Things You'll Need:
- Dirty Laundry
- Washing Machine
- Dryer
- Laundry Detergent and Softener/Dryer Sheets
- 3 Dirty Laundry Hampers/Baskets (optional)
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Step 1
Organize your dirty laundry. It is best to have a designated spot to place your dirty laundry. As you toss your laundry into that spot, sort into three separate piles (or baskets/hampers if you have them).
Pile 1: Whites and lights
Pile 2: Darks
Pile 3: Reds, pinks, and oranges
This is a great time to check pockets and remove any money, tissues, receipts, papers, etc. -
Step 2
Organize a load of laundry to go into the washer. The first step is to choose which "color" to work wash. It may be a good idea to just choose the pile or hamper (from step 1) that is most full. The next step is to sort that clothes by the type of wash the clothes requires. It is easiest for you (and best for your clothes) to wash clothes of similar materials and colors together. Some things to keep in mind:
"Heavy Duty" laundry like socks, undershirts, underwear, towels, and sheets can all be put in similar loads. These items should be washed in warm or hot water, and dried fully on a medium to high setting. Do NOT use liquid laundry softener on these items. There are waxy substances in liquid softener that keeps the fabrics from being absorbent (especially important for towels).
"Permanent Press" laundry like jeans, slacks, and blouses should be washed together. They should be washed in warm or cold water and dried until *almost* dry on a medium to low setting. Remove from dryer and hang immediately to reduce wrinkling. Hang until dried fully. Use liquid laundry softener or dryer sheets if you'd like. -
Step 3
Before placing laundry in the washer, pre-treat any stain that you think might not wash out easily. You can do this a couple of ways:
1. Use a specially made "pre-treating" detergent (like "Shout" or "Spray and Wash). Use as directed.
2. Simply pour a small amount of ordinary laundry detergent directly onto the stain.
Rub the detergent into the fabric to saturate the stain. -
Step 4
If you have a top load washer, add the detergent/soap to the basin and get the water running. Once the basin is full (or almost full), add the clothes. Add the softener (if applicable) to the softener compartment. Don't forget to close the basin door, or the machine will not run a normal cycle (most machines will not "spin" unless the door is closed).
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Step 5
If you have a front load washer, place the clothes in the washer and close the door. Follow the instructions for your machine to add the appropriate type and quantity of detergent and softener, and to set the appropriate cycle.
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Step 6
Once the laundry is clean, remove it immediately and put in the dryer (or on a clothes line or drying rack if you prefer). If you accidently let the wet laundry sit in the washer after a load for 12 or more hours, it is wise to run the load through an additional rinse and spin cycle to reduce/eliminate any mildew growth (and smell!) on the damp clothes.
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Step 7
Once the laundry is dry (or mostly dry), hang and fold as appropriate.
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Step 8
Depending on the size of your family, repeat these steps daily (or weekly) to prevent running out of clean clothes to wear...and being buried under mountains of laundry! Laundry is not an overwhelming task if you make it a part of your housekeeping routine and do it a bit at a time.
