Do you put bay leaf in the washing machine? Don’t you think so? You’ll see what the results are! What a shame to observe that over time, washing and wearing our favorite clothes gradually lose color and shine. However, it may be out of a kind of affection, it may be because we use them well, it may be because they enhance us, we cannot separate ourselves from them! We don’t have to, on the contrary. We can restore them to their former splendor thanks to a brilliant trick, as ancient as it is effective: a kind of beneficial bay bath! The virtues of this aromatic plant normally used in the kitchen fix the colours of the fabrics, revive them and keep them unchanged despite washing. The astringent properties present in the oleolite of fresh leaves guarantee a safe result. Curious to know how to do it? Let’s get started!
Put the bay leaf in the washing machine to say goodbye to faded clothes!
To keep the colors of your favorite clothes intact, prepare a large sink, place the garments to be treated and keep them within reach. Boil plenty of water, 4 heaping tablespoons of baking soda, and 10 bay leaves in a large, tall saucepan. Once boiling, continue “cooking” for about twenty minutes: in this way the grains will dissolve completely and the oleolite will disperse in the liquid releasing its astringent qualities. Turn off the gas and let it cool. Then pour the mixture into the container until all the clothes are submerged. Leave to soak for a whole day. Once the indicated time has passed, rinse the clothes and proceed with the usual washing in the washing machine. The alternative to this procedure is to put the 10 bay leaves and the 4 tablespoons of baking soda in a small jute or canvas bag, then close the bag tightly and put it directly in the basket. The washing you are going to do should be done at least 30°. Now spread them out, obviously not in direct sunlight, and enjoy the result. Satisfied? It doesn’t end here! There are other methods to preserve the color of fabrics. You can substitute five tablespoons of coarse salt or a full glass of apple cider vinegar for the bay leaf, using the same methods as above (soaking for 24 hours). Black tea can also help to set colors or brighten them. A sachet in a cup of boiling water will suffice, and then dilute it in the usual container, with the usual procedures listed above. Brilliant, right? And cheap!
