Every independent person must learn how to do laundry sooner or later. Fortunately, it is neither difficult nor time consuming. You should prepare yourself by gathering the supplies, sorting out clothes and laundry, treating stains, using the right detergent and choosing the correct program and temperature for the load. Finally, you have to hang the laundry according to the fabric of your clothes.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Sort the Laundry
Step 1. Put the dirty clothes in the baskets according to your preferences
Purchase laundry baskets to separate items as they get dirty, or use a large one and divide your laundry before washing. How you choose to collect it depends on the space you have available and how much travel you need to put it in the washing machine.
- There are baskets of various models. Some have wheels or handles to facilitate transport. Consider this if you need to change rooms to do laundry.
- The baskets are also composed of different materials. Choose a cloth folding to save space. The plastic ones are easier to carry because they often have handles, while the wicker ones are mostly for furniture and, therefore, do not move easily.
Step 2. Stack the items to be washed according to the type of fabric
You better separate them considering their heaviness. This way, you can choose the most suitable program.
- For example, gather the heavier items, including jeans, sweatshirts or solid cotton trousers, jackets and heavy suits;
- Put the lightest T-shirts, shirts and pants in a different pile;
- Gather all delicate items, including underwear, socks, and silk items, and separate them from towels and sheets.
Step 3. Divide the clothes into white, light and dark
In addition to separating laundry by fabric, you should also consider colors to prevent dark ones from staining white or light-colored clothing. Make a pile of white clothing, including t-shirts, socks, underwear, and other more durable white fabrics.
- Gather light-colored clothing by including pastel-colored ones, such as light blue and teal, yellow and pink.
- Separate the dark garments by adding all the black, blue, gray, red and dark purple ones to this pile.
Part 2 of 4: Treat Stains and Add Detergent
Step 1. Buy a detergent suitable for your washing machine
Some are formulated for top-opening machines, others are suitable for high-efficiency or front-loading machines, and still others can be used for both models. Buy the detergent you prefer considering the type of washing machine you have available.
If you have sensitive skin or skin prone to allergic reactions, buy a natural, fragrance-free or delicate product
Step 2. Immediately treat stains with stain remover or detergent
You will be able to remove them more easily if you treat them when they are fresh. Then, as soon as you can, apply a stain remover or liquid cleanser and scrub gently. Let it sit for at least 5 minutes before washing the garment.
You can also leave the garment in cold water for 30 minutes before washing it. Therefore, you may want to use a large bowl, sink or washing machine soak function
Step 3. Pour detergent into the sliding drawer if your washing machine is front loading
The high efficiency and front loading models have a small sliding drawer in which detergent is added before starting the cycle. The machine will automatically dispense it as the program progresses.
Read the instruction booklet if you can't find the compartment in which to put the detergent
Step 4. Add detergent to the detergent dispenser if you have a top loading washing machine
If you have a top-opening model, you will probably need to turn on the water supply first, then pour the detergent into the compartment and add the laundry last. Read the instructions on the inside of the lid to understand exactly how the detergent is added.
Step 5. Pour the detergent according to the instructions on the package
Read the instructions to see how much detergent you need. Each product is different, so you need to follow the instructions correctly so as not to overdo it.
Too much may leave soap residue on clothes after rinsing
Step 6. Add bleach to keep whites looking shiny
Find the compartment in which to insert it. If your washing machine is front loading, it should be close to the detergent compartment, while if your machine has a top opening, you can find it on one side at the top of the tub. Read the instructions on the package to find out how much bleach to add based on the volume of the laundry.
Chlorine-free bleach is safe on colored garments, so you can use it if you want to make them shiny
Step 7. Use fabric softener if you want softer clothing
If your clothes come out of the washing machine stiff and rough, consider adding fabric softener. It is especially useful if the water dispensed is hard and chemically treated.
Part 3 of 4: Choosing the Program and Temperature
Step 1. Read the clothing labels
It may be that for some garments you will have to respect certain temperatures or use only certain programs. Therefore, you may want to consult the label when you have to wash something for the first time or if you don't remember the washing instructions.
Step 2. Use the normal cycle for sturdy fabrics
Typically, this program includes faster laps when washing and rinsing. Therefore, it is ideal for resistant fabrics, such as jeans, sweatshirts and towels.
- It is also suitable for heavily soiled clothes. The important thing is that they are not delicate, made with fine fabrics or garnished with applications.
- Some washing machines also have an intensive wash function. Use it only for heavily soiled sturdy fabrics.
Step 3. Choose the anti-crease program for clothes that tend to wrinkle
Some trousers and shirts are made from fabrics that wrinkle easily, such as linen and rayon. Choose the anti-crease program so that the final spin is slower and does not crease the garments when you have to wash them.
Step 4. Choose the program for delicates in the case of fine fabrics or garnished with applications
The drum will turn slowly both during washing and at rinsing. This function is suitable for good quality garments, such as underwear, socks or garments embellished with beading, sequins, embroidery or other delicately made ornaments.
Some materials, such as silk and wool, should not be washed in the washing machine, but by hand or dry. Make sure you read the label before putting them in the washing machine
Step 5. Use mostly cold water
Nowadays almost all detergents are effective in cold water. Also, fabrics last longer if they are not exposed to heat. You can save money and energy by washing clothes with cold rather than hot water.
- Fabrics that shrink, such as cotton, should always be washed in cold water and dried at low temperatures.
- Some think that germs don't die in cold water. However, today's detergents are able to neutralize them, but the heat from the dryer also destroys them, even at low temperatures.
Step 6. Choose hot water only if the laundry is very dirty
If you need to wash pillow cases and sheets used by a sick person, muddy clothing, or sodden uniforms, use hot water if you prefer. However, keep in mind that over time it will tend to fade colors, so don't use it more than necessary.
Avoid on colored clothes if they are stained or you just bought them. Hot water can set stains and fade garments
Step 7. Do not load the washing machine too much
Almost all washing machines are equipped with instructions on the correct filling of the drum and on the limits not to be exceeded when loading the machine. Avoid putting more than recommended.
An excessive load can hinder the proper washing of the laundry and, over time, can even cause the machine to break down
Part 4 of 4: Dry the Laundry
Step 1. Remove debris from the lint filter before operating the dryer
Find the fluff filter and always check it before turning it on. Pull it out of its compartment and, using your fingers, pick up the trapped debris. Then throw them in the trash.
If you do not remove the fluff before using the dryer, there is a risk that the machine will overheat and catch fire
Step 2. Use antistatic sheets to soften clothes and prevent them from building up electrical charges from rubbing
They help reduce static electricity in garments and make them softer after washing. Choose your favorite fragrance or buy fragrance-free ones if you are sensitive to chemical additives.
Step 3. Choose the normal program for jeans, sweatshirts and towels
Stronger fabrics resist heat and friction caused by drum movements. Furthermore, there is a risk that they will not dry completely if you choose the program for delicates.
If you are concerned that some clothing will shrink or fade, set a lower temperature or air dry
Step 4. Use the anti-crease cycle for most clothes and sheets
In this way, the machine will deliver medium heat, but will use slower rotations towards the end of the program in order to reduce the creases that usually form on clothes placed in the dryer. Choose this function to prevent clothes and sheets from wrinkling when dry.
On some machines this function may be referred to in another way, as "easy ironing"
Step 5. Dry the shrinking fabrics with the delicate or cold program
The delicates program uses a lower temperature and slower rotations, so it is ideal for garments that tend to shrink or can be easily damaged. Cold tumble drying only delivers air without heating it and is recommended for very delicate items or items that are at risk of shrinking.
Step 6. Hang out the laundry if you want the clothes to last longer
Hang them on the clothesline if you want to keep them over time. Just equip yourself with clothespins or hangers and put them to dry outside or in a sheltered area.
Alternatively, you can lay them on a towel or use a collapsible drying rack. It will allow you to reduce the marks that may form on the shoulders of the shirts when they are hung to dry
Step 7. Iron the laundry, if necessary, then put it away
If some clothes have wrinkled after washing, iron them to remove the false creases. Be sure to read the label inside to find out which temperature to set on your iron.
