The Best Way to Do Laundry

There is a wrong way to wash your clothes.

There is a right way and wrong way to do your laundry. Laundry is a simple household chore that people do on a regular basis. Unfortunately, many people are performing this task incorrectly. The way you are doing laundry can be causing your cloths to not be cleaned properly. Fortunately, a few tips and tricks can improve the way you wash your garments and save you money.

Things You'll Need

• Prewash stain treatment Laundry detergent Washing machine Dryer sheets

Instructions

1. Sort the dirty cloths into separate piles. Typically, people sort the piles into three groups; whites, darks and lights. You can add more groups for delicate items and clothing that tend to produce lint.

2. Check pockets of the clothing and remove any items inside them. Also, zip zippers on jeans, pants and jackets to prevent them from snagging during the washing process.

3. Read and follow all washing instructions for the garments you are washing.

4. Apply a prewash stain treatment to heavily stained or soiled items.

5. Use the proper amount of laundry detergent as recommended from the manufacturer.

6. Set the washing machine to the proper heat setting. Using cold water to wash and rinse your items in will help prevent colors from bleeding and save you money on your energy bill.

7. Allow the washing machine to start and begin to fill with water. Add the laundry detergent and allow it to dissolve into the water.

8. Add your items to the washing machine. Do not overload your washer. Overloading will cause the clothing to not be cleaned properly. It can also cause damage to the washer itself.

9. Close the lid to the washing machine and allow it to complete a full cycle.

10. Clean the lint from the dryer’s lint trap.

11. Place the washed clothing into the dryer. Lay a dryer sheet on top of the clothing and close the door.

12. Set the dryer to the proper heat setting. The heat setting depends on the items you are drying. If you are not sure what setting use, choose the low or medium temperature. Allow the dryer to complete a full cycle.

13. Remove the clothing from the dryer as soon as possible to prevent wrinkles.

References

• The New York Times: Saying ‘No’ to Dingy
• Quick and Simple: Do Laundry the Right Way
• Good Housekeeping: How to Sort Laundry