Beat the Arizona Heat: Smart Laundry Tips for Summer Months

Wash in Cold Water Whenever Possible

In the middle of an Arizona summer, there’s no need to add more heat to your home — or your clothes. Washing with cold water not only helps keep your electric bill lower, but it’s also gentler on fabrics and colors.

Cold water effectively removes most sweat, dust, and light stains while preserving elasticity in activewear and preventing fading in bright colors.

Bonus: Because Glendale’s tap water naturally warms up in summer, your "cold" cycle isn’t freezing - it’s already the perfect temperature for effective cleaning.

Switch to Lightweight, Breathable Fabrics

Summer heat makes synthetic fabrics uncomfortable and difficult to wash. Instead, focus on natural fibers like cotton, linen, and bamboo blends - they breathe better, dry faster, and resist odor buildup.

Light fabrics also make laundry easier to manage. They dry quickly indoors or on a clothesline, saving energy and reducing wear from high-heat drying cycles.

When washing these materials, use a gentle cycle and avoid over-drying to prevent shrinkage or wrinkles.

Treat Sweat and Sunscreen Stains Quickly

Sweat, deodorant, and sunscreen are Arizona’s biggest summer stain trio. These stains can yellow white clothing and leave oily marks on collars or straps if not treated right away.

To prevent buildup:

• Rinse sweaty clothes in cold water as soon as possible.

• Apply a small amount of liquid detergent or baking soda paste to problem areas before washing.

• Avoid bleach on white fabrics with sunscreen stains - it can make discoloration worse.

If your clothes have stubborn sweat or sunscreen marks, Tip Top Laundry’s wash-dry-fold service uses professional-grade detergents and techniques to restore brightness safely.

Take Advantage of Arizona’s Sunshine - Line Dry!

Glendale’s dry summer air makes it perfect for natural drying. Line drying isn’t just energy-efficient - it also gives your clothes that crisp, sun-fresh feel.

Set up a shaded or covered line in your backyard or balcony to prevent fading from direct UV rays. In just 30–60 minutes, most lightweight clothes will be completely dry.

Pro Tip: If you line dry outdoors, hang clothes inside out to protect bright colors from sun bleaching.

Prevent Fading and Fabric Damage

The Arizona sun is strong enough to fade even high-quality fabrics over time. To protect your clothes:

• Turn garments inside out before washing and drying.

• Use color-safe detergent formulated for bright or dark clothes.

• Avoid high-heat drying - it accelerates fading and weakens fabric fibers.

At Tip Top Laundry, our commercial dryers have precise temperature control, allowing us to dry your clothes efficiently without excessive heat damage.

Keep Odors Under Control

Even clean clothes can develop lingering odors in hot weather. The trick is eliminating moisture and bacteria - not just masking the smell.

Try these tricks:

• Add ½ cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle once a week to break down odor-causing buildup.

• Don’t let wet laundry sit in the washer - mold forms fast in the summer.

• Use breathable baskets instead of sealed hampers to allow airflow.

If you work outdoors, exercise often, or wear heavy uniforms, Tip Top Laundry’s odor-removal process tackles deep-set smells using the right detergents, water temperature, and airflow - no harsh chemicals needed.

Wash Smaller, More Frequent Loads

In summer, sweat and dust accumulate faster, especially on lightweight clothing worn multiple times a week. Instead of waiting for a full basket, wash smaller loads more often.

Smaller loads clean more effectively and dry faster, preventing that musty "left-in-the-washer-too-long" smell.

If your laundry is packed, use Tip Top Laundry’s drop off or pickup & delivery service - we’ll handle your weekly loads so you never fall behind, even in the busiest months.

Mind Your Towels and Bedding

Arizona summers mean more showers, more swimming, and more towel use. Damp towels in warm air can develop mildew quickly, especially indoors.

To keep them fresh:

• Hang towels to dry completely after each use.

• Wash towels every 3-4 uses (more often if they’re used for pool days).

• Avoid fabric softeners - they reduce absorbency and trap heat.

For bedding, switch to lightweight cotton sheets and wash them weekly. Hot nights mean more sweat, so fresh sheets will help you sleep cooler and cleaner.

Save Water and Energy

With water conservation always top of mind in Arizona, your laundry routine can make a difference.

Use high-efficiency washers (like the ones at Tip Top Laundry) that require less water per load and optimize detergent use. Choose quick wash cycles for lightly soiled clothes and air dry whenever possible.

If you use a home washer, consider running loads early in the morning or late at night to reduce strain on your cooling system and electric bill.

Protect Your Washer and Dryer from the Heat

Even machines need a break from Arizona summers. If your laundry area isn’t air-conditioned - such as a garage or patio setup - extreme heat can wear down components faster.

Wipe down your washer and dryer regularly, keep vents clear, and run empty maintenance cycles with white vinegar and baking soda once a month to keep them clean and efficient.

And if you’d rather skip the maintenance altogether, our commercial-grade machines at Tip Top Laundry are professionally cleaned and maintained daily - ready for peak performance, no matter how hot it gets outside.

Simplify with Professional Help

Between vacations, kids home from school, and long workdays, summer laundry can easily get out of control. That’s when a professional service saves time, energy, and sanity.

With Tip Top Laundry’s wash-dry-fold drop off or pickup & delivery options, you can:

• Drop off your laundry or schedule a pickup in minutes.

• Wnjoy perfectly washed, dried, and folded clothes without the heat or hassle.

• Free up more time for barbecues, pool days, and family fun.

We’ll handle the laundry - you enjoy summer the way it’s meant to be.