Saturday, May 21, 2011

Benefits of Using a Loofa

Regular exfoliation is good for you, inside and out. Exfoliation acts as a sandpaper for the skin, removing the rough dead skin cells to expose the fresh, smooth skin below. Not only does this provide the skin with a healthy glow, it also allows proper absorption of moisturizers.

The lymph system is just below the skin and carries the white blood cells that fight infection. Exfoliation stimulates the lymph system, thereby providing support to your immune system.

Using the Loofa:
  • In the shower, get the loofa wet. Using a moisturizing body wash, wash your body with the loofa, scrubbing in gentle circles. Rough scrubbing can irritate your skin.
  • After you are done washing, rinse off thoroughly.  Be sure to rinse the loofa thoroughly as well.  Hang the loofa to dry in between uses.
Notes:

  • Although many synethic sponges are available, a genuine loofa is always the best choice.
  • You can use a loofa even when you aren't in the shower.  Soft circles on dry skin can still be beneficial.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Seven Tips for Washing Colorful Bedding

1. Follow Care Label Instructions 

It may seem like a 'no brainer,' but manufacturers provide you with all the basic information needed to prolong the health and life of your bedding.

Click Here for: Decoding Care Label symbols

2. Washing Machine Settings

When unsure of what settings to choose, it is safest to default to Normal/Cold settings.  Unless specifically noted, you don't want to wash your bedding in hot (above 105F) water.

3. Select a Gentle Detergent

There are some quality detergents available specifically formulated to prevent fading. These laundry detergents are safe for all of your laundering needs and are comparably priced to other detergents.

4. Use Vinegar

It may sound odd, but 1 cup of white vinegar in a load of bedding will act both as a natural fabric softener and color fast agent.  The pungent vinegar odor goes away in the wash.

5. Wash Other Deep Colors Separately

While every tip is meant to help preserve your colors, some color wash may take place. Avoiding additional deep colors in the bedding load will help prevent color exchange.  Often, dull colors are created not only from color wash, but also from color exchange.

6. Load the Washer Correctly


It is tempting to cram all you can into one load. However, stuffing the washing machine shortens the life of your washing machine, wears out fabrics more quickly, and does not produce cleanest possible results.  Loosely layer your wash two approximately 2/3 to 3/4 capacity.

7. Slightly-Damp Dry Your Sheets

Over-drying causes color fade. It is particularly tough on bright, deep, and/or dark colors. Sheets should be removed from the dryer when they are still slightly damp. Look over the features on your dryer to see which setting will produce the results you want.  There may be a damp-dry setting or just a timer.  Your washer and dryer are significant investments. Take the time to learn how to use them optimally!