Idania Rosso

Idania Rosso has spent more than 25 years working in family homes, and laundry has been part of the job, and of her own home, the whole time. She has watched laundry change, from washing by hand to machines, pods and a long run of new detergents and softeners, and she has seen most of what can go wrong: bleach spots on dark clothes, garments ruined in the wash, loads that came out smelling musty, sweaters covered in pills. What she shares on All About Detergents is what each mistake taught her: the small habits that keep clothes from getting ruined in the first place.

Stain Removal

How to Remove Tea Stains From Clothes, Carpet, and Other Surfaces

Blot, rinse with cold water, and pretreat. Here are simple, safe ways to remove fresh and old tea stains from clothes, carpet,…
Fabric Care

What Is Tumble Dry? How to Tumble Dry Clothes Effectively

Tumble drying uses heat and tumbling to dry clothes fast. Learn the care label symbols, dryer types, and tips to dry safely.
Fabric Care

How to Wash Silk Pajamas by Hand or in the Machine

Silk pajamas can be washed at home if the label allows it. Learn the safe hand and machine steps, plus drying and…
Laundry Basics

Why Do My Towels Smell Musty After Washing?

Musty towels usually mean residue and moisture. Learn the causes, a step-by-step rescue wash, and a simple routine that keeps towels smelling…
Fabric Care

How to Wash Wool and Cashmere: Choosing the Right Detergent

Wool is a protein fiber that enzymes and harsh detergents damage. Choose a neutral wool wash, keep water lukewarm, rinse well and…
Fabric Care

How to Wash Down Jackets and Comforters Without Ruining Them

Down can be washed at home. Use mild detergent, a roomy front-loader, an extra rinse and low-heat drying with dryer balls, and…
Laundry Basics

Does Laundry Detergent Work in Cold Water?

Modern detergent cleans most everyday loads well in cold water. See what works, which stains need warmth, and how cold washing cuts…
Laundry Basics

Zote Soap: What It Is and How to Use It for Laundry

What Zote laundry soap is, how pink, white and blue bars differ, and how to hand wash, pre-treat and grate it, with…
Detergent Types

Laundry Detergent Bars vs Liquid Detergent: Is a Bar Enough?

A detergent bar is enough for hand washing and stain treatment, but liquid suits machine loads. Learn how soap and syndet bars…
Buying Guides

Fels-Naptha vs Zote: Which Laundry Bar Should You Use?

Fels-Naptha is a compact stain bar and Zote is a large general laundry soap. Compare purpose, ingredients, scent, size and cautions, then…
Stain Removal

Fels-Naptha Laundry Soap Bar: What It Is, What It Does and Whether It Is Safe

An honest overview of the Fels-Naptha laundry bar: maker, current ingredients, how to pre-treat stains, safety and sensitivities, and where it falls…
Buying Guides

Fels-Naptha Alternatives: What to Use Instead

Alternatives to Fels-Naptha for people who cannot find it or want fragrance-free or different ingredients: other bars, liquids, enzymes and oxygen bleach.