October is a spooky time of year, making it the perfect time to play mad scientist! No matter how old you are, it’s always fun to do experiments - and the laundry is a great place to start.
Make these laundry experiments a family experience by having everyone come up with their own theories and ideas for them. If you’re unsure about using your regular laundry for these experiments, you can visit your local thrift store for some inexpensive clothing to work with.
Please note: If you choose to engage in these experiments, do research on your ideas, make sure you take proper safety precautions, and don’t use anything you or your family members might have a reaction to!
An Experiment for Beginners
Potentially the safest experiment you can try will answer the question, “What laundry detergent works best for different types of stains?”
This one is easy and fun because you get to make a mess before you clean it up! Even the youngest family members can get in on the fun!
Just purchase several small-size bottles of different laundry detergents, take clothes, make stains on them with different materials, and then get to washing.
Take photos and notes of your findings, so your family will always know exactly what works with what kinds of stains!
A Moderate Experiment
If you’re looking to get a little more mad scientist with your experiment, creating and testing your own homemade laundry detergents is a great way to start!
Not only will you get to see if your homemade laundry detergent gets stains out like store-bought detergents, but you’ll have fun getting to choose your own scents and saving a little money in the process.
Because this involves using some advanced materials like borax and washing soda, children should be supervised during this experiment.
An Advanced Experiment
Interested in a decidedly more scientific approach to your laundry experiment? How about learning how many germs your clothing carries before and after a wash?
This is a much more involved experiment and may require the purchase of new equipment and items to ensure the best performance. You can test bacterial counts on clothing before and after washing, after washing in specific temperatures or chemicals, and even do your own tests on clothing taken brand-new out of the packaging.
As with every science experiment, always ensure that you use the proper safety equipment and follow safety precautions before engaging in any of these experiments. And remember - have fun with it!