Everybody hates laundry day. It’s one of those chores that we all have to do, but no one really wants to do. It can be tedious, time-consuming, and stressful. Just thinking about it can be enough to make anyone break out into a cold sweat. Whether you live in an apartment with communal laundry facilities or you have your own washer and dryer at home, laundry day can feel like the ultimate test of your organizational skills. However, with the right advice, you can conquer this dreaded day and come out on top. Read on for 9 helpful tips, hacks, and tricks that will make doing your laundry a breeze.
1. Sort Your Laundry As Soon As You Take It Off
This may seem like an obvious one, but it’s important to sort your laundry as soon as you take it off. Putting it in a hamper or laundry basket is not enough. You need to sort it by color, fabric, and any other special instructions so that you don’t end up with ruined clothes. This will save you time and frustration in the long run.
2. Invest in a Good Laundry Hamper
A good-quality laundry hamper will make your life so much easier. Look for one with multiple compartments so that you can easily sort your laundry. This will help to keep your laundry room organized and tidy. Here are a few other things to look for when shopping for a laundry basket:
- Size: Make sure to get a laundry basket that is big enough to hold all of your laundry. There’s nothing worse than having to make multiple trips to the laundry room because your hamper isn’t big enough.
- Material: You want a laundry basket that is made out of durable material. This way, it will last you for years and years. Avoid baskets that are made out of cheap, flimsy plastic.
- Design: Look for a laundry basket that has a design that you love. This way, you’ll actually want to put your laundry in it! There are lots of great options out there, so take your time and find one that you really love.
3. Use Separate Laundry Bags for Delicates
If you have any delicate clothing, be sure to use separate laundry bags. Delicate garments like lingerie often require special care when washing and handling. Delicate clothing needs a delicate laundry routine to make sure it lasts for as long as possible.
Washing fragile laundry items with regular clothes will ruin delicate garments and lead to holes, snags, or seams coming unraveled. To wash your delicates correctly, you’ll need a separate bag for each type of clothing you have. These bags create a protective layer that prevents any other fabrics from touching your delicates so they don’t get ruined in the wash. You can find laundry bags in a variety of sizes, so there’s sure to be one that’s perfect for your needs.
4. Throw away ALL dryer sheets. They are harmful!
Dryer sheets are most commonly used to reduce static and make laundry smell great, but they can also be harmful. Dryer sheets can release chemicals into the air, which can be harmful to your health.
A study testing five well-known brands of dryer sheets found that they emitted 15 endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) and chemicals associated with asthma. EDCs have the potential to disrupt fetal development, hormone function, and metabolism based on findings from other research.
There have even been instances of cancer and respiratory problems linked to dryer sheet use. Dryer sheets can also leave a residue on your clothes, which can cause skin irritation. If you’re looking for a natural way to reduce static and make your laundry smell great, try using wool dryer balls instead.
5. Use Chalk To Remove Grease Stains
Chalk is an inexpensive and eco-friendly way to remove marks and stains from your laundry items. But how does it work? How can a common school supply have the ability to remove stains?
The answer is simple: pH level. Chalk has a naturally acidic property that is able to break down fats. This makes it an excellent stain remover for your laundry. It is easy and cheap, too. So the next time you have a stubborn grease stain on your favorite shirt or pair of pants, grab some chalk instead of reaching for the expensive stain remover.
6. Use Salt To Stop Colors From Bleeding
With all the different options of laundry detergents, bleaching agents, and stain removers available, it can be tricky to know how much of which product to use in what situation. Even if you follow the recommendations on the labels, your clothing may still bleed and lose its color. This is particularly common with reds and blues, but any colored article of clothing may experience this problem. Fortunately, there are several household solutions that can help prevent bleeding in the laundry, one being salt.
If you’ve ever accidentally left a sweater or pair of pants in the washing machine with too much salt, then you know that it’s not advisable to mix these two cleaning ingredients together. But when it comes to using salt as an additive for your laundry instead of a stand-alone cleaner, there are some benefits associated with this simple laundry hack. Using salt in your next load of laundry is the perfect solution to stop colors from bleeding in the laundry. It’s cheap, accessible, and will keep your clothes vibrant for longer.
7. Regularly Clean Your Dryer Vents To Prevent A Fire
One of the most important pieces of laundry advice is to regularly clean your dryer vents. This may seem like a tedious task, but it’s essential in order to prevent fires. A build-up of lint in your dryer vent is not only a fire hazard, but it can also cause your dryer to overheat and break down.
Cleaning your dryer vents regularly is easy and only takes a few minutes. You can either do it yourself or hire a professional to do it for you. If you choose to clean your dryer vents yourself, be sure to unplug your dryer first and then use a vacuum with a long hose attachment to reach all the way into the vent. If you don’t have a vacuum, you can also use a brush with a long handle. Be sure to clean the lint trap after every load of laundry as well! You can use an old toothbrush or a dryer vent brush to remove any lint that’s accumulated there.
8. Don’t Overstuff Your Washing Machine or Dryer
This seems like common sense, but you’d be surprised how many people stuff their washing machines and dryers to the brim. Not only does this make your laundry less effective, but it can also damage your appliances. When you overstuff your washing machine, clothes don’t have enough room to move around and get clean. This leads to rewashing, which is a waste of time and water. Overstuffing your dryer has similar consequences. Clothes won’t dry properly, and you’ll end up having to run the cycle multiple times. This not only wastes energy, but it can also damage your clothes.
9. Use A Reliable Laundry Delivery Service
Last but not least, one of the best ways to make laundry day less stressful is to outsource the task to a reliable laundry delivery service. There are plenty of companies that offer this type of service, and it’s definitely worth considering if you hate doing laundry or don’t have the time for it. Laundry delivery services will pick up your dirty clothes, wash and fold them, and then deliver them back to you clean and smelling fresh! All you have to do is sit back and relax!
If you live in Charlotte, NC, or surrounding areas you can rely on The Washroom Laundry Service for 5-Star laundry delivery service. Whether you’re looking for a one-time pick-up or you need regular service, we’ve got you covered. We’ll even provide free pick up of your laundry from your home or office! Contact us today to learn more!
Hopefully, these tips will help make your next laundry day a breeze. Remember to clean your dryer vents regularly, don’t overstuff your washing machine or dryer, and consider using a laundry delivery service. With a little planning and effort, doing the laundry can be a stress-free task!
