Learning how to do your own laundry is pretty easy, with today’s technology and care labels readily
available to help you avoid committing laundry mistakes. But, the consistency part is the tricky part. Yes,
you may learn to do laundry by reading a whole set of instructions in just one sitting, but can you keep
up with the growing pile of dirty clothes and keep doing laundry efficiently?
This article is for anyone who’s looking for a complete but easy primer on how to consistently make your
clothes fresh and clean. Once you’ve mastered the basics, best believe you can conquer any dirty pile of
unwashed clothes in no time.
Read the labels
Before tackling your laundry, always check the care labels. This gives you specific instructions on how to
wash your clothes or whether a fabric can be machine-washed or not. It’s the ultimate secret weapon
for not ruining your clothes and keeping your wardrobe looking its best. While a lot of your clothes can
be machine-washed, delicate fabrics might need special attention and a gentler touch like manual hand-
washing.
Sort it out
Next, sort out your laundry into different piles based on their color and care instructions. Whites,
pastels, light grays, and clothes with white backgrounds are considered light-colored, so these should all
be grouped together. Next, dark-colored clothes should include blacks, reds, navies, browns, and dark
grays, separating them from the light-colored ones—this is very important! Lastly, delicate items with
labels that say “wash separately,” “hand wash,” or “dry clean only” should be handled with care and
may need special detergent soap or cleaning methods.
Take advantage of the “speed wash” function
Make sure you’re taking advantage of your washing machine’s speed wash function, too! This should
only take about 37 minutes to finish, perfect for small loads of laundry, allowing you to wash and dry
your clothes before heading out of the house or focusing on playing a game of tongits! Come back with
fresh and clean clothes without sacrificing too much time from your daily routine.
Choose the right detergent
The right detergent makes all the difference. Make sure you choose an all-purpose laundry detergent
with enzymes as it is a good starting point to doing your laundry. If you want to get the best results and
the best-smelling clothes after washing and drying, check your detergent bottle or pack for the
recommended measurements based on the size of your load. Once you’ve measured this out, start
adding it to the washer drum or dispenser and let the machine do its magic!
Master the art of folding
Folding your clothes properly after drying them can save a lot of space and keep your wardrobe
organized. If you can, try learning the KonMari method for folding t-shirts and pants for a more efficient
way of storing your clothes.
Get rid of stains properly
It’s important that you treat stains as quickly as possible to increase the chances of easy removal. Make
sure you’re blotting them too, not rubbing them because this can potentially damage your clothes,
especially if they’re delicate fabric.
Dry clothes properly
As always, go back to the care labels and dry clothes according to the label instructions. Delicate fabrics
should be air dried to prevent damage and wearing out. Meanwhile, you can use dryer sheets to help
reduce static. Removing clothes from the dryer the moment they finish a cycle is also the best way to
avoid wrinkles.
Maintain your washing machine
To keep your washing machine performing at its best, it’s important that you learn how to clean and
maintain it regularly. Cleaning removes dirt, leftover soap, and other residue that can build up and
potentially damage your machine over time.
Wrapping Up
By following these simple tips, you can now master the art of laundry and keep your clothes looking and
smelling their best! Remember, consistency is key. With a little practice, you’ll be well on your way to
becoming a laundry pro in no time!