Are LooHoos safe for delicates?

The short answer to this question is yes—LooHoo Wool Dryer Balls absolutely are a safe option when drying delicates in the dryer. But LooHoos can’t launder these items alone.

Check out these tips for making sure your lingerie, silks, satins and anything else that calls for a “gentle” wash on its tag leaves the laundry room intact. Be sure to consult your garment’s label instructions before beginning the laundering process.

Wash Right

If your item’s tag has the hand-washing symbol, step away from the washing machine. Laundry experts agree that delicates such as silk retain their color and shape when washed by hand. Even if you don’t see a stain, oils from our skin are enough of a reason to wash regularly (but not after every wear). Harsh chemicals agitate clothes and break down fibers so when it comes to sensitive fabrics, choose a mild liquid detergent and the cold water cycle.

Gentle detergents are free of dyes, fragrances and chemicals that may include sulfates, bleach and brighteners, and those certified as hypoallergenic are also a safe option. Laundry soap such as the Soak Wash line is more natural than detergents, which are synthetic products. Liquids dissolve quickly while powder detergents are less expensive and may leave residue on clothing, and while they may be convenient, single-use pods are a questionable alternative when it comes to the environment, according to recent studies.

To hand wash, fill a clean sink or bathtub with cold or lukewarm water and add a teaspoon of gentle laundry detergent while the water is running to ensure it dissolves completely. Submerge clothing then gently circulate by hand. Drain the water then refill the sink or tub with cold or lukewarm water and circulate the item until all suds are gone. Gently squeeze to remove the water and air dry or machine dry on low or no heat.

When laundering items with color that may bleed or fade—specifically reds, purples, blues and yellows—turn clothing inside out and close zippers before getting started. Wash using a permanent press or gentle setting on cold and take care not to overfill the washing machine. Add 1 cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle or half a cup of salt to the wash to help retain the color. Be sure to wash like colors together; remember what white socks look like after washing with blue jeans!

Sort & Separate

Nylon, wool, silk, lace and other delicate fabrics are more susceptible to pilling and stretching. Laundry experts recommend washing these items in a zippered laundry bag, which also will protect hosiery, bras and other lingerie that are easily damaged when buttons, zippers and hooks catch and snag on other garments.

Separating delicates from heavier items like towels and jeans also will prevent damage during washing. Washing loads by weight will ensure a more even drying process that can prevent over-drying lightweight items, which can lead to shrinkage, and ensuring a thorough drying of bulkier laundry.

Dry Right

Generally speaking, hand-washed delicates and knits should be set out to air dry to avoid shrinking or stretching. Avoid wood or metal surfaces; rather, opt for an outdoor clothesline during warmer months. Just remember that bright or dark colors may fade outdoors. Colder temperatures call for air drying indoors in a well-ventilated area. Consider a drying rack in the laundry room or laying items flat atop a bathroom counter.

While high settings are great for heavier items, when using a dryer, delicates should be aired using low or no heat on a gentle, delicate or tumble setting for about 15 minutes. Dry clean-only items are safe on the air fluff setting.

Laundry experts recommend removing laundry as soon as the dryer cycle ends to minimize static cling and wrinkles.

LooHoo Wool Dryer Balls are not only gentle on the environment, but a safe alternative for most laundry tumbled in either gas and electric dryers. If you can put it in the dryer then LooHoos can be used. LooHoos are hypoallergenic, 100 percent natural wool, free of chemicals and reduce drying time up to 25 percent.

What better way to dry laundry the right—and safer—way?