I have never heard of these two items. When I read about them here, I promptly added them to my list and bought them, because let’s face it…I have a problem
I’m not sure what to tell my son about them.
Do you throw a color catcher in every load, just in case? Or just in the loads you are not sure about? Does one in a load suffice?
I already bought him a steamer. Do you use the wrinkle release spray on stuff instead when you are in a hurry? Can you use the spray on any fabric, for example a dress shirt or suit?
Color catchers–Google them. A number of different companies make them (there is even a “DIY” to make your own).
They are meant to be used so you can throw all your clothes both lights and darks in the same load of wash. They absorb dye that released into the water so it doesn’t land on the whites.
The directions I found say use two for a large load and then throw them out but people reuse them several times and say it works fine–they just wait until the cloth gets really dingy and then toss.
The wrinkle release you buy is really just perfumed water in my experience. I use a small spray bottle with water only. Spritz the water on and smooth the fabric with your hand. Works great! The trick is finding the right spray bottle–the mist needs to be very fine–very close to steam. And don’t over wet. I found the Wal-Mart travel section has some tiny spray bottles that work great. I bought several and put them in my luggage for traveling. It’s like putting your clothes to steam in the shower without the shower and heat. And much quicker. I’ve tried other spray bottles but the spray has never been fine enough. It’s not something you do for a large number of items but it certainly works great in a pinch.
I use both color catchers and wrinkle release spray. I swear by both! I use color catchers when I mix colors - my son uses them all the time (because he just throws everything in one big load). Wrinkle release spray works really well when the wrinkles are not deeply-set … for example, with shirts that were stuffed in a drawer. Spritz it on, shake out the garment (sometimes you might have to lay it flat & smooth it out), and you are good to go.
Same. I sent color catchers to school with my girls but seldom use them at home since I separate my loads. But since it’s more economical for them to combine lots of stuff, it does help when you wash dark and light together. I usually use them the first time washing something highly likely to fade.
I love color catchers. My kids use them all the time and now that we are just 2 at home I use them sometimes as well. They seem to do a good job – although I still wouldn’t put a brand new red shirt in with whites.
We’ve been using Color Catchers for years and wouldn’t be without them! All of my kids use them too and I can tell you that they have “saved” items from disaster. Each of us travels with Wrinkle Release too!
Downy Wrinkle Releaser is great. Spray it on a garment on a hanger, pull the seams and swipe at the wrinkles, and in a few minutes you’re ready to go. Or ready to wear!
Another one who loves wrinkle release. You can make your own with non-fragranced liquid fabric softener and water. A cap full of fabric softness and fill the spray bottle full of water. I travel with a small travel size for quick touch-ups.
Thank you all for your help! I feel like those were both good purchases and will be helpful for my son at college. Actually, I feel like I have been missing out on them all these years and I may get some for myself
Definitely going to try Wrinkle Release! Especially for my son who is not good about hanging up his shirts out of the dryer. Learn something new almost every day.
I try to hand wash and rinse new colored clothes a few times at once until the water clears mostly then throw them in with the wash and a color catcher. Mixed loads. Once clothes have been washed a few times the excess dye is gone. Highly recommend sending the color catcher with son with the admonishment to try some detergent (eg Tide) and the new red/whatever color shirt in the sink to see how much color comes out. Once he feels it seems like less he can use a color catcher and throw the new item in the wash. If the color catcher does not pick up much color he’s home free with the item for future washes. Please note we are not fussy about clothes- white underwear does not need to stay pristine (bleach will shorten the fabric life/durability). I was taught how to “properly” do laundry but would rather just do that one mixed load. I also “cooked” my clothes on high with the free dorm dryers- any shrinking was fine.
I’ll bet your son wants to do least effort laundry. Color catchers a must.
I learned something new. I never heard of color catcher. will try it. Also I have used the Downey Wrinkle Release and love it. I use it on the shirts of H that are totally cotton and wrinkle. It prevents any need to iron. So cool.
