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Putting bay leaves in the washing machine is part of the methods our grandparents used to protect clothes from a problem that ruined clothes.
Time and countless washes, as well as the continued use of the pieces, cause them to easily lose color and shine. If you want to know what bay leaves are used for in the washing machine, continue reading the article.
What to do with clothes that lose color
No one likes their clothes looking faded or worn. But how can we give up those comfortable clothes that we love so much?
The key to long-lasting clothes often lies in a simple change: short, cold wash cycles.
This is because the longer the wash cycle, the more agitated the clothes are and the more the fabric rubs against the fabric. Additionally, the hotter the water, the fibers swell, contributing to discoloration and wear.
An ingenious and ancient trick that our grandparents used to preserve our clothes still works: it consists of making swimsuits out of bay leaves.
This aromatic plant, much appreciated in the kitchen, is capable of fixing colors in fabrics and at the same time brightening them up.
In this way, even after washing, the fabrics will remain in good condition thanks to the astringent properties of the fresh leaves.
Why should we put bay leaves in the washing machine?
To cure our clothes that have lost their color, our grandmothers have prepared a solution that involves the use of fresh bay leaves, since fresh leaves contain a substance called oleolite , which when dispersed in water releases its astringent qualities.
All we need is:
- a tall and spacious pot with plenty of water,
- 4 heaped tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda,
- 10 bay leaves.
After boiling the bay leaves, let them “cook” for at least 20 minutes. In the meantime, the bicarbonate will be completely dissolved, as will the oil, which will release its beneficial properties for the tissues.
After 20 minutes we let the water heat up and then we put the water in the basin where we placed the clothes to be treated. Finally, the clothes are left to soak all day.
Continued on next page
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