I did not do any laundry for most of our marriage. My wife did it all. Now, I do almost all of it. I had no idea what laundry entails. Here's what I've learned.
Sorting Laundry 🧺
• By Color: Whites, darks, and colors.
• By Fabric Type: Delicates, cotton, synthetics, and heavy fabrics.
• By Level of Soiling: Lightly soiled, heavily soiled, and special stains.
• By Family Member: If needed, to keep track of individual items.
Pre-Treatment 🖊️
• Stain Removal: Applying stain removers or pre-treating specific spots.
• Soaking: For heavily soiled items or to remove tough stains.
Washing 🧼
• Loading the Washer: Ensuring the machine is not overloaded.
• Selecting the Right Cycle: Based on fabric type and soil level.
Detergent and Additives 🧴
• Regular detergent, fabric softener, bleach, or special detergents for delicates.
• Adjusting amounts based on load size and soil level.
Drying 🫧
• Selecting Dryer Settings: Appropriate temperature and cycle based on fabric type.
• Using Dryer Sheets or Balls: For softness and static reduction.
• Hanging or Laying Flat: For items that need special care.
Related: The Laundry Hack for Husbands
Folding and Ironing 🔲
• Folding Clothes: To avoid wrinkles and keep items organized.
• Ironing: For clothes that require a pressed appearance.
• Using Steamers: For quick de-wrinkling.
Organizing and Storing 📦
• Putting Clothes Away: Sorting by family member and type of clothing.
• Using Storage Solutions: Drawers, shelves, hangers, and bins.
• Rotating Seasonal Items: Storing out-of-season clothes properly.
Maintenance and Care 🧥
• Repairing Clothes: Sewing buttons, mending tears, and fixing hems.
Maintaining Laundry Equipment 🛠️
• Cleaning the washing machine and dryer.
• Checking and cleaning dryer vents.
• Regular maintenance checks to ensure the machines are functioning properly.
I needed all of this to deal with a penny stuck in the washer capsule:
Special Considerations 🤔
• Handling Special Fabrics: Wool, silk, and other delicates that may require hand washing or special cycles.
• Eco-Friendly Practices: Using cold water, eco-friendly detergents, and energy-efficient machines.
• Scheduling: Create a laundry schedule to ensure it's done regularly without piling up, particularly if your kids are in sports and need uniforms on certain days.
Related: Free Household Chores List
Budgeting and Supplies 💰
• Keeping Supplies Stocked: Detergents, softeners, stain removers, and other laundry essentials.
• Budgeting for Laundry Needs: Including the cost of utilities, supplies, and potential machine repairs or replacements.
• Pro Tip: Use Sam's Club or Cosco for this.
Emergency Situations 🆘
• Handling Laundry During Illness: Extra sanitizing and care for items exposed to illness.
• Quick Turnaround for Urgent Items: Prioritizing urgent needs like uniforms or special occasion outfits.
Delegation and Family Involvement 👨👩👧👦
• Assigning Chores: Involving family members in the laundry process to share the workload. Our kids are doing their own laundry over the summer.
• Teaching Laundry Skills: Educating family members on properly sorting, washing, and caring for their clothes.
Learn More
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