Expert: Jan Hayner - 8/6/2010

Question
Hi Jan, the fact that there is probably an easy remedy to this problem is frustrating because I've tried several and they haven't worked.  The problem: when the washing machine cycle is finished my sheets are so twisted I have a time getting them straightened out.  It is a regular sized machine and I wash only one queen bottom and top sheet and two pillow cases in one tub.  I tried putting something heavier in with them, like a towel, but it didn't help and it may have over crowded the machine anyway.  It seems to me that the fewer things you put into a washer the worse it is unless the machine has a water level control. Mine doesn't.  Would you have any ideas on what I can do before my sheets become torn?  Many thanks.

Answer
Hi Gail;

Your right without a water level selector, your machine is helping to cause the problem. I do have two suggestions for you.

1. Put two baseball size wiffle balls in the washing machine. (Thats the plastic ones with the holes in it) Sometimes by having a solid presence in there it keeps it from twisting. Even though it isn't 100% fool proof, I have heard that a lot of people swear by this method.

2. Put each sheet in its own mesh laundry bag and wash them as usual. It doesn't have the chance to twist but lets the water and soap do its job. This I received from a group of ladies (22 of them and they all signed the letter) at a Senior Center and they tell me that it works great!

I hope that one of these works for you too Gail.
Jan Hayner