Ask The Laundress - Holiday Edition : Mascara Crisis

Click Here to get The Laundress Stain Solution.

Ask The Laundress - How Often Should You Wash a Bra?

Have a Question for the Experts? You can Ask The Laundress HERE.

Tune In NOW - Lindsey on QVC!

Or head on over to QVC and see The Laundress "Save Your Shirt" Stain Remover Kit!

New! The Laundress Ladies Interviewed by Racked.com

The savvy people over at Racked.com just had to Get To Know Gwen & Lindsey! Check out the interview to find out where the ladies met and conceived of The Laundress, how you can overcome those pesky "Dry Clean Only" tags, and what products to look for in the future (hint: there's a wick, a flame and your favorite Laundress scent). Get over there soon and you can even take advantage of the special deal being offered to people armed with the Racked coupon code. Once you've received your order, come back and tell us all about it!

This Week's Ask The Experts...

Question:

HELP!  I accidentally washed and dried a load of white clothes with an orange crayon! It's a total mess and disaster and everything is covered in orange spots!  Any advice?  I unfortunately already sprayed everything with Shout before I knew it was crayon, so I probably made it worse.  Please help!

-Marilyn

Answer:

Hi Marilyn,

I cannot even begin to imagine the mess that must have made!! We should be able to help you remove the crayon, but before we even start with the clothes you’re going to want to make sure that both your washer and dryer are completely free of any leftover crayon pieces.

TO CLEAN YOUR WASHER:
Add (1/2 cup) Scented Vinegar to your machine dispenser and run an EMPTY, long load with hot water. Repeat again with just hot water. Don’t forget to clean out your fabric softener & bleach dispensers!


TO CLEAN YOUR DRYER:
Your dryer drum collects lint (crayon) and can affect the efficiency of your dryer and leave fuzz behind on clean clothes. Use a cloth or sponge with cleaning solution (one capful The Laundress Stain Solution and 1 liter of water) and wipe the inside of the dryer to remove any crayon that may be left in there. Clean the dryer filter after each use. A clogged filter will restrict flow and reduce dryer performance.


After your machines are clean, you can start pre-treating your whites. As crayons are made of wax, you’re going to have to treat these stains as wax removal. I’ve attached a blog below showing you exactly how to do so. Once the wax build up is removed you can treat with Stain Solution and All Purpose Bleach Alternative, by mixing the two together you will create a paste that you will have to work into the fabric with the stain brush. You can then make a bath with Hot water and All Purpose Bleach Alternative and allow the items to soak, you may need to rinse and repeat more than once. When the stains are removed to your satisfaction you can then launder as usual with our Whites Detergent. I’ve also attached our Stain Removal Recipe for you.


The Laundress: Wax Removal
The Laundress Recipe -Stain Removal


Hope this helps, please let me know if you have any further questions.
Happy Laundering and Good Luck!

Looking for a Steamer?

We have a couple steamers here in our office. Gwen has had her Jiffy steamer since 1994, and we’ve had the Rowenta steamer in our office for a couple years now. Gwen loves her Jiffy and Lindsey prefers the Rowenta. Neither of us are super thrilled with the Tobi. Let me explain why...
The Tobi was an “As seen on tv…” purchase. We thought we would try it out and see how good Tobi was. On the box it looked neat because it appeared portable with a strap to put on your back – almost like a back pack. When we opened the box up and assembled, the strap was very cheap and there was no way to make it even remotely look like a back pack. The steam action was great - powerful even, but the water tank was incredibly small. The attachments were ridiculous; there was nowhere to store them and impossible to get them to stay on. The electric cord was too short, so the fact that there were wheels on the bottom of the Tobi seemed pointless since it wasn’t very mobile. The steam cord was also short, and a serious flaw was the dock that holds the steamer when not in use. It caused the steamer to sit positioned toward your face, which could be dangerous if you’re not paying attention. Overall, the steam action was not enough to outweigh the cons of this device.
The Rowenta has a few quirks of its own, but Lindsey stands by the Rowenta and thinks it’s just because it is an older model that was donated by Rowenta. Its steam action is great as long as the steam cord doesn’t get kinked up. Lindsey, to avert the cord kinking up, tries to keep the cord taut so that there is a constant flow of steam. It has a really neat rounded stand that moves up and down depending on the height you desire. Only problem is, one of the legs on the stand broke and doesn’t work so it is now a little lopsided. However, it is very easy to steam sweaters since there is a place to drape shoulders of sweaters and jackets at the top of the steamer. The electric cord is very long and it has wheels so it is easy to move around. It also has a place to store the accessories that come with the steamer. The water tank is ample size, but does leak from time to time. Lindsey is certain that the newer model would not have these issues, but we haven’t tried it out just yet. We all love the Rowenta functions, however, we have yet to have one that lasts intact for 2 years, which is not good as an “investment.”

The Jiffy for being from the early-90s is pretty impressive, and we can only imagine how great the newer models are. This is the ONLY steamer used in the fashion industry. This steamer is straight up - without any commercial bells and whistles. The steam action is phenomenal and there are no silly attachments (attachments we don’t use anyway). The electric cord is a little shorter than the Rowenta, but still a good length. The hose is the longest out of the three, doesn’t get twisted to interrupt the steam and with the extra reach it is not only good for garments but also to use on drapery and bedding. The water tank is just like the Rowenta and does leak every now and again, but that’s probably because it is from 1994! On the Jiffy there is a hook to hang the hangers vs. the “bust form” shoulder to place tops on. After Gwen and Lindsey had a “steam off,” Lindsey can appreciate her allegiance to the Jiffy. At the end of the day, no one can argue that Jiffy has proven to be the best investment piece. Gwen’s mom’s finally “retired” after 15 years, and her brother’s is still going strong like her’s. (They are a jiffy family!)

As far as handhelds are concerned, we’re trying to experiment with some more. Lindsey liked her handheld travel Rowenta until it broke, but it was perfect for steaming one item at a time. The tank is a bit on the small side which is why it is really great for travel. Lindsey says it has a lot of steaming power overall given that it is a travel steamer. She did say that if you are trying to steam multiple items, you might find it laborious and frustrating.

We also just tried out the Esteam Hand Held Steamer by Jiffy and was not impressed. The tank was incredibly tiny and once it heated up water went spewing everywhere.

We always advise to check out consumer reports before making an investment purchase. Let us know what kind of steamer you have or have tried, too!

Washing Couture with Lindsey

We love our vintage couture clothing,

but don’t love the stains and smells they come
with or present us with throughout wearing.

Dry Cleaning is not the way to care for them,

as the chemicals set in stains and odors

—creating more aging and yellowing over time.

This is my favorite Chanel jacket, a cotton blend with a silk lining.

You’ll want to read the fabric content to know which product to use.

The highest content will determine the product you need.

For example, a garment with 70% cotton, 20% polyester,
and 10% silk would need to be washed with

The Laundress Delicate Wash.

Always pre-treat stains. Focus on the underarms, collar,
and cuffs using The Laundress Stain Solution.
For stubborn stains, try mixing The Laundress Bleach
Alternative with the Stain Solution to create a paste.
Mix the paste and brush directly onto the stain.
We love our Stain Brush, it makes getting stains
(especially aged stains) out much easier.
Then we recommend pre-soaking for 30 minutes
in cold water before placing into the washing machine.
Place in The Laundress Mesh Washing Bag
before placing in the washing machine.
Be sure the garment is inside out before placing in mesh bag.
We use The Laundress Delicate Wash
which is safe for all delicate fabrics except wool and cashmere.
Always use a delicate, cold short cycle.
Remove from the washing machine and hang to dry.
Once dry, spray the lining with The Laundress Stiffen Up,
steam, and let dry for ten minutes. Voilà! – Ready to wear.



Washing couture wool blends is just as simple....

When washing a wool blend garment, follow the same simple steps.

Always use The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Shampoo

and pre-treat stains with The Laundress Stain Solution.

Turn the garment inside out to treat the lining…
and the waist band.
Keep the garment inside out and place
in one of The Laundress Mesh Washing Bags.
Place on the wool cycle of your washing machine,
always a cold wash and low spin.
Each machine is different so always look
for a delicate setting and always cold water.
After removing from the washing machine, hang to dry.
Once dry, spray the lining with The Laundress Stiffen Up,
steam, and let dry for ten minutes. Voilà! – Ready to wear.

This Week's Ask the Experts

Question:

The Laundress,

I have purchased your Machine Cleaner in the past and use it monthly in my HE front-load washing machine. At the time of my purchase there were no other products out there to clean your machines, but now there are so many options I'm overwhelmed. The inquiry I have is what are all the differences of the products out there and how do you feel about where your product stands to how well it performs to the others on the market? I want what's best for my machine to keep it clean and performing like brand new! I greatly appreciate your time and response.

-Janelle

Answer:

Hi Janelle-

Yes, when we made our product there wasn’t really anything else in the market.

I did some investigating-

The Clorox machine cleaner has a few ingredients, but primarily the active ingredient is chlorine bleach.

The Tide product from the vague information it has, has the main ingredient as oxygenated bleach - which is what we use 100% in our All-purpose Bleach Alternative.

The reviews weren’t that great on the Tide site, but I don’t think using a “pouch” is at all helpful and effective.

We also recommend wiping down the machine and “catch areas” too - see more here:
http://www.thelaundress.com/LaundryTips/machineMaintenance.asp

Our product is a very strong, naturally-derived acid, which is really tough, but safe for the environment.

I hope this is helpful and I apologize for the untimely response.

Happy Laundering!

Best-Gwen

Follow-up Response:

Thank you so much Gwen! I'm sticking with what I know works the best and that's The Laundress! Thanks again for your investigation on the similar products on the market. I love The Laundress!! :)

-----

If you're interested in our Machine Cleaner - click here.

This week's Ask The Experts...

Question:
I have several new and vintage Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dresses that are identified as 100% silk (silk jersey?) It says dry clean only, but can they be hand washed/delicate cycle at home?
-Jennifer

Answer:
Hi Jennifer, how exciting! I bet they are beautiful. Follow the below recipe for washing delicates. If there are stains you will want to pre-treat with Stain Solution. I would recommend hand washing and make sure to lay flat and in shape to dry.

http://www.thelaundress.com/LaundryTips/washingDelicates.asp

Steam after.

Please note: do not wash any DVF rayon or viscose items - they will fit a 2 year old after....based on personal experience.

Happy Laundering!
Gwen Whiting

Response:
Hi Gwen,

Thank you so very much for your quick and thoughtful response! I had to laugh about washing the rayon or viscose dresses because, yup, I did that once before too! Comforting that I'm in good company.

Thanks again for the recipe! Absolutely could not exist without The Laundress products!

All my best,
Jennifer

Ask the Experts

Question:
I have a white linen jacket which is lined. It does state to either hand wash, line dry or dry clean. I've been having it dry cleaned b/c I'm afraid of it losing it's shape and unsure about how the lining is going to look if it's not professionallly pressed. I would appreciate your suggestions.
-Dianne

Answer:
Hi Dianne,

I understand your hesitation as it is something we all need to break into slowly from dry cleaning to hand washing an item.

I always wash my blazers. I recommend turning it inside out treating the underarms and cuffs with stain solution and any other visible stains. Put in a mesh washing bag on the delicate cycle-cold or warm water. Then you will hand to dry right side out.

You can press and steam once it is dry. If you want to you can take it to the dry cleaner to have pressed only if you are not satisfied with your pressing.

Gwen and I wash our blazers and steam them all the time. It will make your white blazer look brighter and will remove all the unnecessary chemicals.

You might need to iron and steam linen so we recommend a light starch for this or our Stiffen-Up.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Best, Lindsey

This Week's Ask the Experts

Question:
I love Laundress products, especially the Wool and Cashmere shampoo and the Delicates wash. My question is this: I have a dress that says dry clean only and it has two parts. The top part is pink and 100% silk and the bottom half is 40% silk and 60% cotton and is dark grey with a blue sash. It is all connected so I can't wash separately. Is it alright to hand wash it even with two different materials, and more importantly a dark color and light color? I'm not sure what other way to clean it, since I don't want to get it dry cleaned. Thank you!!

-Caitie

Answer:
Hi Caitie,

Does it say dry clean or dry clean only? Usually manufacturers will note dry clean just because it is easier for them. Dry Clean only usually says that for a reason. However, I think they just slap whatever tag they have on hand. Silk and Cotton are both washable and I would use the Delicate Wash and follow these directions: http://www.thelaundress.com/LaundryTips/washingDelicates.asp.

I cannot predict color running...so this may be a concern that you may choose against washing.

I will attach our washing chart so you can reference washable fabrics going forward: http://www.thelaundress.com/LaundryTips/PDFs/washingChart.pdf

Happy Laundering!
Best-Gwen

Follow-up Question:
Thank you so much!! It does say dry clean only. In that case, do you know of any green dry cleaners that you would recommend?

Reply:
Hi Catie,

You want to ask for a non-perc system - look for hydrocarbon or silicon.

Best-Gwen

This week's Ask the Experts

Question:
Hello,

My daughter has a couple of silk dresses from Bonpoint that have stains on them. Is it safe to use the "Stain Solution" product on the stain and then wash the entire dress in the "Delicate Wash"? Thank you.

Best,
Amy

Answer:
Hi Amy-

Yes, the Stain Solution is what you need. Below is the recipe to follow.

http://www.thelaundress.com/LaundryTips/washingDelicates.asp

Happy laundering!
-Gwen

Follow-up:
Hi Gwen,

I just wanted to thank you again for your message several months ago. I wasn't able to get the stain out of my daughter's silk dress because it sat for too long, but have been using many of your products for machine & hand washing and find them all very gentle and great smelling. Your videos inspired me to hand wash my cashmere sweaters and silk scarves -- I think it is fantastic that you have laundry tips that encourage people to wash their own things naturally.

Also took the plunge and washed my Hermes and Lacroix silks -- came out very soft.

Wishing you and your company continued success!

Best regards,
Amy

This week's Ask the Experts:

Question:
I recently gave up on dryer sheets because I learned that they contain animal by-products. I can't find an ingredients list on your site - can you tell which products don't use animal by-products and if your products are cruelty free? Many thanks. I will share this with my friends.
-Mary

Answer:
Yes, you are correct - grocery brands use animal fat also noted as "tallow" in fabric softeners. Tallow is actually used in a lot of grocery soaps/products.

We use a canola oil derivative for our fabric softener and dryer sheets and all of our products are animal-cruelty free.

Happy Laundering!
-Gwen

Ask the Experts

Question:
What is the best way to remove lily pollen stains from cotton clothing?
-April

Answer:
Hi April,
That is the worst part about lilies! I stopped buying them because they were too much of a mess.
I always got it out with pre-treating and soaking with Stain Solution. Happy Laundering!
-Gwen

Follow-up Question:
Thank you I will try that. I usually cut the pollen stems off as soon as they bloom, but my kids got to them first this time. Does the Stain Solution work for rust in the same way?

Answer:
Hi April-
You can try it on rust. I usually use the stain mixed with the Bleach Alternative for really tough stains. http://thelaundressny.blogspot.com/2010/01/conquering-pit-stain.html

The Machine Cleaner is designed to remove rust from appliances, but it works on textiles - make sure you only apply with a q-tip and soak well.
Happy Laundering!
-Gwen

Follow-up response:
Thank you so much! This is very helpful and has worked great.
-April

This week's Ask The Laundress

Question:
I have been using your products exclusively now for some time and they are impressive, BUT, ever since I ditched my top loader Maytag for a Kenmore Elite frontloader, my clothes don't come out clean, esp. whites, no matter what I do. Presoak in the bleach alt. use hot H20, etc. Buying a new machine..should I go back to the old top loader? Any suggestions?
Thanks, Pat

Answer:
Hi Patricia-
I don't believe cleaning your machine is the problem - those machines just do not clean as well as our old school Maytags. Yes, they are more efficient, but not really when you have to re-wash. They use less water, less swashing around...and at the end of the day don't work as well. We have a similiar machine. Our whirlpool is the same make as the Kenmore for sears. I use the whites, extra rinse etc. and the only thing I get is extra twisting of my items wrung in knots. I wish I had better advise or news for you. Real toughies presoak in a basin with hot water. Don't rely on the machine soak function because it isn't enough water.

Best and Happy Laundering,
Gwen

Follow up Response:
Good Morning Gwen,

I have a bit of follow-up for you. Was expressing my washing woes with a friend who is also a "the laundress" follower and a professed clean freak. She invited me over, along with my dirtiest whites, to try a load in her new Electrolux Wave Touch machine. I spent all morning yesterday scrubbing down floors with my white cloths, and as it rained yesterday and I have 4 little dogs, they got a workout. Into the mix went the white towels I used for washing/drying the car. Had a load of really dirty stuff. Took it all to her house for a test. Used her steam cycle, the bleach alternative and whites detergent, and gave it a go. Figured I'd just dump the towels afterward because nothing could get this mess white again. I was floored and astounded! Absolutely pristine white white white! No stains, residual dirt, nothing. We both have water filtration systems in our homes, so the water is always soft. We both use your products, so that wasn't it. Always use hot water for white towels. As a research chemist, I just can't stop without a reason. Watching the movement of the drum, etc. felt the clothes were tumbled a bit differently, but think it was maybe the steam. I have read pros and cons about whether the steam really does anything, but definitely something worked. The cycle was 90 minutes, with a warm water rinse. I'm off today to shop for a new Electrolux machine. My friend loves hers, and I am certainly sold with the steam cycle. By the way, I often use more water on certain loads after the machine starts, by filling a large pitcher with water and pouring it directly into the soap dispenser, which flows right into the machine, something I'm sure you've already done. Anyway, keep up the good work, thanks for the reply, and happy laundering!

Sincerely,
Pat

ASK THE EXPERTS...

Q: "Hello, I have a beige miu miu jacket that I am not exactly quite certain of the material. The outside seems to be beige cotton and thelining inside is red silk or some sort of soft silk like material. The label does not specify...it has developed on its exterior (cotton side) yellow stains. I must have worn it out and forgotten to wash it and stored it away. The caring instructions say do not wash, do not bleach, do not tumble dry, do not iron, professional dry clean only with low moisture...the dry cleaners in my town has refused to accept the jacket saying they cannot remove the stain. I have tried rubbing salt and water on it but has not worked. Love the jacket...but what can I do?"
-C.K. in Switzerland

A: Normally, I would say to you should wash it BUT...since it is white and with a red silk lining, I am afraid the lining will bleed color. I washed a cream velvet jacket of mine and it washes perfectly except the maroon synthetic lining bleeds (which can easily happen). Having said that....a good quality item..should be fine. Lindsey washes her Chanel jackets all the time and they are perfect. You should spot treat with a stain remover vs. salt. Salt will not really do anything for stains. There is a crazy Swiss product that is made in Switzerland that is a stain bar that someone gave us. It is made from the liver of an ox - (animal enzyme). It works really well- it is an old-school, kind of recipe. It is called REINA ochsengallen-fleckensife savon-detacheurau fiel de boeuf. I can send you a picture if you like. I will attach the recipe/video for spot treating that we use for our stain bar- which is non-animal based vegetable and borax...
http://store.thelaundress.com/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=TL&Category_Code=426WashStainLR
(click on the video camera icon)

Happy laundering!
Best-Gwen

ASK THE EXPERTS...

Here is this week's question and answer:

Question:
This question seems obvious so I am almost embarrassed to ask...here goes. What is the benefit of a fabric softener and should I be using this in my wash? I use the dryer sheets already. Will the fabric softener build up over time in my clothes? I always assumed this product was for just adding scent to your clothes. Help! I want my baby's clothes to look nice. Also, would fabric softener help my sheets look smoother?

Thanks so much for your help!
-Amber

Answer:
Hi Amber-this is not a silly question at all! Fabric softener generally reduces static, is scented, and makes fabrics softer. It does coat the fabrics so we do not recommend using it on towels very often as it does reduce the absorbency. We also caution that it should not be used on childrens sleepwear because sleepwear has flame retardency by law and fabric conditioner reduces the retardency. I also don't recommend using it on synthetic fabrics either. Frankly, I don't use it at all. Our detergent has natural softening properties so I don't feel I need it very often. It will most likely make your sheets smoother though.

If you do choose to use fabric softeners snuggle and downy are made with animal fat which I think is probably not what you want for your baby. Our fabric conditioner is made from canola oil. Dryer sheets are good for static. I hope this is helpful for you.

Happy Laundering!
Best-
Gwen

Response:
Hi Gwen,

Thank you very much for the prompt reply and all the information you provided me! Having consulted a laundry expert - you - I now feel confident to go forward with using my Laundress Baby Wash and dryer sheets! Great information too on the fabric softener; I may try some on my sheets and see what that does to help the wrinkling factor. I always take them out when they are 80% dry and lay the sheets out flat and the duvet still has some wrinkling. Maybe in my next order I will purchase some of your fabric softener to try. I wouldn't have bought those other brands you mentioned...funny thing is my 62yo mom always told me the additives in these fabric softeners are bad for your clothing and will break the fabrics down quickly. Thus the reason I have never used fabric softener!!!

By the way, I am becoming a HUGE Laundress fan and I have told everyone I know to buy your products! Am thinking of buying some for gifts too. After finding moth holes in one of my husband's sweaters I just decided to wash (using the machine hand wash cycle) everything and was really disappointed with the way they felt after air drying. Then I bought your wool/cashmere wash soap and decided to pick up some baby wash and dryer sheets too. Wow, I have found your wool/cashmere wash is an AMAZING cleaner and softener. Not only does it make our sweaters buttery soft but I was thrilled by the green nature of your products, this made me feel good as we began to reduce our dry cleaner usage.

Keep doing what you are doing, I am quite a fan.

Best,
Amber

ASK THE EXPERTS...

Here is this week's question and answer:

Q:
Hello, I just discovered The Laundress products and am super happy to be DONE with dry cleaning! It is totally liberating! I have the Wool and Cashmere Shampoo and the Stain Solution. I wasn't sure what other products I needed to get to avoid dry-cleaning altogether, which is why I am writing...

1) Is there something I could use to wash silk, or do I need to dry clean that?

2) Also, I have some cotton/silk blend shirts with ruffles and detailing from J. Crew. They say dry clean only, but I never want to dry clean again. What can I use to clean those? Is washing them in water going to ruin all the ruffles? Do you recommend ironing or steaming?

3) My next question is how to wash blazers. I heard that this is possible with the Laundress products. What products do I use? Does the same go for suit pants? We recommend spot-treating with our Wash & Stain Bar or Stain Solution first. Depending on the fabric, hand wash following our Wool & Cashmere Recipe or Delicate Wash recipe...same advice for suit pants. Lay flat to dry and steam afterwards.

4) Is there anything I NEED to dry clean that I cannot wash myself? Are there any risks that I should know about with certain fabrics?

Thank you so much for your help!

Sincerely, Laura

A:
Hi Laura,

1) You definitely do not need to dry-clean silk - our Delicate Wash was designed specifically for delicate fabrics such as silk. Follow our washing recipe here: http://www.thelaundress.com/LaundryTips/washingDelicates.asp

2) If the percentage of silk is more than 50% use our Delicate Wash again - following the same recipe above. (Otherwise one of detergents such as Signature is fine.) Definitely steam afterwards.

3) We recommend spot-treating with our Wash & Stain Bar or Stain Solution first. Depending on the fabric, hand wash following our Wool & Cashmere Recipe or Delicate Wash recipe...same advice for suit pants. Lay flat to dry and steam afterwards.

4) Review "Can I Be Washed?" & "Fabric Glossary" found here:
http://www.thelaundress.com/LaundryTips/recipes.asp on the top left menu for tips on what you can/can't wash. We are always cautious with viscose rayon as it's a very unpredictable fabric when wet, but other than that - you'll find you can pretty much wash anything...double check our guides to be sure though.

Happy laundering!

ASK THE EXPERTS GWEN & LINDSEY

Here is this week's question and answer:

Q: "Hi there! I am so excited to have found your products through JCrew. I buy all my work clothes from them because I only wear natural fibers – silk, cotton, wool, leather, linen. I have some pretty pricey suits from their collection and want to take great care of them but HATE the dry cleaning expense. I already hand wash my own sweaters but I am wondering if I can use your shampoo and hand wash my wool gabardine suits, press with care, and not compromise the structural integrity of the items. Thoughts?" -Thanks! Amanda

A: "Hi Amanda, yes...you totally can. Lindsey and I actually wash all our blazers in the machine. Delicate/wool cycle/in our mesh bag with the Wool & Cashmere Shampoo. Obviously if this is too much you can hand wash. Hang to dry and steam well. The steamer makes it all come together.
Happy Laundering!" -Gwen

If you have a laundry-related question, "Ask The Experts Gwen & Lindsey" on our website.

ASK THE EXPERTS GWEN AND LINDSEY

Frustrated with tough stains, not sure how to clean your precious heirlooms, sick of yellowing on your favorite tees? Fret no more "Ask The Experts Gwen & Lindsey" on our website.

Here is this week's question and answer:

Q: "I am trying to get my white sheets nice and white. While I regularly use your Whites detergent for them, I will admit that I have also tried it with bleach and feel this may have actually hurt my cause (as they are now dingy and a little yellowed). Do you have a recommendation on how to get them white again? Should I consider adding some of your new bleach alternative? Love your products, thank you so much!" -Stephanie

A: "Hi Stephanie, I feel your pain. I understand the need to go to the dark side (bleach) sometimes....usually, it works, however the downturns need to be known. One of the reasons I call it the dark side is because it will and does weaken the fabrics. I have literally put my hand through multiple sets of fitted sheets prior to my laundress career! Secondly, bleach yellows polyester, silk and synthetic fibers - so if your linens have any kind of blend this would attribute to yellowing. And just plain and simple - sometimes chlorine bleach results are yellowing vs. whitening. I do recommend our bleach alternative, we have been so excited about the performance - and if it doesn't solve your bedding problems you can use it for your other laundry and to clean your whole house! Happy laundering!" -Gwen