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As with any task, having the proper tools easily accessible makes the process easier to accomplish. In relation to laundry, beyond the washer and dryer, the proper tools pertain to the chemicals. Organized Living recommends evaluating the products you use; do you really need two different products for spot treatment? If one family member is allergic to dyes and perfumes, use the same detergent for the entire family's laundry rather than buying two detergents. Use a permanent ink marker to label chemical that cannot be used on all fabrics.
If there is not one available, place a shelf above the washing machine. This keeps the laundry chemicals within reach for use and out of the reach of children. If you buy detergent in bulk, store the larger container in a lidded container and put some in a smaller container to place near the washing machine. This prevents spilling as a result of try to heft large containers. Keep a stain removing chart-you can download one from Textile Industry Affairs-with the detergents.
A clothes rack allows clothes to be hung up as soon as they come out of the dryer; these can be free standing, one that fits over the door or one that can be mounted to the wall.
Place laundry baskets in each bedroom closet to keep dirty clothes until time to do laundry. Use a triple section hamper in the laundry room and have everyone sort their own laundry into the hampers.
Keep a small basket in the laundry room for items-such as keys, coins and hair clips-found in the wash. -
"Home Comforts" recommends sorting laundry according to five rules:
First, sort according to laundry method. Separate regular from delicate from permanent press. Set aside hand washing. Second, sort according to color. This is only light, medium and dark, but also sort clothes whose colors bleed, those that can be safely bleached and those that cannot. Third, sort according to the level or type of soil. If your son is an auto mechanic, his work clothes should be laundered separately. Diapers should always be laundered separately. Fourth, sort clothes will cause other clothes to tear, snag or pick up link. Fifth, compile the loads based upon 'sorting compromises' in order to make loads that will fit your washer and dryer; for instance, wash nearly all whites with pure whites of similar weight and use a permanent press cycle. Wash light colored with bright colors or bright colors with dark colors. If one or two items don't fit these categories, hand wash it. -
Get your whole family involved with laundry. Have everyone strip the sheets from their beds on Saturday morning. Spray the mattresses and pillows with a fabric freshening spray and let them air out during the day or for several hours before putting on fresh sheets.
Let your younger children help with gathering, sorting and folding clothes and when they are older, let them children wash their own clothes. Eileen Bailey on Health Central states that it is a rite of passage for her children to do their own laundry when they enter the sixth grade.
