superdumb supervillain: Complete the Cycle - Wash Day Giveaway
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Thursday, August 20, 2009

Complete the Cycle - Wash Day Giveaway

***WINNERS PICKED 8/31 WITH RANDOM.ORG***
***CONGRATULATIONS!!!***
#83 Sylvia
#25 Jocelyn
#2 Keonte'
#55 Carolyn G
#111 Tina






I can't say I really enjoy doing laundry. While we have a laundry room, it doesn't have any space to fold laundry unless you count the tops of the machines, which I don't since you can't put another load into the washer without moving everything. (Chalk up another reason why I should have gotten a front-loader set, aside from the fact that the contractors obviously thought I was getting one since they left so much vertical space for the washer and dryer to cohabitat in.)



The sad truth is my laundry tends to accumulate on the kitchen table until I get around to folding it:



I try to fold it in a timely fashion, since we can't eat at the table with all the laundry piled up and also because the cats find clean laundry irresistible to sleep on. That being said, there's a load on the table right now, waiting for me to finish writing this post and get on with the folding! Folding is obviously my least favorite part of my own laundry regimen but the part I love is shopping for and trying out new laundry products. I recently received a $25 gift card to do some laundry product shopping and I headed out to do some damage. Here's what I ended up with:



I'm pretty loyal to my laundry brands but sometimes I like to shake things up a bit. The bug spray has actually been my staunchest foe in the laundry wars this summer. My husband loves to garden and work in the yard and with all the rain we've had, we've developed a huge mosquito population. He douses himself liberally in the strongest DEET concentration sprays he can find… ironic since his garden is all organic. Anyway, the stuff leaves an icky residue and cloying scent on his clothes so I've been washing his laundry separately from the kids' things. Roo has sensitive skin and gets rashy if I use scented products on her laundry. That makes me sad because I love the way scented detergents and softeners can lift your mood. Oh, well. I use the frou frou scents for Daddy's yucky outside clothes and get a vicarious aromatherapeutic thrill while folding them. Yes, I do realize I used the word thrill while describing laundry. My life is that exciting.



Something that is exciting is the Complete the Cycle Laundry Regimen Guide, a super-handy laundry cheat sheet compiled by Clorox. This clever guide features tips to streamline your laundry regimen as well as concise explanations of what laundry additives are appropriate for which jobs. I know that my family has always used dryer sheets while Bob's family doesn't. I think most people tend to stick to what they know, laundry-wise, so it's nice to have a reference that isn't biased by nostalgia or tradition. The Complete the Cycle Laundry Regimen Guide was created with input from Collective Bias, an online community that I enjoy sharing my opinions with. They sent me this impressive gift laundry basket yesterday:



This Laundry Regimen Kit consists of a hamper filled with Gain Laundry Detergent, Downy Ultra, Clorox 2 Ultra, a Clorox Bleach Pen, Clorox Bleach coupon, a laminated copy of the Complete the Cycle Laundry Regimen Guide and a Flip Fold Ultimate Folding Tool. I haven't had the chance to try out any of the detergents yet (the Gain smells great!) but I have a feeling we might use the Clorox Bleach Pen for crafts (and I head acid-wash, bleach-embellished denim is making a comeback… shudder) very soon and the laminated Complete the Cycle Laundry Regimen Guide is already clipped to the cabinet above my washer. I can't believe I am hoping for the kids to stain something! My husband was also entranced by the wonders of the Flip Fold, which is funny since he usually leaves all of the laundry to me. (This is a good thing, typically, since the last time he got near the washer he put a camping backpack in it and it caused $300 worth of damage to the machine. Awesome.) But, hey, if he wants to fold his own clothes that would be great… I was skeptical but it does an awfully good job. Now we need to get one of the jr. models for the kids' clothes. If only it could help me with fitted sheets, too… mine always turn out lumpy and bulky, bursting out of the linen closet. Witness the neatly flip-folded tee vs. my slovenly manually-folded tee:



Collective Bias and Clorox have generously provided five additional Laundry Regimen Kits for me to give away to my readers.

To enter and win your own Laundry Regimen Kit (just like the one I described and pictured above), please comment on this post with your laundry regimen stories. If you have a blog, feel free to post about your laundry regiment there and link back in your comment. For this week-long contest, you may enter as many times as you like: Tell me about your favorite brands, stain removal tips and tricks, reasons why I need a front-loader, etc. Maybe even clue me in on the easiest, neatest way to fold a fitted sheet!

There will be five winners.



Entries will be accepted through August 28th and I'll pick five winners using Random.org. US readers are eligible.


For an additional entry, post my button on your blog (see code on sidebar), follow my blog, follow me on Twitter (and tweet about this contest using this hashtag: #completecycle ), fave me on Technorati or subscribe via email or subscribe via reader. Leave an extra comment letting me know what you did for each additional entry.



Make sure you leave an email address in your comment or that you have one accessible on your blog so you can be contacted if you win!


***Click Giveaways on my sidebar to see what else you could win!***

116 comments:

  1. I wish I had a regiment. I do laundry any day of the week, all size loads, anytime of the day. I am so unorganized. I would like to be able to pick a day to complete all my laundry each week. I would also like to fold my laundry as soon as it comes out the dryer.

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  2. I follow you on Twitter (@IamKeonte)and tweeted http://twitter.com/IamKeonte/status/3436598953

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  3. I faved your blog on Technorati (Luvdamall)

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  4. Here is my regimen:
    All laundry done in one day, once a week.
    Start: gather, sort, pretreat. Start with dark clothes.
    Wash from darks, then medium, then whites, then towels and sheets.
    Some dry 100% in dryer, others are hung up so they won't be wrinkly.
    Fold all not-hanging items.
    put all items for myself and hubby away, daughter does her own.
    Later: dreaded ironing day= argggghhhh!
    Thank you for the very generous giveaway! We appreciate it!

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  5. My regimen consists of putting all the clothes into a rolling basket as they are going to be washed. They are separated and each load is either, colors, white or delicates. However, the laundry piles up too quickly.

    bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  6. I subscribe via email.

    bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  7. What a cool basket of goodies that arrived. It IS fun to try out new things because frankly, laundry is boring.

    Here's my tip!
    The washer/dryer set is downstairs and all the dirty laundry is upstairs in the bedrooms and baths, of course.

    My quick little tip is to toss them down the stairs as hard as you can. Mom will pick em up.

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  8. My regimen is the same week after week. I wait until I run out of clothes and drag everything down to the basement. Then I sort them by lights and darks. I add the clothes,pour in some detergent and turn on the cold water. I go upstairs and 2 or 3 hours later I remember that I had clothes in the washer. So I go down and put those in the dryer and start another load. I again go back upstairs and wait till my loads are done. I usually do about 5 loads at a time. Then when the last load is in the dryer I always forget about it till the next day and turn the dryer on for a few minutes to remove the wrinkles. Then the day after that I start to put the clothes away in between running downstairs grabbing something to wear. Then I start all over again. Whew!!! I'm tired! Thank you for the fantastic giveaway!
    judybrittle at gmail dot com

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  9. I believe I'm already a follower.

    And I'm all excited about the prospect of free laundry products.

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  10. I follow on Twitter and tweeted
    http://twitter.com/kewpiedoll04/status/3441101517

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  11. Would you believe that at this moment there is still a load of clothes in the dryer from Sunday, waiting to be folded? Shame shame.

    How cool that you got one of those flip folds! It's like you work at the Gap now.

    My laundry tip is to use vinegar as fabric softener and baking soda to freshen the laundry. I just sprinkle it on top of the clothes before hitting start, and the vinegar and baking soda react to each other and seem to get things cleaner.

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  12. My laundry regime, at least 1 load a day 5 days a week. Wash and dry early, then fold while watching the afternoo news, and use the commercials to out things away. I love our frount loader, we cut our water use by about 30%! I tend to use whatever's on sale for detergent, as long as it's ok for the washer, with a scoop of oxi-clean, checking everything before it goes in the dryer...if it's still stained..more oxi-clean!

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  13. email subscriber

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  14. I do my laundry late at night.My washer and dryer are in the garage and it is too hot.

    luckyme51 (at) sbcglobal (dot) net

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  15. Hi Naomi,

    Thanks for stopping by! No, I didn't bring the boys to my trip. They're actually on vacation in L.A. too with their dad- which is perfect timing for my getaway! ;)

    Keystone, Colorado is amazing. Even the condo unit we're staying at is huge and has a stunning view of the lake in the middle of the Keystone Lodge. It's only our second day here and today, we're supposed to go mountain hiking, ride up the gondolas, and go shopping in the Vail Village. Talk about adventure, huh? Sorry, I can't help but share. ;)

    BTW, this post about your laundry is really great. I'm with you on the laundry that gets accumulated on the kitchen table when I get super-busy. Although now it upgraded to the couch in our master bedroom, lol. I, too, need help with my laundry. Funny though, because when I leave on any trip, I don't want to come home to see a mountain of clothes in our bedroom. So the night before we left for this trip, I folded up all my laundry which took me forever of course. So please enter me. :)

    Thanks and I will be posting a few photos of our trip when I get back. Have a fantastic Friday!

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  16. I just followed you on Twitter too.

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  17. I can't say I really have a regimen anymore. When the pile of dirty clothes starts crawling on its own, it's time to do some loads of laundry.

    spitfyr323 at hotmail dot com

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  18. I'm a subscriber.

    spitfyr323 at hotmail dot com

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  19. I do laundry every day, but we're a family of 8 so it's pretty necessary. I don't have much of a regimen though. I only sort if it needs washed specially - new & will bleed, needs bleached, on delicate, etc. My grandmother would have a heart attack if she knew that lol. And I fold while I'm watching TV in the afternoon.
    Christy
    ccswch@yahoo.com

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  20. My favorite brands of laundry detergent are Tide, Wisk and of course for delicates, Woolite.

    bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  21. I cook with oil and am a bit of a careless eater, so I tend to get olive oil on my clothing. Here's my tip. As soon as you create the stain, cover it completely with talcum powder, let it sit that way until you're ready to do the laundry. When you are pretrest the spot with the detergent. The stain will come out in the wash.

    bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  22. When I run out of Shout and I happen to get a stain on my outfit Simple Green works really good at getting the stain out too.

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  23. I live in an apartment and our washer is two floors down so I always use concentrated detergent - my favorite is All small and mighty. It does an amazing job! alicedemskehansen at gmail.com

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  24. I subscribe via google reader - alicedemskehansen at gmail.com

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  25. I do one to two loads of laundry per day. Soemtimes, I use only cold water wash and other times
    warm water!
    Every other week,I wash all of the bedding laundry! Thanks for the the chance to win such a fabulous prize. Cindi
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

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  26. I'm pretty lax...I only separate by darks and lights and sometimes my clothes end up staying on the clothesline for 2 days!
    I could use a game plan.
    bebemiqui82(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  27. I have quite a few favorite brands like Tide,Gain,Purex,Surf etc. As long as my laundry comes out smelling
    fresh and clean with a wonderful scent I'm happy. I buy what happens to be on sale that week.

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  28. I used to have difficulty foldinf fitted sheets as well. However, it truly is very simple. It may be hard to explain, though. Put your fist inside the two ruched ends (the part of the sheet that covers either the bottom or top of the mattress.) Then fold the sheet lengthwise so that you now have two ruched parts over each fist. Now fold the ruched parts in toward each other. Then fold the sheet in half and in half once more.

    bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  29. The way I see it, a front loader will hold a bit more than a top loader. Also nothing will get caught, because there is no agitation bar. So, it's for slightly larger delicate loads. It generally handles blankets well.
    bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  30. I used to be a soapslut, but I find myself more brand-loyal the older I get.

    Tried the new Bounce bar for the dryer; LOVE it!

    In my HELL, I will be scrubbing stains, folding laundry and matching socks while watching the Disney Channel....

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  31. My husband said next time we get a washer it would be a front loader because we would probably save at least $150 a year in water. I'm all for saving money so I think that is a great reason to switch.

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  32. I was at a restaurant recently with a couple of friends. As per usual, I got sauce on my newly cleaned silk slacks. My friend had a Tide Laundry Pen in her bag. She didn't know why she had it, but she did. We tried it. It worked. The stain cleared up and vanished. A salute to Tide!

    bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  33. I have tried the soapless Chinese laundry Balls. They're good for your clothes and good for the environment. It looks like small pellets inside the laundry balls. The clothes do come out fresh and clean. But it is really hard for me to accept washing without soap.

    bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  34. Nothing exciting about my laundry routine - cold water, half the recommended amount of detergent, spot treat from the inside out, and hope for the best!

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  35. I do all the laundry on the weekends. I only dry half of the clothes the rest I hang out. It is easier on the clothes.

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  36. Bounce is my fabric softener of choice.

    bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  37. I always make sure to hang the very delicate items to dry or lay them flat. Putting them in a dryer is very hard on them.

    bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  38. I always fold my clothing before I leave the laundry room. If I don't it winds up sitting in a pile, and looking like it needs to be washed again because it gets very creased.

    bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  39. I don't really have a laundry regimen, although I seriously wish I was disciplined enough to have one. I just do it as needs be...and I suck at the folding and putting away. I suck even more at the ironing. Ah! Laundry just isn't my cup of tea and I need all the help I can get. hehehe. Thanks for the chance!

    treflea4 at gmail dot com

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  40. I added you to my Twitter. naughtynad

    treflea4 at gmail dot com

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  41. I'm an email suscriber.

    treflea4 at gmail dot com

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  42. I like the Combination Rack Beech

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  43. I'd love to have a true regiment, mainly I just struggle to keep up!! With two boys and my hubby (who is really just an over-grown boy LOL) it is a challenge. Lots of dirt!

    Thanks so much for the chance to win this great prize. I could use a little inspiration in my laundry room!

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  44. faved you on technorati: carogonza

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  45. My first post didn't go through but I have no laundry regiment per se. I do sheets and towels on the weekend. The rest gets done on the day when the hamper is full. We are only 2 people so we don't have tons of laundry.

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  46. When my washer starts getting a little smelly I fill the washer and add quite a bit of vinegar and run the washer empty. It gets rid of the smells so my next load of laundry comes out smelling fresh.

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  47. I do 2 loads of laundry each day, sometimes 3. My hubby and son both need work cloths washed every other day, plus towels for showers, and what ever else comes along. I use sunlight liquid detergent and downy softner.

    audreyscountrycrafts at gmail.com

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  48. I'm following on twitter
    audreyscrafts

    audreyscountrycrafts at gmail.com

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  49. I have your button on this blog:
    http://audreysgiveaways.blogspot.com

    audreyscountrycrafts at gmail.com

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  50. I subscribe via email

    audreyscountrycrafts at gmail.com

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  51. I don't have a real set regimen for laundry...but I always involve my daughter! She is two (so she still likes helping m LOL!) and we make it a joint activity!
    I usually use All Free & Clear but sometimes I like to have that nice scent to my clothes too! I would love to try a new assortment - it would help so much!
    Thanks!

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  52. I Faved you on Technorati! (Kelliebug)

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  53. I enjoy doing laundry except for the folding. I'm "trying" to overcome that!

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  54. Ugh...laundry. We start on saturday morning with whites because they dry fastest and continue on through 4 loads and then dump them all on the bed and fold and put away. I ahte laundry day. :)

    addeviant006 at gmail dot com

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  55. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  56. rss subscriber

    addeviant006 at gmail dot com

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  57. I currently don't have a regimen, because I just moved into a house, and for the first time in ages I have my own washer and dryer, not a coin-loaded set that I share with the rest of the building. So I have relaxed my strict laundry routine and am waiting to figure out a new one.

    urchiken at gmail dot com

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  58. Oh, can somebody please help me with my laundry? I do at least 6 loads a week, hang most of it outdoors when it's nice, and it seems to never, ever get put away. It's the putting away that gets me. I'm so tired by the time it's all folded that I just don't have the heart to carry on!

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  59. I got your button.

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  60. Tweeted: http://twitter.com/Spoodles/statuses/3526500257

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  61. When you get blood on something the best thing to do is soak it in cold water. Then gently rub the stain with soap, and voila, stain's gone.

    bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  62. Technorati fave: TheRealSpoodles

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  63. When trying to save a little money I will cut my Bounce dryer towels in half for them to go further.

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  64. I don't really have a plan--a little disorganized. I do like to use tide and some kind of fabric softener
    sylviawhit@gmail.com

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  65. My laundry regime is nuts. There's only three of us but my obsessive side makes me do laundry every night whether there's a huge load or just some socks. I use Clorox and Purex.
    Zoe0825@verizon.net

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  66. There are two in my family and I try to do laundry twice a week so it doesn't pile up, however that doesn't always work. I tend to use whatever clear liquid detergent that I can find. I have had a bad luck with colored ones.

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  67. I use a laundry room to do laundry. They've recently changed to a card system rather than coins. It's quite interesting.

    bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  68. I never did like laundry powders. I do prefer a liquid detergent.

    bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  69. It's so much more fun doing the laundry with someone who can help you to fold the sheets.

    bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  70. I do my laundry on a schedule mostly (My grandmothers influence) and try to fold and put away. Nothing worse than a huge pile pf laundry.
    drellis500(At)gmail.com

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  71. Follow on twitter and tweeted. http://twitter.com/drellis500/status/3555669468
    drellis500(at)gmail.com

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  72. If I get a stain on my clothes and I'm in a rush I will lay the garment out and put an ice cube on it. The cold water will usually remove the stain till I get a chance to wash it.

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  73. My regimen used to be "throw everything into the washer and turn it on"...according to D the clothes have to be sorted...so the new regimen is having him do the wash! I think this would be a nice reward for him!

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  74. I prefer dryer sheets to liquid-so bounce is my choice.

    bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  75. It's a good idea not to let the clothes sit in the dryer after the cycle is complete. If the clothes aren't removed and hung up or folded, they just remain creased.

    bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  76. I wish I had a laundry regimen! I try to pretend that I don't have any until I've run out of clean clothes. By then, I have mountains! I admire people that do it every week on a schedule.

    mayacarpenter at verizon dot net

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  77. I have your button at www.giveawaysonblogs.blogspot.com
    mayacarpenter at verizon dot net

    ReplyDelete
  78. I follow your blog.
    mayacarpenter at verizon dot net

    ReplyDelete
  79. I follow you on twitter, I'm janetmom2maya
    mayacarpenter at verizon dot net

    ReplyDelete
  80. I faved you on technorati, I'm mom2maya
    mayacarpenter at verizon dot net

    ReplyDelete
  81. I subscribed via email
    mayacarpenter at verizon dot net

    ReplyDelete
  82. I subscribe via google reader
    mayacarpenter at verizon dot net

    ReplyDelete
  83. I blogged at www.giveawaysonblogs.blogspot.com/2009/08/wednesday0826.html
    mayacarpenter at verizon dot net

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  84. Another way I save money when doing laundry is I only use cold water. I have not noticed a difference and everything comes out smelling clean and fresh.

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  85. I am the Queen of No Stains, self proclaimed, of course. So, it goes a little something like this...

    1st, each item of laundry has to pass "Stain inspection". Meaning, before it can be placed in the dirty laudry baskets I go through and pretreat/get out anystains. Mostly the are on Miss Pea's clothes because she's two. And messy.

    2nds, I have "loads". Jeans, darks, blacks, reds, white, Pea's clothes and towels. Bedding is another topic.

    3rd. Add detergent, Laundry sheets are my friend, but I'm also known to use Tide, Woolite for darks and a smidge (cup or two) for towels. Then add softener, if I can remember.

    When laundry is done washing I once again go through it to check for stains that didn't come out. T-shirts, towels, Pea's clothes and Johnny's pants go in the dryer, everything else is hung up to dry.

    Then, because I'm the one who does all the work, I don't feel I should have to fold, so clothes pile up in clean clothes basket until they start to fall over and we have a folding party. I like the looks of that folder thingy...I bet my boys would be folding like mad too with one of those bad boys!

    seeryusfam@msn.com

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  86. My laundry day is Sunday. We start in the morning by everyone bringing down their laundry basket. My son helps to separate the clothes. I load, wash, dry, and then fold. I separate in stacks. My son will put all his clothes away. The rest is up to me.
    super_alba_star@yahoo.com

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  87. i follow your blog
    super_alba_star@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  88. i follow @independentmami
    and tweeted
    http://twitter.com/independentmami/status/3587879723
    super_alba_star@yahoo.com

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  89. i have your button
    super_alba_star@yahoo.com

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  90. i am a subscriber
    super_alba_star@yahoo.com

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  91. i use to be pretty good about a schedule until i had kids now when theres a huge pile i get it done and i have no where to fold it either so it ends up on my kitchen table to and then i have to try and keep my daughter from messing with it thanks for the chance to win eaglesforjack@gmail.com

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  92. i follow your blog thanks for the chance to win eaglesforjack@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  93. i subscribe by email thanks for the chance to win eaglesforjack@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  94. i subscribe by reader thanks for the chance to win eaglesforjack@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  95. i faved on technorati thanks for the chance to win eaglesforjack@gmail.com

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  96. i follow on twitter and i tweeted to thanks for the chance to win eaglesforjack@gmail.com http://twitter.com/eaglesforjack/status/3593029913

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  97. To remove stains from my infants clothes, I spray with a little each of Shout, Dreft, and Zout and let sit for 5+ minutes and wash in hottest water safe for fabric. Treat it as soon as possible for best results. I still haven't been able to remove carrot juice, though.

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  98. And finally I really enjoy doing laundry late at night when everyone is sleeping. It makes it easier with the quiet. Thank you again for this awesome giveaway!!!!

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  99. I love doing laundry when everyone's asleep. It's quiet and nobody is around to annoy me. I like takinf my time folding the clothing.

    bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  100. I also like doing laundry on rainy days. The laundry room is usually empty and I have my choice of machines. The rain outside and the water running from the machine is very soothing.

    bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  101. Awww..how cool that I won!

    Thanks!!! :)

    ReplyDelete

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