How many of you have experienced ‘oops’ moments in the laundry? You know what we are talking about, right?
The red sock that paints your pristine white formal shirt with pink streaks!
The deep blue colour of a pair of jeans leaves its nasty mark on your brand-new white pillow cover!
No wonder our grandmas and moms always instructed us to separate our whites and colours into different piles of laundry. However, unless you find doing this activity therapeutic, it is a hassle to sort the washables by colour. But, fret not. You can easily tackle this problem by using colour catcher sheets.
We are pretty sure that you are curious now. Here is all you need to know about these sheets.
It All Starts with the Chemistry of Colours
Colour catcher is nothing short of a lifesaver for both laundry fanatics and haters. When you toss this sheet in your washing machine or bucket, it protects your garments from colour bleeding. The brain behind this radical innovation is Patrick McNamee who pioneered it in the early 90s. When this sheet comes into the contact with the dye of dark colour clothes, their chemical reaction prevents colour runs.
See we told you it is the chemistry of colours at play!
The Proof Speaks for Itself
Your white and dark colour clothes have come out without cross stains. What more proof about the efficacy of washing machine colour catcher could you want? However, if there is still an iota of doubt in your mind, then check the sheet at the end of the wash. It will show the loose colour pigment it has trapped.
Amazing Reasons to Use Colour Catcher
1. Prevent Colour Run Accidents
As you may have understood, these sheets act like a magnet and lock loose dye from colourfast clothes. So, your apparel is safe from colour run and discolouration accidents. You have complete peace of mind that your clothes will retain their original colours and look.
2. Say Goodbye to Sorting
Some laundry aficionados love sorting even the whites within the whites. Original white, off-white, chalk white, snow white, cloud white, eggshell white – we can list more shades of white if you want. However, this level of sorting might not be everyone’s cup of tea due to the sheer time and effort it requires.
As long as you have a laundry colour catcher, you can ditch the imaginary ‘Sorting Hat’ (Harry Potter fans anyone?).
3. Run Mixed Wash Cycle
You can pop whites and darks in the washing machine or bucket together without any worries about colour transfer. You can run a mixed colour wash load using a colour catcher. Imagine the cost saving on water and electricity bills due to a single wash cycle! What’s more, you can contribute your bit to the environment too because you are conserving water.
4. Retain the Brightness of Clothes
The coloured clothes often lose their brightness after multiple washes. This is because they trap small particles of dye and dirt which are difficult to see with the naked eye. These particles form a layer on the original colour of your garments. Hence, they become faded over time and you start thinking of discarding them.
However, the sheets can trap the dyes and prevents them from releasing into water. This way, your clothes remain bright and as good as new. You can wear them for a longer time than you thought!
5. Manage Small Laundry Load
Sometimes, there are only a few clothes to wash. You want to run a small laundry load which includes both whites and darks. However, the fear of colour bleeding stops you. Not anymore! These sheets allow you to manage even small laundry cycles efficiently. You don’t have to let your dirty clothes stack up in the laundry basket for days.
6. Use Safely at All Water Temperatures
These sheets are safe to use at all water temperatures. Whether you wash clothes at cold or hot water temperature, you can rest assured that it will not affect the performance of the sheet.
Usage Instructions
Colour catcher sheets are suitable for front-load and top-load washing machines as well as bucket loads.
- If using in a bucket, just add a sheet to the water and detergent.
- If using a front-load washing machine, put the sheet in a mesh bag or a delicate garment. Place it at the back of the drum and then add the wash load and detergent.
- If using a top load machine, put the sheet directly in the drum and then add the wash load and detergent.
You can two sheets at a time for heavy loads or when you are washing new, dark or colourfast clothes. Discard the sheet after use. Use a new sheet for a fresh load.
Finding the Best Colour Catcher
Honestly, you will find several brands of these sheets in the market. However, the question is how safe it is for you, your family and our planet. After all, the clothes you wear should make you feel comfortable and happy, and not cause any potential health problems. Moreover, wouldn’t it feel nice to use sustainable products and reduce carbon footprints on Mother Earth?
Here are some factors to consider when buying these sheets:
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Eco-Friendly
Make sure that the sheets you buy is biodegradable and environmentally safe. When you dispose it, they should create zero or negligible pollution.
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Natural Ingredients
It is always recommended to buy sheets made from plant-based materials. This way, you can ensure that it is free from parabens, bleach, sulphate, toxic compounds and harsh chemicals.
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Safe for Kids and Pets
A sheet that is safe for children and pets indicates that it has been made with utmost care and responsibility. It won’t cause any harm on touch, use or smell. However, it is always advisable to store home care products out of reach of kids and pets.
Conclusion
Colour catcher is a useful addition to your home care products as long as they are natural and safe to use. Beco understands these parameters and offers 100% plant-based and cruelty-free sheets. These sheets are made from bamboo and plant-based chemicals which leave no toxic residue and are completely kid and pet-safe.
Make an eco-friendly choice with Beco today!