Towels, sheets, and blankets are an often-overlooked but integral part of most homes. They get used every day, in every season, and can be difficult to shop for. If you’re struggling to find the perfect towel set or comfortable sheets, it might be time to reach out to the queen of home textiles herself: Reddit user named frugal-as-fuck (she prefers not to use her real name). I spoke with her recently about all things towels, sheets, and blankets — and even flannel pajamas.
Can you explain what BIFL is?
Sure! BIFL stands for Buy It For Life. It’s a community on Reddit where people share their recommendations for products that are built to last. People often ask for recommendations for things like towels, sheets, and other home textiles. So I thought it would be fun to talk with someone who is an expert in this area: Alice Goodwin, aka The Queen of Reddit Home Textiles. How did you get into this line of work?
I was born into it! My dad started his company at a flea market in California back in 1978 and my brother took over in 2000. I’ve been involved since then. What inspired you to start your blog?
The inspiration came from talking to customers all day long about what they wanted and needed. When we had requests that were too complex or specific for our retail customer service department, I turned to blogging as an outlet to answer those questions myself. What makes a towel good enough for one person but not another?
What makes one sheet softer than another? And why can’t we have cute clothespins!? There are so many factors when choosing which product to buy and more importantly which quality level. It can be overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. One thing I always recommend is investing in something you love because once you find the right product for you, there will never be any buyer’s remorse.
How do you find good deals on quality products?
There are a few ways to find good deals on quality products. First, you can scour the internet for online sales and coupons. Second, you can wait for seasonal sales at your favorite stores. Third, you can buy in bulk when you find a good deal. Fourth, you can buy from outlets or discount stores. Fifth, you can ask friends and family for recommendations. Sixth, you can read online reviews. And seventh, you can visit thrift stores or garage sales. By following these tips, you should be able to find quality products at a fraction of the cost.
What are some good items to look for when shopping at garage sales or thrift stores?
When it comes to home textiles, there are a few things you should always look for when shopping at garage sales or thrift stores. First, make sure the items are clean and in good condition. Second, check for any damage such as holes or stains. Third, see if the items are colorfast by testing them in a small hidden area. Fourth, make sure the fabric is strong and not likely to tear. Fifth, check for any loose threads. Sixth, see if the item is dry clean only or if it can be machine washed. Finally, make sure the item is a good size for your needs.
Do you have any tips for cleaning these items that aren’t machine washable?
I’m not a big fan of spot-cleaning, because it never seems to get the job done as well as I want it to. But sometimes you don’t have a choice. When dealing with items that can’t be machine-washed, I always start by pretreating the stain with a product like OxiClean or Shout. You can also try using a gentle laundry detergent on the stain.
It may take some scrubbing but it will work much better than just spritzing a cleaner on top of the stain and then trying to wait for it to dry. Just remember that some stains are impossible to remove no matter what you do. For example, if your towel has rust stains from metal hangers or if your sheets have red wine stains, there’s nothing you can do about them except buy new ones!
What advice would you give someone who is new to this lifestyle?
- Do your research. There’s a lot of information out there and it can be overwhelming. Try to focus on a few key points that are most important to you.
- Find a good starting point. The /r/abdl subreddit is a great place to start. It’s full of helpful people who are happy to answer questions.
- Be patient. It takes time to learn all the ins and outs of this lifestyle. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t understand something right away. Keep reading and asking questions and you’ll get there eventually.
- Be open-minded. This lifestyle is about exploration and self-discovery. Keep an open mind and you may be surprised at what you find out about yourself.
- Be respectful. Remember that everyone has different tastes in this lifestyle and not everyone will share the same opinion as you. Respect others by giving them space to explore their own interests while they give you space to explore yours.
- Above all else, have fun! You’re exploring new territory so enjoy the ride!
If you could design a shower curtain from scratch, what would it be like?
First, I would want it to be made from a water-resistant material so that it could actually keep your bathroom dry. It would also be nice if it had a bit of texture to it, so that it was more than just a flat sheet. I would also want it to be a fun color or pattern – something that would make you happy to look at while you’re in the shower. And finally, I would want it to be easy to clean – either machine-washable or even better, self-cleaning! If someone were to invent a shower curtain like this, I’d buy one immediately.