Laundry tips to live by

Your laundry should be as minimal, clean and organised as possible. Yes, I know it’s a drag of a room and no one wants to be in there for long, but there are ways to make the laundry a more hospitable space. Fill large glass jars with bulk items like buttons, threads, pegs and twine and put them on display for a stylish touch. It’s so easy to recreate this look and add a little style to an otherwise drab space.

LAUNDRY TIPS TO LIVE BY:

• Keep your laundry as minimal as possible, with no fuss and no mess.
• Use a collection of baskets to separate colours, dry-cleanable items, ironing etc.
• Keep a basket for items that need to be darned and next time you are sitting in front of the TV, mend those holes.
• Store spare buttons in a jar so they are always close at hand.
• Keep a piggy bank for loose change that falls out of pockets.
• Use a small laundry bag to store all those stray socks whose partners will eventually turn up.
• Have washing labels on display so you can see how to care for each item at a glance.
• Always fold your jumpers away – never hang them on coat hangers.
• Keep whites white by soaking your clothes for 10 minutes in a bucket of hot water with two sliced lemons.
• Always clean stains immediately.
• Try and clean your clothes with natural cleaners, like vinegar, bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) and lemon.
• Always handwash your delicates.
• If buying detergent, make sure you buy the right one for the right fabric to ensure your clothes’ longevity.
• When handwashing your knits, never wring them out as they will lose their shape. Instead, roll them up in a towel to squeeze the excess water out.

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Homemade linen water recipe

Making your own linen water is an easy way to bring your favourite scent into the bedroom. I love to use lemon and rose oil.

What you’ll need:

• 30 drops (approx. ½ teaspoon) essential oil of your choice
• 90ml (3 fl oz) vodka
• 375ml (12½ fl oz/1½ cups) distilled water

Makes: Approx 500ml (17 fl oz/2 cups)

Method:

1. Mix the essential oil and vodka in a glass.
2. Add the distilled water and funnel the liquid into a spray bottle.
3. Shake the spray bottle before each use and keep it in a cool, dry place for up to six months.

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