It's a Miracle! (with a touch of Borax)

For the first time in my laundry history, a crayon somehow made a survival trip through the washer, meeting a mortal end in the dryer. Unfortunately, the crayon accompanied a rather large load of clothes. And yet more unfortunate, the crayon was a dark green in color. Imagine my shock as I removed the clothes from the dryer to find artwork similar to Harold and his Purple Crayon. Mortified at the seeming loss of clothing, I do the first thing that comes to mind: race to the computer to seek the advice of my personal wikipedias - my sister and my best friend (in this case, I'm referring to two people). My sister, with her lightening-quick fingers, immediately IM's me a tried-and-true recipe to restore post-dryer crayon-painted clothing.

I gather the ingredients.

I mix the concoction.

I start the washer.

I wait.

It soaks.

I wait some more.

The washing is completed.

I fearfully lift the lid.

Trumpets sound from heaven! Bright glowing lights burst from the mouth of the washing machine! My clothes have been healed! It's a miracle!

Well, maybe I didn't hear trumpets or see bright lights, but it worked - it really worked! Um, it mostly worked, that is. There were just one or two tiny stubborn spots left - but compared to the mess that came out of the dryer, it really was quite astounding. So here is the recipe, should Harold and a colored crayon find their way into your dryer as well:

2 max amounts (line 3) of concentrated detergent

1 cup Oxyclean

1/2 cup 20 mule team Borax

1 cup Shout liquid (no stingy spraying on each spot, just dump it all in)

1 cup white vinegar

Dump it all in the washer first, let the washer agitate to mix it. Then add clothes and allow to agitate a few minutes. Soak for as long as you dare (at least an hour). Finish the washing cycle. Ta-dah!