November 4, 04:57Aaj Tak

How long should clothes be soaked in detergent solution: fabric care recommendations

Caring for clothes is a daily routine for many households. Although most people use washing machines, there are many items that require hand washing. Clothes can develop stains from sweat, as well as dirt from dust, grime, or food residue. In such cases, many prefer to pre-soak items in a detergent solution before washing. Some people leave clothes in a bucket overnight to wash them in the morning, believing that the longer the clothes remain in water, the cleaner they will become.

However, it is important to know that prolonged soaking can damage fabrics. If clothes are left in water with detergent for too long, an unpleasant odor may develop in them. Furthermore, the color of some items may fade, and the fibers of delicate fabrics may be ruined. Therefore, there is an optimal soaking time, and it is important to know how long different types of clothing should be soaked and what mistakes to avoid.

Why is pre-soaking before washing necessary?

Pre-soaking can sometimes be more beneficial than immediate washing in a machine or bucket, especially if the clothes have stubborn stains, sweat, or dirt. When items are submerged in water with detergent, the dirt settled on them begins to detach. This facilitates the stain removal process during washing and reduces the need for intensive scrubbing.

Nevertheless, this does not mean that clothes should be left in the solution for hours or overnight. More effective cleaning will be achieved by observing the correct soaking time.

How long should clothes be soaked?

The duration of soaking depends on the degree of soiling and the type of fabric. It is important to understand the potential risks associated with leaving clothes in solution overnight.

What are the negative consequences of overnight soaking?

In many homes, it has become a habit to leave clothes in a detergent solution overnight. While this is convenient for morning washing, doing it daily is not recommended. Prolonged exposure to water can cause a musty smell to appear. This is especially true if the items in the bucket are compressed against each other and remain wet for a long time.

Moreover, prolonged soaking can affect coloring. Dyes from dark items can transfer to light or white items. Also, the fibers of delicate materials, such as silk, wool, and lace, can weaken with prolonged contact with water. Therefore, it is better to soak clothes for a short time and wash them promptly instead of leaving them overnight.

Avoid mistakes when soaking silk, wool, and lace

You cannot apply the same washing method to all items. Sturdy fabrics, such as cotton and denim, can withstand longer soaking, but caution should be exercised with delicate items like silk, wool, and lace. Prolonged exposure of such items to water can lead to changes in their shape or deterioration of the fabric structure. Before washing, you should always check the care label. If the item specifies dry cleaning, you should refrain from soaking it at home in water.

Excess detergent does not guarantee perfect cleanliness

Many mistakenly believe that adding a large amount of detergent to the bucket will improve the quality of the wash. However, excessive use of powder can result in it remaining in the fabric fibers. This can cause white marks on the fabric and sometimes lead to a strange odor. Therefore, detergent should be added strictly according to the instructions on the packaging. After washing, it is crucial to rinse the items thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap or powder residue.

There is another common mistake when soaking—mixing colored and white clothes. Colored and white items should not be placed in the same container while soaking. The color of some items may bleed in the water, leading to the damage of light or white items. Therefore, it is preferable to soak and wash white, light, and dark items separately.

In addition, after washing, clothes should not be left in the bucket or in the washing machine for long. They should be removed immediately and hung up properly so that they can dry normally. Long-term storage of wet items in one place also contributes to the development of an unpleasant odor.

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www.aajtak.inOctober 22, 12:17

Water supply gone from Har Ki Pauri; trash and clothes accumulated on the banks

People planning a trip to Haridwar and Rishikesh in October may face disappointment as the water at Har Ki Pauri has disappeared. Instead of water, only dirty clothes, plastic bags, and general trash are visible. The banks of Haridwar now look like dumpsters, with only waste lying around. Therefore, it is advised not to plan bathing in the Ganges in Haridwar during this period.

The reason for this is that the Ganges canal is closed for 18 days for repair and cleaning work, which happens annually between Dussehra and Diwali. The Ganges canal is scheduled to reopen at midnight on November 7.

With water present, trash is usually inconspicuous, but due to the closure of the Ganges canal, all the trash has ended up on the banks. Clothes, shoes, plastic, and polyethylene are visible on the surface of the Ganges and on the railings. This not only pollutes the Ganges water but also poses a serious danger to aquatic organisms.

Every year, a large number of people come to Haridwar to bathe in the Ganges, but they leave polluting the river. Local and public organizations actively participate in efforts to maintain the cleanliness and upkeep of the Ganges. During these works, huge accumulations of old clothes on the banks raise serious questions about the purity of the Ganges.

A local resident, Mahendra, noted that people leave their old clothes and shoes in the river after bathing, leading to the accumulation of such dumps. He appealed against throwing old, dirty clothes into the Ganges. Although people are annually urged to respect Maa Ganga as a giver of liberation and life, and asked not to pollute the Ganges, such scenes appear every year, causing concern.

Furthermore, there are many beautiful places near Haridwar that can be visited during a trip.

www.aajtak.inOctober 21, 20:00

How to clean a dirty and greasy mop: 4 ways to remove dirt buildup and odor

When cleaning the floor daily with a mop, people often do not think about the cleanliness of the tool itself. Although rinsing the mop with water removes surface dirt, it does not eliminate grease, oil stains, and unpleasant odors that accumulate in the fabric. Over time, the mop becomes sticky, which makes the cleaning process difficult.

If your mop looks dirty and greasy after multiple washes, there is no need to throw it away or buy a new one immediately. There are simple ways to clean it using common household products.

1. Cleaning with hot water, baking soda, and detergent: If grease and oil have accumulated in the mop, it can be cleaned with hot water. Take hot water in a basin or large container, add a little baking soda and one tablespoon of liquid dish soap. Soak the mop in this mixture for some time. Then scrub the mop thoroughly by hand to remove dirt and grease stuck in the fabric, and rinse it with clean water. This will help clean the mop and reduce unpleasant odors.

2. Removing grease with white vinegar: Sometimes, even after frequent washing, the mop may emit a strange smell, which can be caused by residual dirt and moisture in the fabric. In this case, you can use white vinegar. Mix about half a cup of white vinegar with water in a bucket and soak the mop in this solution for some time. After that, wash and rinse it thoroughly with clean water. This can help reduce certain types of dirt and odors.

3. Washing the mop in a washing machine: If the mop is heavily soiled and difficult to clean by hand, it can be washed in a washing machine. However, before doing so, you must ensure that the mop fabric is suitable for machine washing. Before loading the mop into the machine, remove all solid dirt, hair, and debris from it. If there is a lot of grease on it, you can lightly scrub it with detergent. After washing, the mop should be dried thoroughly to remove moisture and prevent odors.

4. Drying in the sun after each use: The simplest method to maintain the mop's cleanliness is thorough rinsing and drying after every use. Many leave the mop in a corner after rinsing, which leads to moisture accumulation and odor development. To avoid this, after washing, the mop should be squeezed to remove excess water, and then hung or laid out in an area with air circulation and sunlight. The mop should not be left wet in a bucket or a closed room.

Simply rinsing the mop with water is not enough to clean it, especially if oil and grease have accumulated in it. Therefore, you should use detergent or appropriate cleaning methods as needed. It is important to wash the mop regularly and completely and ensure it is fully dried.

If the mop fabric is severely worn out, constantly smells bad, or dirt does not come out even after cleaning, it is better to replace it. Ultimately, the cleanliness of the mop is as important as the cleanliness of the floor.

www.aajtak.inOctober 21, 19:29

Scarf Cleaning Tips: How Often Should a Handkerchief Be Washed with Daily Use

People regularly change and wash their clothes, but they often forget about the need to wash handkerchiefs, which are an integral part of daily life. Handkerchiefs are used to wipe sweat, when sneezing, or to wipe hands, regardless of whether the person is in an office, a student, or a traveler, as such accessories are often kept in pockets or bags.

The question arises as to how often a handkerchief used throughout the day should be washed. Many continue to use the handkerchief until visible stains appear or an unpleasant odor develops. However, the external cleanliness of the fabric does not guarantee the absence of dirt and bacteria on it. Therefore, maintaining the hygiene of the handkerchief should become part of daily routines.

How often should a handkerchief be washed?

If you use a cloth handkerchief daily, the optimal option is to wash it after every use, especially if you use it to clean your nose, during coughing or sneezing, or to wipe sweat. You should avoid reusing a used handkerchief the next day without washing it first.

Even if the handkerchief was only used to lightly wipe sweat, it needs to be washed regularly. Furthermore, if the handkerchief has come into contact with nasal discharge, sneezing, coughing, or is heavily soiled, it is better to replace it than reuse it. Therefore, it is recommended to have a spare handkerchief.

What did the study show?

In December 2025, a scientific paper titled 'Microbiological Testing of Handkerchiefs Used by Lower Elementary School Children' was published in the Journal of Home Economics of Japan. This study tested cotton handkerchiefs used by children in Japanese primary schools. Researchers provided the children with handkerchiefs for use during the summer and autumn of 2022 and checked for bacteria after one day of use.

The testing revealed microorganisms associated with various types of bacteria and fungi. To prevent infections, researchers advised children to wipe their hands with a clean, freshly washed handkerchief after washing hands and before eating at school. Nevertheless, since this study was conducted on children's handkerchiefs, one cannot conclude that any handkerchief causes illness. However, it is evident that even visually clean fabric can contain bacteria.

What is the correct way to wash a handkerchief?

To maintain the cleanliness of the handkerchief, you can follow several simple rules: first, wash it using soap or detergent, choosing a suitable fabric powder, and thoroughly removing all stains. It is important not to leave a used handkerchief wet in a bag or pocket for long. After washing, the handkerchief should be dried in a clean place, ensuring it is completely dry before the next use.

Moreover, the handkerchief is a personal item, so you should refrain from sharing it with family members or friends. It is also important to always carry an extra clean handkerchief for those who go out often, to replace a dirty one.

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of America, it is extremely important to wash clothes with good detergent and dry them completely, without leaving moisture, to ensure disinfection. This is the simplest and safest method of cleaning.

What to avoid when using a handkerchief

Many people fold a used handkerchief and put it back in their pocket if it is still damp, which should not be done. Similarly, frequently wiping the face or hands with a handkerchief used to clean the nose is not a good habit. If you have a cold, you need to change the handkerchief often and wash your hands thoroughly after using it.