Three Laundry Myths, Put to the Test

False. Modern washing machines are marvels at achieving maximum results while using minimal energy and water, but many people continue to believe, erroneously, that adding extra water or detergent will get clothes cleaner. In fact, the opposite is true: detergent works by chemically interacting with water, your fabrics, and stains, and extra water just dilutes it. Extra detergent causes its own problems, too, since the final rinse cycle is calibrated for the correct amount; excess can stay in your clothes, potentially triggering a skin reaction, or build up in the washer and cause odors.

Mostly false. If "truly clean" means sanitized, then yes, you'll need very hot water (look for NSF certification, which verifies that 99.9% of microorganisms are killed in a wash cycle). For most situations, though, sanitizing is overkill. Over time, the enzymes in detergents have changed and the physical design of the washtub has evolved, so colder cycles are more effective than ever before.

Mixed truth. Laundry is no stranger to the convoluted, often pseudo-scientific world of green alternatives that carry vague promises of being "natural" and "safe." It's not that the criticism of standard detergent is without merit, but it's understood that standard detergent is effective while many alternative solutions miss the mark. Dryer balls made from natural wool, though, are a solid alternative to dryer sheets, which coat your newly-cleaned clothes in an unnecessary layer of film. One point in their favor: the balls can be spritzed with essential oils before you toss them in, adding a fresh aroma to your clothes without the added chemicals and waste of a dryer sheet.