I have been writing this blog for almost seventeen years, and I believe the word “laundry” has never appeared.  Until now.

That is because The Wirecutter, a newspaper column that tests all kinds of products and recommends best choices by price categories, has a new podcast, the first episode of which is called “Better Laundry.”

Here is some helpful information from Episode 1:

1. Spill red wine?  Soda water, the go-to fix is not the best.  Instead,
   “Better Laundry” recommends pouring white wine on the stain. 
   
2. Buying a new washing machine? Front load is more efficient than top load.
3. Fabric softener? Doesn’t really do much.
4. Hot water is not better for stains.
5. Liquid vs. powder detergent? Liquid is overall better, but for mud or clay, use powder.

Who knew?