Surviving the Spin Cycle
Twenty of the best laundry tips to win at washing clothes you missed as you were rolling your eyes at your parents.
Dear Mum,
As I sit here, surrounded by piles of clean clothes needing to be folded and put away…. Yes, some things never change!
I can't help but think of all those years you spent teaching me the ins and outs of washing clothes. Although I may not have shown it back then, your persistence and patience have finally paid off.
As a teenager, I remember rolling my eyes every time you reminded me to prewash new clothes to prevent colour runs or insisted I use the right amount of detergent. Little did I know, these seemingly mundane lessons were actually nuggets of wisdom that would save me countless headaches and even a few embarrassing wardrobe malfunctions.
Now, in my mid-thirties, I finally get it. Those laundry lessons were about more than just clean clothes. They were about responsibility, independence, and a whole lot of life skills that I took for granted. So, thank you, Mum, for not giving up on me, even when I was a stubborn teenager who didn't see the point.
Love Dylan xx
Winning the War on Washing
Doing laundry can be a time-consuming and costly task, but with some savvy tips and tricks, you can make it more efficient and less of a hassle. We’ve gone and done the hard work for you and compiled twenty top tips from experienced washers like parents and grandparents that will help you save time and money:
1. Use Cold Water Whenever Possible
Why: Using cold water saves energy and reduces utility bills. Modern detergents are formulated to work effectively in cold water, ensuring clean clothes without the extra cost of heating water.
Tip: Set your washing machine to the cold water setting for most loads. Reserve warm or hot water washes for heavily soiled items or specific fabric needs.
2. Pre-Treat Stains Immediately
Why: Addressing stains as soon as they occur prevents them from setting into the fabric, making them easier to remove during the wash.
Tip: Keep a small spray bottle of stain remover in your laundry area or bathroom. For quick fixes, use household items like baking soda, vinegar, or dish soap.
3. Run Full Loads
Why: Washing full loads maximizes the efficiency of your machine, saving water, energy, and detergent.
Tip: Wait until you have a full load before running the washing machine. If you need to wash a small load, adjust the water level settings accordingly.
4. Use the Right Amount of Detergent
Why: Using too much detergent can cause build-up and require extra rinsing, wasting water and energy. Overuse of detergent can also damage fabrics over time.
Tip: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct detergent amount based on load size and soil level. Less is often more when it comes to detergent.
5. Clean Your Washing Machine Regularly
Why: Regular maintenance of your washing machine ensures it runs efficiently and extends its lifespan. It also prevents mould and mildew build-up, keeping your laundry fresh.
Tip: Run an empty cycle with hot water and vinegar or a washing machine cleaner once a month. Clean the detergent dispenser and rubber seals regularly.
6. Dry Clothes Efficiently
Why: Efficient drying saves energy and reduces wear on your clothes.
Tip: Use dryer balls to reduce drying time and static. Clean the lint filter before every load to ensure proper airflow.
7. Air Dry When Possible
Why: Air drying saves energy and is gentler on fabrics, reducing wear and tear.
Tip: Use a drying rack or clothesline for items that don’t need to go in the dryer, such as delicate fabrics, workout gear, and items prone to shrinking.
8. Fold Clothes Promptly
Why: Folding clothes right away prevents wrinkles and reduces the need for ironing, saving time and effort.
Tip: Fold clothes as soon as they come out of the dryer or off the line. Set up a folding station near your dryer or in your laundry room for convenience.
9. Sort Laundry as You Go
Why: Sorting clothes as you wear them saves time on laundry day and ensures each load is washed properly.
Tip: Use a divided laundry hamper to separate whites, darks, and delicates as they’re worn. This way, they’re ready to wash without extra sorting.
Doing laundry doesn’t have to send you into a spin cycle. By implementing a handful of efficient and cost effective strategies, you can quickly turn the weekly war on washing into a soapy success story.
10. Use Multi-Purpose Products
Why: Multi-purpose products save money and reduce the number of cleaning supplies you need.
Tip: Use vinegar as a natural fabric softener and deodorizer. Baking soda is great for stain removal and boosting detergent effectiveness. Both products are versatile and cost-effective.
11. Repurpose Dryer Sheets
Why: Getting the most out of dryer sheets makes them more cost-effective.
Tip: Use used dryer sheets to dust around the house or freshen up shoes and gym bags. They can also help reduce static in other areas, like carpeted floors.
12. Choose High-Efficiency Appliances
Why: High-efficiency washers and dryers use less water and energy, saving money in the long run.
Tip: If you’re in the market for a new washer or dryer, look for Energy Star-rated appliances. They are designed to be more efficient and environmentally friendly.
13. Optimize Drying Loads
Why: Properly sorting drying loads ensures clothes dry evenly and efficiently.
Tip: Dry similar weight items together. Mixing heavy and light items can extend drying time for lighter clothes and over-dry heavier ones, wasting energy.
14. Keep a Routine Schedule
Why: A regular laundry schedule prevents piles of dirty clothes from becoming overwhelming.
Tip: Designate specific days for laundry to stay on top of it. For example, do whites on Mondays, colours on Wednesdays, and delicates on Fridays.
15. Buy Detergent in Bulk
Why: Buying detergent in bulk saves money over time and reduces packaging waste.
Tip: Look for sales or wholesale options for your preferred detergent. Store it in a cool, dry place to maintain its effectiveness.
16. Use a Mesh Bag for Delicates
Why: Mesh bags protect delicate items and extend their lifespan by preventing snags and tangles.
Tip: Place bras, lingerie, and other delicates in a mesh bag before washing. This keeps them safe and makes them easier to find and sort.
17. Wash and Dry on Off-Peak Hours
Why: Utility companies often charge lower rates during off-peak hours, which can save money on your energy bill.
Tip: Schedule laundry for early mornings, late evenings, or weekends if off-peak rates are available. Check with your utility provider for specific times.
18. Repair, Don’t Replace
Why: Repairing clothes saves money and reduces waste, keeping your favourite items in use longer.
Tip: Learn basic mending skills to repair small tears, replace buttons, and fix zippers. A sewing kit is a small investment that can save you a lot in the long run.
19. Use Less Fabric Softener
Why: Using too much fabric softener can leave a residue on clothes and is not cost-effective.
Tip: Use half the recommended amount of fabric softener, or switch to natural alternatives like vinegar to soften clothes and reduce static.
20. Keep Laundry Area Organised
Why: An organised laundry area saves time by keeping everything you need within reach and reduces the hassle of searching for supplies.
Tip: Use shelves, baskets, and hooks to organize detergents, stain removers, and other laundry supplies. For inspiration, do an image search on the web for organised laundry rooms.
Make your laundry area a place you like going. By setting up an organised, tidy area that matches your style may just make you look forward to putting on that next load of whites.
To all the teens and kids out there, I know listening to your parents' advice might seem boring or even annoying at times. Trust me, I was once in your shoes. But here's the truth; these lessons, like how to do laundry properly, are more valuable than you might think. I know It’s not glamorous and won't make it into your social media posts, but it's practical wisdom that will serve you well when the time comes for you to leave the nest.
So, next time your parents offer you a bit of advice, listen up. Embrace these moments, and when you’re in your thirties, you too will be forever grateful for being equipped with these life skills.
Happy washing!
