Instead of buying new socks every time everyone you have gets dirty, learn how to do laundry. Knowing how to wash clothes is important to become independent, not to mention that otherwise they would start to smell bad and you risk spending a fortune by always buying new ones. Follow these steps and you'll be the laundry king in no time.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Use Washing Machine and Dryer
Step 1. Divide the clothes into fleece
When doing laundry, there are two main factors to keep in mind: color and composition of clothing. Not all fabrics can withstand the same water pressure or the same type of drying.
- Separate light-colored clothes from dark ones. When you do the laundry, especially if it is new clothes, some of the dye used to produce them starts to flow off (which is why older clothes are less shiny than new ones). White, cream, pastel or in any case light colored items must be separated from colored ones. If you don't, the new electric blue shirt could discolour and stain white clothing.
- It also separates clothes according to the fabric. Some fabrics, such as denim or thick ones (for example terry cloth), should be washed using a more vigorous washing program than the one you would set for silk underwear (which instead falls into the category of delicates). You should divide the clothes according to the washing cycle required for their composition.
- Remember that it is best not to wash towels and sheets together. It is preferable to wash the former in top-loading washing machines, while the latter in front-loading ones (less aggressive for the sheets, which therefore tend not to crease too much). In any case, you can hardly have access to two different washing machines at the same time, so make the best use of the one you have to avoid damage.
Step 2. Read the clothing labels
They aren't just sewn to itch when rubbing your skin - their purpose is actually to guide you through the process. When in doubt about washing a garment, check the label. It will tell you what fabric it is made of, how it should be washed and dried.
Some clothes can be washed by hand (read the second section of the article to find out more), others taken to the laundry. The label will tell you which wash is right for you
Step 3. You also need to know which temperature is best for you
Washing machines have different settings, in fact the various fabrics and colors require different temperatures for thorough washing.
- Use warm water for light colors, especially those that are particularly dirty. The heat will burn the stains on these garments.
- Use cold water for dark colors, as it prevents clothes from losing a lot of dye (so using this method, they will be less prone to fading). Cotton items should also be washed this way, as this will make it harder for them to shrink.
Step 4. Find out what load you need to select
Most washing machines have a knob that must be turned to choose the load based on the size of the laundry (generally, it is possible to do a small, medium or large wash). If the garments fill a third of the washing machine, you should go for the small one. If they fill two-thirds, you should choose the medium; instead, if you fill it completely, the large load must be selected.
Never wring out fabrics to get more clothes into the washing machine. You should do another load with the remaining clothing, otherwise the appliance may get blocked or damaged in another way
Step 5. Find out which wash cycle is right for you
In addition to having different temperature settings, washing machines have different types of programs: each garment category requires a specific one.
- Regular / normal cycle. Select it to wash whites, so they come out fresh and clean from the washing machine.
- Cycle for synthetic garments. This type of washing uses lukewarm water and ends with cold water, so that the garments do not lose their shine.
- Cycle for delicate items. All relatively delicate items (bras, breathable clothing, cotton t-shirts, shirts, etc.) should be washed in this way. Always make sure you don't need to dry clean or hand clean them (check the label to be sure).
Step 6. Add the right washing products and close the washer door
These products include detergent, bleach and fabric softener. You can put your clothes in the washing machine and pour the detergent on them or in the tub. Another possibility is to let the washing machine fill with water one third, then add the detergent and the items to be washed.
- Detergent. The amount you pour into the washing machine depends on the load. Generally, the package indicates how many detergent caps to use. In general, you should use a third for a small load, two thirds for a medium load and a full cap for a large load. However, read the specific instructions for the product you purchased to know how much to pour - some detergents are more concentrated than others, which means you shouldn't overdo it.
- Bleach. It should be used when you want to get rid of stubborn stains or want whites to regain their brilliance. There are two types of bleach. Regular, chlorine-based, is ideal for bleaching garments, so it should never be used on colored fabrics. The gentle one can be used on all types of fabrics.
- Softener. This product should be used when you want to have particularly soft clothing. You should add it when the final rinse begins. Almost all washing machines have a basin that you can pour it into before starting the wash, so it will be integrated automatically during the laundry.
Step 7. Once the wash is finished, transfer the clothes to the dryer and select the right cycle
Remember that some clothes should be left to dry in the open air. Check the label - if it tells you not to put them in the dryer, hang them in a ventilated place. Just like the washing machine, the tumble dryer also has very specific settings. Add a fabric softener and close the door.
- Regular cycle. It is best to dry white clothes this way. They usually do not shrink and can withstand more intense drying at high temperatures (unlike colored garments, which fade due to excessive heat).
- Cycle for synthetic garments. The heat and pressure are intermediate, so this ensures that the garments won't fade.
- Cycle for delicate items. Less resistant items should be dried like this. This setting uses a temperature similar to the outside and slow movements, so as not to damage clothing.
Method 2 of 2: Hand Wash
Step 1. Fill a basin with water
You should use a large one (about 20 l), filling it with 4-8 l of water.
Don't have any bowls? You can use a sink after plugging it tightly and filling it with warm water
Step 2. Use a mild detergent
Avoid the ones you would use for the washing machine - they are too concentrated and will make your clothes look dirty after washing. They are available in the supermarket, in the detergents and fabric softeners department. The packaging should indicate that they are fine for hand washing and delicate items.
Step 3. Soak the clothes in the water
Shake them in the bowl so that they get completely wet and soak up well with detergent. You can also leave them for half an hour or an hour (depending on the fabric) for them to absorb completely.
Step 4. Rinse your clothes
To do this, use warm, clean water. You can put one item at a time under the jet of water from the tap used to fill the bowl (or sink). Rinse the clothes until foam comes out: you will understand that you are finished when the running water is clean, free of bubbles.
Step 5. Allow delicate items to air dry
You shouldn't hang them, as they may spread out. Instead, lay them out on a flat surface to let them dry. You will be sure that they will not warp and wrinkles caused by drying will be minimal.
Advice
- Empty clothes pockets before doing laundry.
- Do not leave your clothes in the washing machine for more than 24 hours, or they will start to mold and smell bad when you take them out.
- If you live with other people, sometimes it is preferable to do laundry together. This advice is especially valid if you have to wash clothes of little worn colors, such as red. In fact, hardly anyone can load the washing machine with these clothes. Sharing laundry saves time and money, and decreases the environmental impact.
- New clothes in bright colors should be washed alone the first few times, unless you have clothing that is very similar in color.
