Tips for Washing Clothes
Laundry may feel like the world’s oldest chore, done roughly 52 times a year—or more for some. It’s easy to slip into autopilot, only to be jolted awake by a mishap that reminds you of those long-forgotten laundry tips shared by a friend or colleague. These “accidents” are all too familiar:
- A costly silk blouse shrinking to the size of a cotton pad.
- A cell phone bleached ultra-white because it was left in a pocket.
- Waterlogged critters from your 3-year-old’s insect collection turning the washer into a morgue.
- Your spouse’s favorite office shirt ruined by an overzealous pour of Clorox, resembling a rough artist’s canvas.
These mishaps can be costly, so here are practical tips to prevent them and make laundry smoother.
Essential Laundry Tips for Home
Tip 1: Sort Wisely
Divide clothes into two piles: colors and whites. Then, check each pile for “dry clean only” items. Place these in a separate bag and store them away to prevent well-meaning kids from tossing them into the washer.
Tip 2: Check Pockets
Empty pockets before loading clothes. Remove gadgets, pens, paper, and tissues—wet tissue shreds splattered across a load are a nightmare to clean.
Tip 3: Secure Fasteners
Button, zipper, and hook all garments. Repair any tears before washing, as the machine’s agitation can worsen them.
Tip 4: Prioritize Regular Loads
Start with regular wash items if you have enough for a full load. Handle stained clothes needing stain removers or bleach separately.
Tip 5: Opt for Cold Water
For lightly soiled clothes, use the cold water cycle. Modern detergents work just as well in cold water, saving energy.
Tip 6: Measure Detergent
Follow the detergent label’s instructions. Using too much for a medium load or too little for a full load wastes product and reduces effectiveness.
Tip 7: Protect Delicates
Use the gentle cycle for delicate items or hand-wash them. If hand-washing isn’t an option, use laundry mesh nets (available at dollar stores) for undergarments, stockings, or clothes with delicate trim.
Tip 8: Avoid Overloading
Don’t pack the machine like sardines. Spread clothes evenly for thorough cleaning and effective agitation.
Tip 9: Minimize Wrinkles
Use the warm/cool or permanent press setting to reduce wrinkling.
Tip 10: Preserve Dark Colors
For black or dark fabrics, use detergents like Woolite Dark Laundry or Cheer Dark. To combat fading, consider adding black dye during the rinse cycle, following label instructions.
Tip 11: Unload Promptly
Remove clothes immediately after the cycle to hang or dry them. Keep hangers nearby to avoid scrambling.
Tip 12: Use Hot Water Selectively
For sheets and blankets with urine, semen, or oil stains, opt for hot water to ensure thorough cleaning.
Bleach and Stain Remover Caution
Before using bleach or stain removers, test on an inconspicuous area with a cotton swab to check for color changes.
Laundromat-Specific Tips
Tip 1: Sort at Home
Sort clothes before heading to the laundromat to save time and space.
Tip 2: Bring Enough Change
Ensure you have sufficient coins for the machines, as coin changers may be unreliable.
Tip 3: Pack Adequate Supplies
Bring enough detergent, bleach, or stain remover for all your loads to avoid mid-trip store runs.
Tip 4: Stay Vigilant
Never leave clothes unattended, even in the machines, as they could be taken—wet or dirty.
Tip 5: Bring Hangers
Pack enough hangers for clothes that won’t be machine-dried.
Final Tips
To delay fading, turn blue jeans and dark-colored garments inside out before washing. At the laundromat, bring a book, crossword puzzle, or laptop to pass the time—check emails or browse social media while you wait.
