Recent Essays
The Playground Test
Real-world wear reports from the front lines. Joel tests garments on his own kids through recess, soccer, and full school days, delivering honest durability feedback.
01
How to Get Grease Out of Clothes: A Dad's Laundry-Tested GuideHow to get grease out of clothes without ruining them — a dad's step-by-step method for gr...
Joel DonovanThe Playground Test
Aug 12, 2026
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02
The Only Stain Remover for Clothes I Trust After 1,000 Loads of Kid LaundryFinding the best stain remover for clothes isn't easy. This dad tested 8 on grass, paint, ...
Joel DonovanThe Playground Test
Aug 11, 2026
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03
How to Get Grease Stains Out of Clothes (Without Losing Your Cool)How to get grease stains out of clothes using dish soap, baking soda, and vinegar. A dad-t...
Joel DonovanThe Playground Test
Aug 10, 2026
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04
How to Get Oil Out of Clothes: A Dad's Laundry GuideGot a grease stain on your kid's favorite shirt? Learn how to get oil out of clothes with ...
Joel DonovanThe Playground Test
Aug 09, 2026
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05
How to Remove Oil Stains from Clothes: A Dad's Laundry Field GuideWondering how to remove oil stains from clothes? A stay-at-home dad shares his step-by-ste...
Joel DonovanThe Playground Test
Aug 08, 2026
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06
How to Get Oil Stains Out of ClothesWondering how to get oil stains out of clothes? This dad-tested guide shows the dish soap ...
Joel DonovanThe Playground Test
Aug 07, 2026
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07
The 'Asher Test': Why Toddler Clothes Need Different StandardsWhy clothes for toddlers like my four-year-old Asher face much tougher conditions than old...
Joel DonovanThe Playground Test
Jul 28, 2026
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08
Why Every Playground Needs a 'Slide Test' for PantsThe simple but effective test I use to evaluate kids' pants durability. One slide down the...
Joel DonovanThe Playground Test
Jul 25, 2026
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09
The $8 Target Tee That Outlasted Three Growth SpurtsHow one basic Target t-shirt survived multiple kids, countless washes, endless playground ...
Joel DonovanThe Playground Test
Jul 24, 2026
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10
Cat & Jack Joggers: 6 Months on Hallie's KneesAfter six full months of daily wear on my seven-year-old daughter Hallie, these budget Cat...
Joel DonovanThe Playground Test
Jul 22, 2026
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11
Why This Blog Exists (And Why a PE Teacher Is Writing About Kids' Clothes)After 12 years watching kids destroy clothes on the playground and 4 years running laundry...
Joel DonovanThe Playground Test
Jul 22, 2026
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