clothing up to dry. Unless I am washing play clothes, old t-shirts, or jeans and undershirts/underwear, I typically hang our clothing up to dry. I find that it maintains the colorfastness of our clothes and prevents “nubbies” from forming on our cotton fabrics. Beyond this, it gives you the opportunity to inspect clothing as you are hanging it up and notice stains that didn’t quite come out on the first try. The dryer is the kiss of death for stains. Once you dry a piece of clothing, the stain is set in. If you can catch the stain before it makes it to the dryer, you have a much better shot at working the stain out. Tide Stain Release has coupons in the Sunday paper nearly every week, and most stores carry a variety of sizes that you can buy the bag in. Purchase the small bag for the first try and see how great your laundry looks! You will love not having to spend hours treating yucky stains!

My next test is going to be the new Biz Stain Fighter. I will compare the price and the viability of the product to Tide Stain Release. I’ll keep you posted!

Side note: As always, if you or someone you know is interested in Piano or Voice Lessons in the North Texas area, please visit Lindsay Walker's Piano and Voice Studio.