Laundry is one chore that we can’t escape. Whether we enjoy it or not, it can easily become an overwhelming task, especially for large families.
With so many different solutions on the market, it’s challenging to know where to begin. You may accidentally shrink your clothes or even worse – ruin your machine.
Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be such a stressful process. Below we are going to take a look at some of the best tips and tricks to help you master doing laundry.
Invest in the right equipment
Different fabrics require different detergents to clean effectively. So, when selecting your options, pay attention to the material and note the instructions on the label.
Remember to be careful about using too much or too little detergent as this can impact the effectiveness of the cycle. Overusing leads to soap residue, while underusing won’t clean your clothes properly.
There are also additions that can make the drying process easier. For instance, these scented dryer balls prevent your laundry from clumping together which reduces drying time. They also smell amazing!
Sort your clothes
While it may seem better to throw all of your clothes on the same cycle, separating and sorting by fabric and color is important. It only takes an extra couple of minutes and prevents extensive damage.
Sort in piles of whites, light colors, and dark colors so that nothing bleeds together. You should also avoid washing delicate fabrics like silk or lace with sturdier materials like denim.
Fold everything immediately
Once everything is clean, take the time to fold your clothes as soon as they are out of the dryer. This will prevent wrinkles from forming so that you don’t have to spend hours ironing.
Avoid stacking them in piles and either fold, roll, or hang them immediately. Alongside saving you time, it will maximize space inside your drawers and closets.
Don’t overload the washer
One of the most common mistakes that many make when doing laundry is overloading the machine. Washing lots of clothes at once may seem efficient, but it can cause damage and result in poor cleaning performance.
Aim to fill at least three-quarters full. This way you won’t waste water and there is enough space for everything to move around correctly. If your clothing comes out soaking wet, you’ve put too much and it hasn’t had a chance to spin dry.
Always pre-treat stains before washing
You’ll never get stains out of clothing by hoping for the best. If you want to remove dirt and soil, you’ll need to pre-treat the spots with a stain remover.
This will lift everything out and make it much easier to remove during the wash cycle. If you don’t have any on hand, a mixture of dish soap and hydrogen peroxide can work wonders.
Keep track of small items
It’s easy for small items like socks or handkerchiefs to get lost in the machine. To avoid this, try placing them in a mesh or lingerie bag before tossing them in with the rest of the laundry.
It’s also a good idea to spend a few minutes checking the pockets for any coins or personal items. The last thing you want is to ruin something expensive!
Use cold water as much as possible
Using cold water when doing your laundry can prevent fading and shrinking. Most new detergents will still work well, but you should keep an eye out for those that are designed specifically for cold-water washing.
What’s also great is that it can save you money on your electricity bill too! It’s a small change that makes a big difference.
Maintain your washing machine
Finally, another essential thing to remember is to maintain your washing machine. They aren’t cheap, so you should care for them as you would any other appliance.
Clean the filters regularly and use the self-cleaning function if your machine has one. Doing this will not only ensure your clothes come out sparkling but will prolong it’s life. You can find some tips to help you get started here.
Final Words
And that’s it! There’s no denying that doing laundry can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be so stressful. By following the tips and tricks above you can rest assured knowing that your clothes will come out clean and fresh each and every time.
It may take some trial and error, so be patient. You’ll become a laundry master before you know it!
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