July 22, 2016
Laundry Made Easier
You may be hard pressed to find more than a handful of people in life who love to do laundry. While fresh sheets or clean clothes certainly can be rewarding, the actual process of washing, folding and putting away can easily become mundane. Over the years, I have found a handful of tricks that help make the process a bit easier and dare I say more enjoyable. Implement one or all of these suggestions in to your own routine and see how much something seemingly simple can revolutionize the routine.
- Cold water is your friend when it comes to washing. I mix lights, brights and darks together. This tip is especially helpful for washing the kids’ clothes – everything goes in together! Make sure to wash and dry new bright or dark garments at least three times with like colors to prevent color bleeding and transfer.
- Use the minimum amount of detergent suggested on the container. Adding more than suggested to get your clothes cleaner will only result in a buildup of detergent which will cause the fibers to actually become dirtier. Save money and make your detergent last a little longer with this simple tip.
- Love soft and fluffy towels? Skip the commercial fabric softener and add vinegar to the rinse cycle instead. The chemicals in fabric softener actually coat the towel fibers and create a buildup. This buildup causes the towels to become less absorbent as well as attract dirt and residue – yuck! You can also use wool dryer balls or a laundry booster to add more fluff as well as a little natural scent.
- Don’t overload your washer in an effort to get the job done quickly or finish that load sooner. While you may save some time, your clothes won’t be as clean and your washer will have to work harder and it’ll probably take longer to dry the load as well.
- One laundry routine method may not work for everyone. My preferred method is to do a load of laundry daily with sheets and towels on Saturday. Other people prefer to do a laundry blitz one day a week. Do what works for you and your schedule and stick to it. The key is to find and implement a routine that doesn’t leave you feeling stressed and overwhelmed.
What laundry tips have you found to be helpful in your home? Do you have a system that has worked wonders in your laundry routine? Share it with us in the comments!
Looking for more laundry and cleaning routine posts? I have some great posts in the archives, here are a few you might enjoy…
How to De-Stink Active Wear
6 Things I Do Every Day to Keep the House Clean
All about the Clean Mama Cleaning Routine
Anne Says
Since I began following you on Pinterest and joining the Homekeeping Society, I have eliminated liquid fabric softener and dryer sheets. I absolutely love the Laundry Scent Booster and add it to my wash all the time. I also use 1/4 to 1/2 cup of vinegar (scented with lavender essential oil) in lieu of fabric softener. I am so happy to have eliminated the artificial softener which inevitably gunked its dispenser in my washing machine.
Seeing and reading about your new washer and dryer set on the Blog, I have wanted to tell you how nice they look and I can tell that you are pleased with them. Our washer and dryer have been with us for awhile, We moved to another state nearly three years ago and the moving company caused damage to both units. I opted for the pedestal bases for both but those extra nine inches prove a challenge for me to reach the cabinets above the units, It is only a matter of time before we are looking at a new washer and dryer so I am going to keep your Samsung units in mind.
Anne Says
. I have purchased my first set of the Aqua Bar Towels but have yet to use them for fear of possibly staining them or accidentally bleaching them.. I forgot to ask you what you use/do not use when you wash your Aqua Bar Towels. I want to buy another set but not unti I put my first set into use. Thank you for your advice.
Jerri Van Horn Says
Will the wool dryer balls help eliminate static? If not, do you have any suggestions other than dryer sheets?
Becky Says
Post authorYes!
Deborah Says
I have started making my own laundry soap, and my clothes are cleaner than ever. I rarely have to use bleach at all, and if I use it, I use a miminal amount. I never use fabric softener. I do use the laundry scent booster occasionally, but not every load. I am loving your emails. Thank you for all you teach us.
Ifé Morgan Says
Wonderful tips! How much vinegar should I add for the towels?
Becky Says
Post author1/4 cup
Jessica Says
I like your baskets up on your shelf. What do you use them for?
Jill Says
I do the blitz on the weekend. Every time a load comes out of the dryer, I stack it next to the couch. When I have about 4 baskets stacked it is the perfect excuse to take a break and SIT which I never get to do with a 2 and 3 year old. It’s like giving myself permission to sit and watch a few episodes of my favorite show because, technically, I’m being productive by folding clothes. It’s kind of sad, actually, that laundry day is my “break”. 🙁
Emily Says
I have three boys pretty close in age and have come up with a great method that has saved me tons of time. Each boy has his own laundry basket now and I wash each boy’s clothes separately. Before when I washed their clothes all together I was separating lights and darks before washing and had to separate the boys clothes after (which can take time when they are so close in size and have some of the same clothing.) Now I throw the whole basket in (I still cringe putting lights and darks together but haven’t had a problem yet.) and after the clothes are folded my boys put them away. No more sorting!! For my husband and I we have two baskets for lights and darks. This saves me time in not having to sort ours as well. I also have a separate hamper for towels and sheets above the washer.
Becky Says
Post authorLove it!
Julie Punishill Says
I am looking for a stain remover for clothes to help especially with those greasy food stains. Any DIY tips or suggestions?
Becky Says
Post authorChalkboard chalk rubbed on the stain before it’s washed works well – it absorbs the oil. Or use a little dish soap on the stain to degrease it 🙂
Alyson Says
I like to use my delay start feature and load the washing machine before going to bed. Have the washing machine start a couple of hours before I wake up. First thing in the morning put clothes in the dryer and after shower and breakfast clothes are ready to be folded and put away.