Putting bay leaf in the washing machine is part of the methods used by our grandparents to preserve laundry from a problem that spoils clothes.
Time and numerous washes, as well as the continuous use of garments, make them easily lose color and shine. If you want to know what bay leaves are used for in the washing machine, keep reading the article.
What to do with clothes that lose color
No one likes their clothes to look faded or worn. However, how can we give up that comfortable garment or that we like so much?
The key to durable clothing often lies in one simple change: short cold water wash cycles.
This is because the longer the wash cycle, the more the clothes are shaken and the more the fabric is rubbed against the fabric. In addition, the hotter the water, the fibers swell, which contributes to discoloration and color wear.
An ingenious and ancient trick that our grandparents used to preserve our clothes is still valid as an effective one, it consists of giving the clothes a bay bath.
This aromatic plant, highly appreciated in the kitchen, is able to fix colors in fabrics, and at the same time revive them.
In this way, even after washing, the fabrics will remain in good condition thanks to the astringent properties of the fresh leaves.
Why should we put bay leaf in the washing machine?
To treat our garments that have lost their color, our grandmothers used to prepare a solution that involves the use of fresh bay leaves, since in the fresh leaves there is a substance called oleolite, which when dispersed in water will release its astringent qualities.
All we need is:
- a tall and spacious saucepan with plenty of water,
- 4 heaping tablespoons baking soda,
- 10 bay leaves.
Once the bay leaves are boiled, let the leaves remain “cooking” for at least 20 minutes. In the meantime, the baking soda will have completely dissolved, as will the oil, which will release its beneficial properties for the tissues.
After 20 minutes, we let the water warm up and then pour the water into the basin where we put the clothes to be treated. Finally, the clothes are left to soak all day.
The next day we will continue to rinse the clothes and carry out a normal wash as usual. For a washing machine with bay leaves, just put 10 bay leaves and the baking soda in a bag and then close the bag tightly and then put it in the drum. To do this, a wash at 30° will be programmed.
The bay leaf can be substituted for coarse salt (4 or 5 tablespoons of salt) or apple cider vinegar (1 glass), following the same procedure as with bay leaves.