Laundry is an ever-present force, with a life and energy all its own. In its incomplete state, whether scattered on the bedroom floor or spilling out of overflowing hampers, it can consume your living space and create a sense of chaos. However, there is hope and a path to conquer this domestic challenge. With a clear plan and the adoption of simple habits, you can quickly catch up on laundry and stay ahead of the never-ending cycle. So say goodbye to the mountain of clothes and hello to a peaceful and clutter-free home.
Here’s how to reclaim control over your laundry situation and keep it manageable moving forward:
Step 1: Tackle the Laundry Pile
As you stand before a daunting mountain of laundry, the best strategy is to set aside a dedicated day for washing, folding, and putting everything away. Consider enlisting the help of your family members, as extra hands can make the process faster and less stressful.
Here’s how to tackle it:
Gather Everything: Begin by collecting all the scattered laundry from around the house and bringing it to your designated laundry area. If your space allows, consider lining up the baskets or hampers outside the room to keep them easily accessible and visible.
Sort Strategically: To maximize efficiency, line up your baskets or hampers in this order: adult clothes, kids’ clothes, bedding, towels, and kitchen and/or cleaning cloths.
Quick Wash for the Win: Take advantage of any QUICK WASH options on your washer to speed up the process. Use this setting for smaller loads or to get the first load in and out quickly.
Detailed Order of Washing:
When it comes to doing laundry, efficiency is key. Here is the most effective order for washing different types of clothing and household items:
Adult Clothes: First, gather all adult clothes and separate whites from darks. It is best to wash whites on warm and darks on cold, but if you’re pressed for time, you can combine them and wash on cold.
Kids’ Clothes: For children’s clothes, it’s best to do one load per child on cold. This helps with sorting and folding later on. Plus, getting your little ones involved in the process by helping put away their own socks and underwear can teach them responsibility.
Bedding: Once your clothing loads are done, move onto washing all sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers. Some people prefer to save this for a designated “Sheets & Towels Day,” but others may choose to do it right after clothing as part of catching up on laundry.
Towels and Bath Mats: After bedding, it’s time to wash bath and hand towels followed by bath mats (unless they fit in the washing machine with the towels).
Kitchen Towels and Cleaning Cloths: Lastly, finish off with kitchen towels and cleaning cloths. By this point, you’ll have successfully tackled all types of laundry efficiently and effectively.
Step 2: Fold and Put Away as You Go
The key to avoiding the clutter of clean clothes? Take the time to carefully fold and hang each load as soon as it’s dry. As you handle each piece, the fresh scent of laundry detergent fills the air. The satisfying feeling of neatly organizing your wardrobe washes over you. It may only take a few minutes, but it saves you from the dreaded pile of clean laundry that can quickly accumulate.
Quick Tip: If you find yourself unable to finish all the loads in one day, set a goal to complete them the following day. This will keep your task manageable and ensure that your clothes remain organized and tidy.
Step 3: Clean Your Washer
The laundry had finally been conquered, and now it was time to give some TLC to the trusty washing machine:
Fill the washer with hot water and add a generous amount of white vinegar.
Let the cleaning cycle run its course, lifting away any lingering dirt and grime.
After the cycle is complete, leave the washer door open to air-dry and prevent any unwanted mildew or odors from forming.
Take this opportunity to admire the sleek design of your machine as it glistens in the sunlight, ready for many more loads of laundry.
Step 4: Create a Laundry Habit
The key to preventing overwhelming piles of laundry in the future? Make a habit of doing one load of laundry every day, or at least checking to see if there is any laundry to be done. This may seem like a daunting task, but incorporating it into your daily routine can make a world of difference. By staying consistent, you’ll save time and avoid feeling overwhelmed by a cluttered laundry system. Your clothes will always be fresh and ready to wear, and your laundry room will feel organized and inviting. It’s a simple yet powerful way to keep your home running smoothly and efficiently.