7 Laundry Tips to Master Washing & Folding Clothes

Laundry can be an overwhelming and never-ending task. There’s always one pile after another that needs to be washed, dried, folded, and put away. You can make this cycle a lot easier on yourself by mastering a couple of life hacks and improving your routine to be quick and efficient.

Here are our favorite tips for mastering washing and folding clothes:

 

1. Don’t Overload Your Washer

A washing machine will do an infinitely better job cleaning your clothes if there’s space left for them to tumble around and create friction. You won’t create extra work for yourself by separating the clothes before you start the cycle, and you will also ensure that all your clothes get treated at the right temperature and setting.

 

 

2. Prepare Your Clothes Before Washing

There are a couple of things you can do for your clothes to make them last longer before you throw them in the washer. Turn your clothes inside-out, especially darker clothes, to prevent the color from becoming dull. Make sure to tie all the strings together and pull the zippers out. This will protect not only the item itself but also the other garments around it.

Separate your laundry into piles and try to keep similar-colored items together. Don’t wash black clothes with whites.

3. Follow the Instructions

Each article of clothing has its own rules for care. Read the labels properly to be able to separate your laundry. Different clothes require different settings. In some cases, they might not even be machine-washable. You don’t want to damage something expensive unintentionally.

If your clothes are labeled for dry cleaning only, explore environmentally friendly options. Luckily, there are many techniques today. For example, this company for dry cleaning in NJ offers professional wet cleaning. Experts agree that this is the most eco-friendly option when it comes to professional services.

4. Use Baking Soda

Baking soda has multiple uses in your laundry room. For example, if you have some clothes where the smell seems to linger even after repeated washing, you should use baking soda. Add 1/2 cup to your full load to neutralize any odors. If you prefer not to use bleach on your clothes, baking soda can act as a good substitute for brightening your clothes.

5. Use Laundry Bags

Mesh laundry will be a lifesaver for anyone who keeps losing socks. You won’t ever have to spend time trying to match socks properly, as they will be in the same place the whole time. These bags are ideal for many small items that may become lost or stuck somewhere during the washing process. They are also useful for delicate items, like lingerie. You can get these in different sizes.

 

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6. Fold Immediately

Folding your clothes fresh out of the dryer is the best way to prevent wrinkles from forming. Taking your time to do it immediately will save you the time it takes to grab an iron and try to fix them later.

Put the clothes back where they belong, and you’ll immediately feel more accomplished with your laundry day. To be more efficient, you can search for ways to fold clothes quicker or more compactly to save some space.

7. Treat Stains Immediately

Avoid waiting until a stain dries and adheres to the fabric if you happen to get one on your clothes. Instead, treat it on the spot. This will save you the trouble of buying and using harsh chemicals later. You can treat the area with cold water and some detergent for most stains. White vinegar is a natural stain remover that you can also use and that you probably already have in your home.