How to Wash & Dry Clothes

It isn't hard to get perfectly clean clothing.

Modern living has introduced a plethora of new conveniences which make running a home easier. A washing machine has become a standard part of a up-to-date home. Washing clothes is a chore that must be done on a weekly basis, at least. By following a step-by-step process, this job can be completed correctly, with just a small investment of hands-on time.

Things You'll Need

• Laundry hampers or baskets
• Laundry detergent
• Bleach
• Fabric softener
• Dryer sheet

Instructions

1. Separate dirty clothing into three piles, using laundry hampers or baskets. You should have a pile for whites, lights and dark clothing.

2. Select the most appropriate water temperature on your washing machine. Hot water is recommended for whites or heavily soiled clothing. Warm water is good for all other loads. Cold water should only be used with a detergent specifically designed to clean under these temperatures.

3. Examine garments closely, pretreating any stains that you discover. Use a highly concentrated liquid detergent or any commercially available pretreating agent.

4. Select a washing cycle. Use a normal, permanent press or gentle cycle, according to the type of clothing you are washing.

5. Add the detergent to the washing machine basin. Less detergent is needed for clothing that is less soiled, while more detergent is appropriate for heavily soiled garments.

6. Fill the washing machine basin loosely. Overloading the machine can cause your clothing to become dingy.

7. Add any washing additives at this time. Bleach should be placed in the compartment designated for bleach, where it will be released at the appropriate time during the cycle. Fabric softener can also be placed in its own compartment, usually in the middle of the washing drum, or placed in a specially designed fabric softener ball.

8. Close the lid to the washing compartment.

9. Allow your washing machine to complete its full cycle, including washing, rinsing and spinning.

10. Transfer clothing to the dryer, double checking items for stains that did not fully wash out. If you find stains, remove those items, treat and wash them again.

11. Place a dryer sheet in the dryer compartment to minimize static.

12. Select either a timed dry cycle or a dryer cycle that monitors moisture.

13. Check the lint trap and clean the debris, if necessary.

14. Close dryer door and push the button to begin the drying cycle.

15. Remove clothing immediately upon completion and fold. If clothing is allowed to cool completely, it is likely to wrinkle.

Tips & Warnings

• An Energy Star rated washer and dryer can save energy.

• In order to cut your monthly utility costs, hang clothes on the line whenever the weather is nice.

• It is unnecessary to use both fabric softener in the wash cycle and a dryer sheet while drying---one or the other is sufficient.

• Failing to separate your laundry can cause dark clothing to bleed or stain lighter colored garments.

References

• New Mexico State University: Getting Clothes Clean

Resources

• Textileaffairs.com: Laundry Guide to Common Care Symbols