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Wondering how to fold a fitted sheet like a pro? The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab has you covered with this tried-and-true method. If you’re like most people, you probably partially fold your sheet, get frustrated, and then roll the rest of it into a ball. The issues with that approach are that your sheets get wrinkled and are harder to organize. But we’re here with a frustration-free folding method that will save your sanity and your linen closet. Our fiber scientists test hundreds of bed sheets, which means we’re constantly folding fitted sheets to keep our Lab organized. So we have plenty of experience to back up our recommendations here. Our method takes less than a minute, and all you really need is a flat surface like a table, counter, or bed. Here’s how to make it happen: Pro tip: We recommend folding your sheet right after it comes out of the dryer to avoid creases that form when it sits crumpled up.Step 1: Hold the sheetPlace your hands in the corners with the long side of the sheet going across your body and the top side of the fabric facing you.Step 2: Tuck the cornersTake one corner in your hand and tuck it into the other. Repeat the tuck on the opposite side. Now your sheet is folded in half.Step 3: Repeat the tuckWith your hands in the corners again, repeat the tuck one more time so that all four corners are now folded into each other.Step 4: Lay the sheet downPlace the sheet on a flat surface like a table, countertop, or bed. You should see a C-shape in the fabric. Step 5: Fold in thirdsFold the edges from the outside in, smoothing the fabric as you go. Fold in thirds again from the other direction. Flip it over, and you’re done! Lexie Sachs (she/her) is the executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute and a lead reviewer of products in the bedding, travel, lifestyle, home furnishings and apparel spaces. She has over 15 years of experience in the consumer products industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University. Lexie serves as an expert source both within Good Housekeeping and other media outlets, regularly appearing on national broadcast TV segments. Prior to joining GH in 2013, Lexie worked in merchandising and product development in the fashion and home industries.Jamie Ballard (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor who covers news, lifestyle, and entertainment topics, including sex and relationships, TV, movies, books, health, pets, food and drinks, pop culture, shopping, and personal finance. She regularly contributes to Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and YouGov, among other publications. When she’s not working, you can find her running, traveling, or scrolling TikTok. Follow her on Twitter. More
Few things ruin a day quite like an ink stain. But luckily, the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab has tried basically every stain-removal method out there, so we know how to get ink out of clothes. As a left-handed person, I’m constantly getting ink smudges on my hands and sleeves as I write. Whether you’re dealing with a little smudge or a whole pen that leaked in your pocket, these three methods will help you get ink stains out of your favorite clothes. While it’s generally easier to get fresh stains out, these DIY methods work even on dried and set-in stains. Want more cleaning tips? Sign up for Good Housekeeping’s FREE pop-up spring cleaning newsletter! Keep reading for the most effective ways to get ink stains out of clothes. How to Remove Ink With Rubbing AlcoholThis simple method works best on fresh ink stains — especially the oil-based pigments in ballpoint pen ink, but you may see success using rubbing alcohol to remove permanent marker ink. As with any stain, the quicker you get to it, the easier it will be to remove. Keep in mind: Rubbing alcohol is flammable, so keep it away from open flames and launder all garments throughly after treating. What You’ll Need: Flush the stain with rubbing alcohol. If it’s a small stain, place a paper towel under the stain and use an eyedropper to apply rubbing alcohol onto the stain. For a larger spot, pour the alcohol into a small dish, immerse the stained area and soak for 15 minutes. Blot the stain with a clean paper towel. Continue sponging and blotting the stain until no further ink is released from the fabric.Rinse and apply a pre-wash stain remover. Rinse under cool water, apply a pre-wash stain remover and wash the garment on the hottest setting with a bleach that’s safe for the fabric — opt for a color-safe formula for colored clothes. Check that the ink stain is completely removed. If the stain is still there, repeat the steps above one more time or until the ink is gone. Toss the item into the dryer only after the ink is completely gone. How to Remove Ink With AmmoniaAmmonia helps break down the dye molecules in ink, making them easier to rinse out with water. Try this method on ballpoint or felt-tip ink for the best results.What You’ll Need: Hot waterAmmoniaStain-removing laundry detergent Rinse the stain under cold water. Flush out as much of the ink as you can.Soak garment in a mixture of hot water, bleach-free laundry detergent and ammonia. Fill a basin with hot water and pour in a bleach-free, liquid laundry detergent (like one of our top-tested detergents) and a few splashes of ammonia. Stir the solution and immerse the garment. Give the stain a rub with your fingers, and let it soak for 30 minutes to an hour. Allow stubborn stains to soak overnight, giving it a rub every so often.Rinse and wash the garment as usual. When the stain is gone or lightened as much as possible, rinse the garment. Wash as usual, either by hand or in the washing machine. As with any stain, don’t put the garment in the dryer until you are certain the stain is completely removed. How to Remove Ink With Nail Polish RemoverIf you’re in a pinch, reach for nail polish remover to remove fresh ink stains. Similar to rubbing alcohol, acetone-based nail polish removers help break down pigment. Keep in mind: Acetone is a powerful solvent, so don’t submerge clothing in the product.What You’ll NeedBlot the stain. Apply a few drops of acetone-based nail polish remover to a clean cloth or cotton ball, then gently blot the stain. Take your time blotting the stain until it begins to lift — don’t rub or the stain may spread.Rinse the garment, then wash it on a regular cycle. Run the garment under cool water to remove the acetone. If the stain is still visible, apply a pre-wash stain remover. Wash the garment as usual in the hottest setting that’s safe for the fabric.Can you get ink out of clothes after drying?If you’ve realized a garment fresh out of the dryer has an ink stain or you’ve let a fresh stain sit a bit too long, you may not be completely out of luck. If the methods above don’t completely remove the set-in stain, turn to stronger commercial stain removers. Pro tip: Before trying a stain remover for the first time or using one on a new garment, test it in a hidden spot before applying it to the stain. If you don’t see any color change or damage, it’s safe to proceed. Try one of the best laundry stain removers, according to Good Housekeeping Institute testing. Best Overall Stain RemoverCarbona Laundry Stain Scrubber Best for Set StainsShout Advanced with Scrubber BrushNow 15% OffBest for Pre-SoakingOxiClean Stain Remover PowderCan you use other DIY methods to get ink out of clothes?Over the years, hairspray has earned a reputation for removing ink stains because of the alcohol in its formula. However, many of today’s sprays contain less alcohol, so they aren’t as effective on ink stains as older formulas may have been. Plus, you still have to deal with removing the sticky hairspray residue. Other DIY methods you may have seen touted as effective ink removers include vinegar, toothpaste and even hand sanitizer. Though the alcohol in hand sanitizer may budge it a bit (as will most other DIY methods containing alcohol), we’ve never found any of these alternatives to be effective. Does rubbing alcohol damage clothes? Rubbing alcohol in small amounts should not cause damage to most fabrics. As with any store-bought or other DIY stain remover, you should test it on a small hidden spot before using it on the visible part of any garment. Lauren is a senior editor at Hearst. She was previously the senior editor at WomansDay.com and the home editor at GoodHousekeeping.com and HouseBeautiful.com. Her book club, ramen, and jean jackets are a few of her favorite things.Jamie Ballard (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor who covers news, lifestyle, and entertainment topics, including sex and relationships, TV, movies, books, health, pets, food and drinks, pop culture, shopping, and personal finance. She regularly contributes to Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and YouGov, among other publications. When she’s not working, you can find her running, traveling, or scrolling TikTok. Follow her on Twitter. More
The 1960s were an iconic decade in many regards—interior design included. Characterized by bright colors, bold patterns, and fluid shapes, the ’60s design aesthetic is instantly recognizable. And because design history repeats itself, several of the decade’s trends are making a comeback. “I’m seeing a big return of curvy, sculptural statement furniture, bold colors across interiors, graphic patterns in rugs and art, and my personal favorite, statement lighting,” says interior designer Hyrel Mathias of Hyrel Mathias Interiors. She believes there’s something optimistic and creative about ’60s design that people simply can’t resist: “It’s fun, unexpected, and full of personality,” Mathias says. Related StoriesFollowing many years of what the designer calls “neutral minimalism”, 1960s design trends provide a refreshing contrast and usher in the stylish dose of joy and playfulness that homeowners are craving. “This design aesthetic resonates strongly with today’s consumers who seek homes that reflect personality, warmth, and a sense of nostalgia,” says Elizabeth Jent, senior director of merchandising at Ashley Global Retail. The furnishings industry expert adds that 1960s design style is among the most popular trends currently emerging in the home decor space. “Modern homeowners crave spaces that reflect their unique personalities rather than standardized, minimalist aesthetics,” Jent shares. We asked industry pros to share the top 1960s trends that are making a comeback, and here’s the consensus: Curved furnishings are back, geometric motifs are seeing a revival, and retro-inspired colors are trending.CG Tan//Getty ImagesCurved furnitureDesigners and furniture industry experts both say curved furniture is one of the biggest and most recognizable ’60s design trends that’s back in style. Mathias says she’s seeing a big return of curvy, sculptural statement furniture. “Sculptural furniture brings curated artistry hopefully without compromising functionality, which is very important to me when I design homes,” she says. Curved pieces embrace softness and fluidity through rounded edges that contrast a room’s linear elements. Visually speaking, curved designs add personality and a nostalgic nod to the iconic ’60s trend. Practically speaking, they help maintain an open flow in the living room and beyond. “The distinctive curved furniture and mixed wood tones of the ’60s offer a nostalgic charm and embrace flexibility, allowing homes to feel both lived-in and stylishly curated, which resonates with today’s preference for spaces that serve multiple functions and accommodate changing needs,” Jent says. Related StoryBold patterns and geometric motifs”The revival of mid-century modern wallpapers is one of the most compelling design comebacks of recent years,” says James Mellan-Matulewicz, interior designer and creative director at design and wallpaper studio Bobbi Beck. Characterized by daring patterns and geometric motifs, the return of these wall coverings reflects a shift toward warmer, more personal and emotionally connected interiors, according to the designer. “After years dominated by pared-back minimalism and cool, neutral palettes, homeowners are embracing design that expresses individuality and character—mid-century wallpaper achieves this beautifully, transforming plain walls into distinctive features that bring rhythm and texture to a space without overpowering it,” Mellan-Matulewicz says. While original 1960s color palettes included bright tones, the designer says today’s versions of the patterned wall coverings use gentler, earthy hues that work well with modern furnishings and finishes.Bobbi BeckRetro color palettesThere is a very specific color palette associated with the ’60s. In fact, Angelique Kreller, an interior designer at Yabby, says the decade was defined by the use of color. “This is one of the things I’m seeing make the most of an appearance, especially in living rooms and kitchens,” Kreller shares. While retro-inspired shades are making a comeback, they’re returning in more elevated, understated ways. “Think of the 1960s use of green, yellow, and orange—these are all back in, albeit in more subtle ways,” Kreller says. Instead of bright hues dominating spaces as they did in the ’60s, Kreller says the nostalgic colors are now being brought in through accent walls, furnishings, and appliances. “This helps bring in the retro vibes while still feeling fresh and modern,” she explains. She believes the personalized nature of the colors is one of the main reasons why 1960s design trends are gaining momentum again. “This is opposite to the minimalistic style that has been popular in the past five years—and I think some people are after a change,” Kreller says. Bobbi BeckIt’s the perfect balance of cozy comfort and sophisticated style that Jent says makes the 1960s’ playful yet earthy color palettes trendy again. When paired with a mix of warm and medium wood tones, she says they create environments that feel inviting and tactile. “Ultimately, 1960s style balances timeless elegance with approachable comfort—qualities that meet the contemporary demand for authenticity and emotional connection in home design,” Jent says.Maria Sabella is a lifestyle writer with a passion for home and interiors — from paint colors and holiday decor to the latest design trends. Her work has appeared in outlets including Better Homes & Gardens, The Spruce, BuzzFeed and Bustle. More
Bras are worn right up against the skin, often absorbing sweat or picking up dead skin throughout the day.While it might seem like a bra should be washed after each use, that’s not always the case.Read on for how often to wash your bra to keep it in its best shape.Because you wear a bra right up against your skin all day everyday, you might feel inclined to wash it after each use. While that might be necessary in some cases, it’s not always a hard rule—and it could even damage the garment. To find out how often you should wash your bra, we spoke to our cleaning pros at the Good Housekeeping Institute. Read on for their expert advice, including tips on how to keep your bra in its best shape possible. How Often to Wash Your BrasIf you’ve been washing your bra after each use, you’re probably doing more work than required. “Bras can be worn a few times, maybe three or even four depending on how long you wear them and if you’ve been active or sweaty,” says Carolyn Forté, executive director of the GH Institute’s Home Care & Cleaning Lab. Not only is washing your bra after each use unnecessary, it can also harm the fabric. When washed too often, bras can lose their elasticity. Here are some key factors to consider when deciding if it’s time to wash your bra:⚠️ Sweat levels: Whether it’s due to working out or warmer weather, more sweat means more washing, even if it’s your first or second time wearing the bra since it’s been cleaned. ⚠️ Length of use: “The longer you wear them, the more they need washing. If you’re a person who takes your bra off when you get home in the evening, you can probably wash them every three or four wears,” says Forté. ⚠️ The type of bra: Sports bras should be washed after each use if you’re partaking in intense workouts. Luckily, many sports bras can handle more frequent washing, thanks to durable materials like nylon and spandex. More Laundry TipsHow to Keep Bras in Good ShapeThere’s nothing worse than losing one of your favorite bras due to wear and tear. To keep them in their best shape possible for as long as possible, follow these simple care tips. ChayTee//Getty Images✔️ Hand wash delicate fabrics: Certain bras need to be washed by hand. Make sure to check all care labels before deciding whether to throw your bra in the laundry with the rest of your load. ✔️ Use a bra bag in the washer: If your bra can be machine washed, make sure to put it in a mesh bra bag beforehand to help keep it in better shape. Close all hooks to prevent your bra from getting snagged on other materials. ✔️ Let them air dry: Because of their delicate fabrics, bras should not be put in the dryer. Instead, carefully press out any excess water and lay them on a flat, clean surface to dry. ✔️ Cycle through bras: Rather than wearing the same bra three or four times before washing and moving onto your next bra, try cycling through them. Wearing the same one over and over can put stress on the elastic. By rotating between a few bras, you’re allowing each one to rest before wearing it again.Laura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates. More
Jamie Ballard (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor who covers news, lifestyle, and entertainment topics, including sex and relationships, TV, movies, books, health, pets, food and drinks, pop culture, shopping, and personal finance. She regularly contributes to Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and YouGov, among other publications. When she’s not working, you can find her running, traveling, or scrolling TikTok. Follow her on Twitter. More
The dishwasher is the real workhorse of the kitchen, if you ask us. But there are a surprising number of things you should never put in the dishwasher, according to cleaning experts. We know, it’s tedious to hand-wash things after dinner when all you want to do is cozy up on the couch. It’d be so much easier if you could just put all the cookware and utensils in the dishwasher, hit the button for your preferred dishwasher cycle, and call it a day. But certain items can’t stand handle the heat and agitation that modern dishwashers use. In order to extend the life of your special items like Grandma’s china or those copper pots and pans you got as a wedding gift, you’ll have to spend a few minutes hand-washing them. Here are all the items that our experts from the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care and Cleaning Lab say you should be hand-washing. 1. Cast-Iron SkilletYou know how you have to season your skillet before using it? Well, when you put it in the dishwasher, you’re basically undoing all of that hard work. There are a few different ways to effectively clean your cast iron without damaging the skillet, some involving vegetable oil and others involving salt. But as Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab, stresses: “Your cast iron skillet should never be soaked in the sink or put in the dishwasher.” 2. Wooden UtensilsThe hot water and heat for drying in your dishwasher are too harsh for your mixing spoons, spatulas, or any other kitchen tool made of wood. Your utensils will likely warp, split and lose shape over time, which nobody wants.3. Wooden Cutting BoardsLike the wooden spoons, hot water will cause the finish of your favorite wooden board to dull and possibly warp or split, says Forté. Instead, use a mixture of three tablespoons of bleach per quart of water to scrub it clean.4. Grandma’s Vintage PlatesIf you were gifted the family china when you got married, be wary of exposing it to the hot water and detergents that can eat away at any gold trim or hand-painted details. To be safe, gently wash all of the dishes by hand to ensure they will live on for generations to come. Anna Kurzaeva//Getty ImagesVintage plates and china are best washed by hand to avoid any potential damage.5. Garlic PressThey speed up supper, but you’ll need to slow down to clean them. Since garlic is sticky in paste form, bits of it get stuck in the crevices. It can be a hassle, but chances are your dishwasher won’t totally get rid of all the garlic residue. Wash yours by hand to ensure it’s totally spotless for your next meal prep session. 6. Insulated MugsOverall, Forté advises that it’s best to check and follow the mug manufacturer’s directions to be sure auto dishwashing is safe. Some newer travel mugs are dishwasher safe, but your dishwasher could destroy the insulation on some, so it can be best to do a quick wash in the sink instead. 7. Bottles or Jars With Labels on ThemIf you want to keep your pickle jar, just make sure you remove the paper label and any adhesive remnants first — those materials usually come off in the dishwasher and can get stuck in the filter, which might lead to more serious problems later (problems that cost way more to repair than the pickle jar is worth).8. Aluminum CookwareCookware that is made of aluminum will become discolored and damaged. Best to just use a bit of elbow grease the next time you need to scrub your cake pans. 9. Cheese GraterThe cheesy goodness you just grated for mac and cheese may still be stuck in the holes even after a cycle in the dishwasher. Instead, use soap and a sponge or brush to wash it by hand and ensure today’s cheddar doesn’t mix with tomorrow’s mozzarella.10. Fancy Chef KnivesSince the nylon racks and tines in your dishwasher shouldn’t be nicked, you should keep your knives far away from them, Forté says. Plus, when knives rattle around in the dishwasher, it can damage the blades, and wooden handles can split and dry out. But, if your dishwasher has a dedicated rack for knives, you’re the exception to the rule. Plastic-handled knives may be safe to put in. Lucky duck!11. Copper Pots, Pans, and MugsIf you enjoy a tasty Moscow Mule in a copper mug as much as we do, you know half of the appeal is your cup’s beautiful color. The thing is, the harshness of the dishwasher can cause any copper surfaces to dull or fade, which is why it’s better to wash your copper mugs, pots, and pans by hand to be safe.12. Non-Stick CookwareMany non-stick cookware brands say it’s safe to wash in the dishwasher. It is occasionally, but Forté says to keep in mind that, over time, it can degrade the non-stick finish properties. If you want the cookware to last, wash it by hand.13. CrystalYou can check with the manufacturer — some crystal is dishwasher safe. In fact, some dishwashers even have crystal cycles. But for crystal, it’s best to think twice. Hot water, especially hard water, and detergent can leave it cloudy and spotted. Load it incorrectly and it can emerge chipped and cracked. Antique and hand-painted crystal should always be hand-washed to be safe.Lauren is a senior editor at Hearst. She was previously the senior editor at WomansDay.com and the home editor at GoodHousekeeping.com and HouseBeautiful.com. Her book club, ramen, and jean jackets are a few of her favorite things.Jamie Ballard (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor who covers news, lifestyle, and entertainment topics, including sex and relationships, TV, movies, books, health, pets, food and drinks, pop culture, shopping, and personal finance. She regularly contributes to Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and YouGov, among other publications. When she’s not working, you can find her running, traveling, or scrolling TikTok. Follow her on Twitter.Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York. More
