THE SOLUTION TO A SIMPLE, MEANINGFUL, WELL-DESIGNED LIFE /
THE F Ê T E / LIF E PROJECT
02
NO. LAUNDRY Welcome to the Fête/Life Project – a collection of helpful, useful and practical articles that can be applied to life at any time, but especially now. Sourced from the many magazines we have released, our message has never been more relevant or needed by our community today… let’s embrace the simple life and treasure what is truly important – human connection, community, self care and pure acts of kindness. SUPPORT WHEN YOU NEED IT MOST /
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FETELIFE.COM.AU / INSTAGRAM.COM/FETE_LIFE / #THEFETELIFEPROJECT
T H I S PAG E
01. M ulig Shelving Unit in White $89.95, ikea.com.au 02. C oncrete Pot in Black $29, zakkia.com.au 03. R ectangle Containers in Clear and Grey $8 for a set of three, kmart.com.au 04. K uggis Box with Lid in White $12.95 and $24.95, ikea.com.au 05. B arso Trellis Squared Pattern in Black $14.95 for a pack of two, ikea.com.au 06. N ormann Copenhagen Dustpan and Broom in Black $45, designstuff.com.au 07. V albekant Clipboard in Black $6.99, ikea.com.au 08. A crylic Printed Clipboard in Pause $19.95, kikki-k.com 09. B ench Spray Lemon Tea Tree and Mandarin 500ml $22, bondiwash.com.au 10. S impson 4kg Clothes Dryer $327, harveynorman.com.au 11.
ulig Laundry Bag with Stand M in White $24.95, ikea.com.au
family / W E L L - B E I N G
STORY / JANE CAMERON / ANNABELLE KERSLAKE PHOTOGRAPHS / JANE CAMERON
LAUNDRY In the hustle and bustle of family life, an organised home will preserve sanity and deliver relief knowing that everything is in its place. The laundry is one room however, that many find a challenge to keep under control. Anyone who runs a household will identify with that sinking feeling of relentless baskets of washing piling up. Finding a solution is all about trial and error – there are many organising systems out there, but it’s about finding one that works for each individual household. Laundry is a never-ending task – the bliss
With a plan of attack in place turn
felt when the washing baskets are empty
attentions to the workspace. Invest in
is often short-lived with the realisation
moisture-tight storage tubs that can be
that in a few hours the washing cycle
easily wiped down. Divide, label and
will start all over again. It’s enough to
conquer your clutter. Whether it’s an item
send anyone around the twist!
used daily, weekly or yearly, have everything
Having a laundry schedule will help keep things on track and on top of dirty laundry piles. By washing set items on set days, you will always be organised and prepared. Laundry is one of those tasks that is all too easy to put off. Schedule laundry into your routine to help stay on top of the chaos. Every household is different and it’s important to find the right fit. Ideally separating washing types and allocating them to different days of the week helps to take control. When separating loads, consider organising them into separate baskets for delicates, darks, whites, colours and clothes with stains that need attending to and clothes for dry cleaning. Tackling small loads on a daily basis is a great approach – a small load is far more manageable through all the steps including quicker drying, folding and sorting times, making it far more achievable to follow through and get
in place and at hand. Don’t despair if the room is tight or low on bench space – use a fold-down table to create an instant folding and sorting station when needed and then easily stow it away. Investing in a simple clothes rack is a must – cotton shirts can shrink and are best removed from the dryer while still damp, then air-dried on a rack, in some cases eliminating the need for
LAUNDRY TIPS FABRIC CHOICE AV O I D W R I N K L E-F R E E F A B R I C S W H I C H T Y P I C A L LY C O N TA I N CHEMICALS THAT INCREASE FLAMMABILITY WHICH MEANS ADDITIONAL ANTI-FL AMMABLE CHEMICALS ARE ADDED, FURTHER INCREASING THE TOXIN LOAD. WHERE POSSIBLE OPT FOR ORGANIC: - COTTON - LINEN - WOOL - CASHMERE - SILK - HEMP
ironing, Set up a freestanding shelf unit for
DRY CLEANING
easy access storage needs and reserve a
LOOK FOR DRY CLEANERS
shelf for drying jumpers or delicates that need to be laid flat on a dry towel. Washing is part of our daily routines, so create a clean, organised, light and bright
THAT USE LESS TOXIC ALTERNATIVES TO TRADITIONAL PERCHLOROETHYLENE (PERC) – A S O LV E N T A N D V O L AT I L E ORGANIC COMPOUND (VOC). SOME CLOTHES LABELLED AS
space. Have a portable speaker set up, turn
‘D R Y C L E A N O N LY ’ C A N B E H O M E
on the tunes, enter the do-not-disturb zone
LAUNDERED ONCE THEY’VE BEEN
and tune out. Embrace the time you spend in the laundry as a chance to reflect in peace and quiet… it’s all in the approach. A laundry that’s sorted – with the right storage options – will create a positive mind-set and help keep things organised.
DRY CLEANED ONCE. A LWAY S T H O R O U G H LY A I R CLOTHES RETURNED FROM THE DRY CLEANERS EITHER OUTSIDE O R I N A W E L L-V E N T I L AT E D R O O M BEFORE WEARING THEM. WEAR A NATURAL FIBRE UNDERGARMENT TO PROTECT YOUR SKIN FROM THE CLEANED ITEM AND NEVER
the job done – just be sure to use the
S TO R E D R Y-C L E A N E D I T E M S I N
water-saving facility on the machine
THE PLASTIC WRAPPING.
to minimise impact on the environment
DELICATES
and running costs!
SOME NATURAL FABRICS SUCH AS W O O L A N D S I L K C A N B E G E N T LY
Consider set days for sheets and towels
LAUNDERED BY HAND IN COOL
or delicates to ensure they never miss
WATER WITH A MILD DETERGENT, THEN LINE DRIED.
their turn. This, in addition to a few simple time saving techniques and taking control of even the most unruly laundry routine will be achievable. C L I P B O A R D S / Acrylic Printed Clipboard in Pause $19.95, kikki-k.com, J.Burrows Clipboard A4 Transparent $2.47 and A4 Aluminium $12.98, both officeworks.com.au
ISSUE NO. 18 / FETEPRESS.COM.AU
77
T H I S PAG E
01. P S 2014 In/Outdoor Foldable Table in White $149, ikea.com.au 02. E lfa Three Runner Basket in White $33, hsw.com.au 03. H S560 Stool in Black Powder Coat with Solid Hardwood Top $329, huntfurniture.com.au 04. T olve Bath Sheets in White $59.95 each, countryroad.com.au 05. D eluxe Ironing Board $15, target.com.au 06. T olve Bath Towels in White $29.95 each, countryroad.com.au 07. O ska Bath Towels in Grey Marle $39.95 each, countryroad.com.au 08. S oundLink Mini Bluetooth Speaker 11 in Black $299, bose.com.au 09. K uggis Box with Lid in White $4.95, ikea.com.au 10. M ist Spray for Rooms and Linen in Lemon Tea Tree and Mandarin $27, bondiwash.com.au 11.
unbeam Sr6400 Aerostream Iron S $139, sunbeam.com.au
LAUNDRY BASKETS the more, the merrier
LAUNDRY TIPS SORTING HAVE MULTIPLE BASKETS SET UP TO MAKE SORTING A BREEZE, THIS WILL HELP ENCOURAGE OTHER FA M I LY M E M B E R S T O D O T H E SAME. ONCE THE WASH AND DRY CYCLE IS COMPLETE THE CLEAN CLOTHES ARE THEN ALREADY SORTED, READY TO BE FOLDED A N D P U T AWAY.
C O : H O M E / Zoe Round Storage Bag
N O R R D E S I G N / Verso Design Lastu
in Black $34.95, cottonon.com.au – on sale from 31.10.16
Oversized Basket with Black Leather Handles $438 for a set of two, norrdesign.com.au
APPLY SOME RULES ENSURE EVERY MEMBER OF THE HOUSEHOLD KNOWS, IF IT’S NOT IN THE BASKET, IT DOESN’T GET WASHED! THIS WILL ASSIST WITH SPENDING TIME PICKING UP AFTER EVERYONE BEFORE TACKLING THE WASH LOADS.
CLEAN THE WASHING MACHINE MAKE SURE THE MACHINE IS KEPT CLEAN FOR BEST WASHING RESULTS. DOING THIS IS NOT O N LY G O O D F O R T H E D U R A B I L I T Y OF THE MACHINE, BUT ALSO F O R C O N S I S T E N T LY C L E A N WASH LOADS. VINEGAR WORKS
B L O O M & C O . / Tall Round Basket in
C O U N T R Y R O A D / Sigrid Large Bag in Black
White and Grey, Medium $69 and Large $79, both bloomandco.com.au
$64.95, countryroad.com.au
WONDERS AS A CLEANING SOLUTION FOR WASHING MACHINES.
SPEED UP DRYING TIMES TO SPEED UP THE DRYING PROCESS FOR ITEMS IN THE DRYER, POP IN A DRY TOWEL WITH THE WET ITEM FOR A MUCH QUICKER RESULT.
MINIMISE IRONING TIME ELIMINATE IRONING TIME BY POPPING YOUR CLOTHES IN THE DRYER FOR 10 MINUTES AND THEN HANG THEM OUT ON HANGERS, WARM AND DAMP TO AVOID IRONING. ANOTHER TIP IS TO TAKE WET CLOTHES OUT OF THE WASHING
Z A K K I A / Large Black Cross Stitch Washable
F E R M L I V I N G / Ferm Living Grid Laundry
Storage Bag 49.95, zakkia.com.au
Basket $130, designstuff.com.au
MACHINE AND HANG OUT D I R E C T LY A F T E R T H E C Y C L E ENDS. THIS AVOIDS POTENTIAL B A C T E R I A B U I L D U P A N D S M E L LY WASHING, AS WELL AS LIMITING THE NEED TO IRON. FOLDING CLOTHES STRAIGHT FROM THE DRYER ALSO PREVENTS WRINKLES.
NEVER LOOSE SOCKS AGAIN WASH SOCKS IN A SMALL MESH L AUNDRY BAG TO AVOID THEM GOING MISSING IN ACTION!
FOLLOW THROUGH THE MOST IMPORTANT TIP IS TO NEVER LET BASKETS OF LAUNDRY PILE UP – FOLD WASHING
C I T T A / Stitch Cotton Round Basket S2 in
T H E D H A R M A D O O R / Jute Basket in
Off White and Grey $109.80, cittadesign.com
Charcoal $165, thedharmadoor.com.au
STRAIGHT OFF THE LINE OR OUT O F T H E D R Y E R A N D P U T I T AWAY THEN AND THERE. MAKE SURE DRY CLEANING ITEMS ARE IN THE CAR READY TO BE DROPPED OFF WHEN CONVENIENT AND STICK TO S E T DAY S F O R TOWE L S, S H E E T S AND DELICATES.
ISSUE NO. 18 / FETEPRESS.COM.AU
79
family / W E L L - B E I N G
SOME NATURAL ALTERNATIVES worth consideration
L I N E N S P R AY S simple, natural alternatives
E V E R Y D AY L I N E N S P R AY / If opting for a natural washing powder, chances are it will be fragrance-free. There is nothing more uplifting than the smell of sunshine-dried linen but that isn’t always possible. A little added scent is a nice way to add a special touch to the everyday and
MURCHISON-HUME /
STUDIO-HALL /
Garment Groom Stain Remover and Refresher 500ml $14.95, murchison-hume.com.au
Washed Cotton Linen Water 1L NZD$55, fatherrabbit.com
it’s so simple to make…
B O N D I W A S H / Delicate Wash 500ml in Blue Cypress and Petitgrain $25 and Laundry Wash in Tasmanian Pepper and Lavender 500ml $22, both bondiwash.com.au
INGREDIENTS 2 TABLESPOONS VODKA OR WITCH HAZEL 1 0 -2 0 D R O P S O F P U R E E S S E N T I A L O I L* *U S E L I G H T LY C O LO U R E D O I L S T O AV O I D STAINING FABRICS – CONSIDER L AVENDER, PEPPERMINT, ROSE OR ROSE GERANIUM. 6 TABLESPOONS WATER
METHOD
In a small bowl, mix together the vodka or witch hazel with the essential oil. Stir in the water and mix well to combine. Transfer mix to a small spray bottle. Shake well before use. Test a small area to ensure no stain is left. Lightly spray items of dry clothing or household linens before storing.
S C R U B B E D / Laundry Liquid 500ml $9.99 and Fabric Softener 500ml $9.99, both scrubbednatural.com.au
water helps remove creases but for tougher jobs, try a natural starch spray. A gentle touch is required as it can leave a residue, but this simple spray is a more environmentally-aware choice compared to aerosol sprays.
it really does make a difference
COLD WAT ER
/ As the most energy-efficient choice, use a cold water wash
for lightly-soiled items and those with protein-based stains like blood. This wash is the least likely to shrink clothing and is great for dark or coloured clothing as the colours won’t run as much. When washing in cold water, choose a liquid wash as powders are less easily dissolved. Keep in mind, cold water washes do not sanitise like hot water washes do. / Washing powders dissolve more easily in warm water but
INGREDIENTS
WA R M WAT ER
2 CUPS DISTILLED WATER
the temperature does not sanitise clothing or remove heavy soiling or stains.
1 TA B L E S P O O N P L A N T-B A S E D S TA R C H
This wash is best for lightly-soiled clothes or synthetic fabrics.
CORNSTARCH, POTATO STARCH OR ARROWROOT POWDER 1 TEASPOON VINEGAR
METHOD
In a small saucepan over medium heat, place the starch powder and slowly stir in the water. Bring to the boil, remove from the heat, allowing the powder to dissolve. Add the vinegar and whisk to combine. When completely cool, transfer to a trigger spray bottle and store in cool, dark place. Shake well before use.
80
T A N G E N T / Delicate Detergent 500ml $49 and Fabric Softener 500ml $49, both missglasshome.com
WATER TEMPERATURE
E V E R Y D AY S TA R C H S P R AY / When ironing, a quick spray of distilled
COMMON GOOD /
Laundry Detergent in Lavender 950ml $29, residentgp.com.au
FETEPRESS.COM.AU / ISSUE NO. 18
HOT WAT ER
/ Use a hot water wash for heavily-soiled clothing as the heat
removes dirt, sanitises clothing containing bacteria or fungus and can kill insects. A hot wash is especially important for white clothing, towels, nappies and underwear but keep in mind the increased temperature can set protein-based stains, fade colours and shrink clothing, especially natural fabrics like cotton and linen. RINSE CYCLE
/ The rinse cycle should always be in cold water and long
enough to adequately remove the washing powder or liquid.
T H I S PAG E
01. B arso Trellis Squared Pattern in Black $14.95/ 2 pack, ikea.com.au 02. V albekant Clipboard in Black $6.99, ikea.com.au 03. A crylic Printed Clipboard in Pause $19.95, kikki-k.com 04. R ectangle Containers in Clear and Grey $8 for a set of three, kmart.com.au 05. A eroPress Scoops $7 each, espressounplugged.com.au 06. N ormann Copenhagen Dustpan and Broom in Black $45, designstuff.com.au
T H I S PAG E
01. Mulig Clothes Rack in White $9.95, ikea.com.au O P PO S I T E PAG E
01. G lass Spray Bottles with Black Spray Nozzle USD$24.50, rail19.com – try myusa.com for shipping to Australia
family / W E L L - B E I N G
IRONING TIPS CHECK THE CLOTHING LABEL AND HEAT THE IRON TO THE CORRECT TEMPERATURE – DIFFERENT FABRICS REQUIRE DIFFERENT LEVELS OF HEAT – REFER TO THE CHART AT THE BOT TOM OF THIS PAGE. IF IRONING A VARIET Y OF DIFFERENT FABRICS, START WITH THE LOWEST TEMPERATURE REQUIRED. S I L K , L I N E N, R AYO N, S AT I N A N D CORDUROY ITEMS SHOULD BE TURNED INSIDE OUT FOR IRONING. C O T T O N, L I N E N A N D P O LY E S T E R FA B R I C S H O U L D B E S L I G H T LY DAMP PRIOR TO IRONING. HAVE A L ARGE, COT TON PRESSING CLOTH AT THE READY FOR DELICATE FABRICS SUCH AS LACE AND WOOL – A LARGE MEN’S COTTON HANDKERCHIEF MAKES A GOOD IRONING CLOTH. U S E A S L I G H T LY D A M P P R E S S I N G CLOTH WHEN IRONING WOOLLENS. TO AVOID A SHINE ON DARK OR WOOL FABRICS, USE A PRESSING CLOTH BETWEEN THE GARMENT AND THE IRON. ALLOW THE IRON AT LEAST 10 MINUTES TO COOL DOWN B E F O R E S TO R I N G AWAY.
HOW TO IRON press like a professional
SHIRTS
/ Start with the underside of the collar and press from the centre to the
outside tips. Turn over and iron the right side of the collar. Next, place the yoke of
H A Y / Hay Hang Coat Hanger in Black $28 for a set of five, designstuff.com.au
the shirt over the narrow end of the ironing board. Starting from the shoulder seams, iron in towards the centre. Place a sleeve of the shirt flat on the board. Start with the cuffs, ironing the inside of them first, then the outside. Work up the sleeve towards the shoulder. Repeat with the other sleeve. Lay the back of the shirt flat on the ironing board. Working from one side to the other, iron from the bottom of the shirt tail towards the yoke. Turn the shirt over, laying one of the front panels flat on the board. Iron from the bottom of the shirt tail up towards the collar. Repeat with the facing front panel. Finish by touching up the collar. PA N TS
G O O D T H I N G / The Duo Hanger $25, arrivalhall.com.au
/ Turn the pants inside out and iron flat any pockets. Turn the pants right
way in and place the waist over the narrow end of the board. Working from the waistband down towards the hemline, iron rotating the pants until all panels are pressed. Take care not to press to firmly over pockets to avoid lines. Next, place one leg of the pants flat on the board, aligning the side seams. Press the front, turn the pants and press the back side. Repeat with the other leg. TEMPERATURE GUIDE
A C R Y L I C , L Y C R A A N D N Y L O N
1 3 5 OC
A C E T A T E
1 4 3 OC
W O O L , S I L K A N D P O L Y E S T E R
1 4 8 OC
V I S C O S E / R A Y O N
1 9 0 OC
C O T T O N
2 0 4 OC
L I N E N
2 3 0 OC
S H O P F O R S H O P S / Top Metal Deluxe Hanger with Notches and Rail $1.82, shopforshops.com
ISSUE NO. 18 / FETEPRESS.COM.AU
83
LAUNDRY SYMBOLS
30 do not bl e a c h
non - c h lor i n e bl e a c h i f r e q ur e d
ma c h i n e w asH normal
w as h at or b e lo w t h e t e mp e ratur e s h o w n
h and w as h
ma c h i n e w as h g e ntl e or d e l i c at e
do not w as h
P R O FE S S I O N A L CLEANING
do not dry - c l e an
i ron
i ron lo w t e mp e ratur e
i ron m e d i um t e mp e ratur e
i ron HIGH t e mp e ratur e
do not i ron
TUMBLE DRY
TUMBLE DRY GE N T L E O R D E L IC A T E
tumbl e dry L O W HE A T
tumbl e dry N O R M A L h e at
tumbl e dry HIGH HE A T
do not tumbl e dry
dry
dry f lat
l i n e dry
dr i p dry
dry i n t h e s h ad e
l i n e dry i n t h e s h ad e
dry f lat i n t h e s h ad e
dr i p dry i n t h e s h ad e
do not w r i n g
Bleach if Needed