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Step 1
*Hampers* Use hampers and use them wisely. For kids, place two hampers, one for lights and one for darks in a central location. This could be the kid's bathroom or individually in their bedrooms. Depending on the children's age will depend on the size of the hampers. Have two hampers for yourself and spouse as well.
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Step 2
*Separate* Have each member of the family sort their own laundry. Even the youngsters can tell if clothing is light or dark. For older children that may complain that their white t-shirt became light blue by being washed with the darks, let that be their responsibility to separate before you wash. Don't take the time to re-sort at the machine.
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Step 3
*Empty pockets* If something gets left in a pocket and gets washed, it probably wasn't too important to begin with. After all, would you put the potentially winning lotto ticket in your pocket? Paper money always comes out in the wash, it doesn't get destroyed. This is the bonus of doing laundry.
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Step 4
*Spot cleaning* If anything needs to be spot cleaned, this needs to be brought to your attention before washing. Don't take the time to look for stains.
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Step 5
*Folding* If you choose to fold the family's laundry for them, then make it their responsibility to put away their own clothes into the drawers in their room. If you wash=they put away. This system has worked for decades with the dishes, why not the laundry?
Comments
Jolocol said
on 8/2/2009 Great ideas! We had a rule at our house, any money goes to the laundry washer. I love the idea of separate baskets for pre-sorting. Then you can grab a hamper and go.
40skydiver said
on 4/25/2009 All good tips, I hate doing laundry. Thanks for the ideas to make it easier.
Kathymcbain said
on 3/7/2009 Good tips on laundry. I can use these because I hate laundry!
eliptica said
on 2/20/2009 Now try doing all that by hand and having to hang dry it. Great article thanks.
hlruther said
on 1/21/2009 That's a good idea to have each person separate out their laundry. I might implement that idea.