Laundry Tips for Beginners: How to Master the Art of Laundry Like a Pro

Doing laundry is one of those life skills that many of us have to learn the hard way. Whether you're a college student, living on your own for the first time, or just trying to get a handle on the laundry situation, it can feel like a lot to manage. Sorting, washing, drying, folding—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed!

But don’t worry, laundry doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple tips and tricks, you’ll be able to keep your clothes looking fresh, clean, and in great shape. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the basics of laundry and offer tips for beginners to help you tackle your laundry day like a pro.

1. Sort Your Laundry

One of the most important steps in laundry is sorting your clothes. It’s tempting to just throw everything into one load, but separating your laundry properly can help prevent damage and keep colors looking bright. The basic rule is to sort your laundry by color, fabric type, and level of dirtiness.

• How to do it:

  • Colors: Separate darks (blacks, blues, reds) from whites (white shirts, socks, underwear). If you have bright colors like yellow, green, or orange, they can usually go with darks, but be cautious with reds and other colors that may bleed.
  • Fabrics: Delicate fabrics (like lingerie, silk, or lace) should be washed separately from heavier fabrics (like towels or jeans). This helps prevent snags and stretching.
  • Dirtiness: If something is heavily soiled or has stains, wash it separately to avoid transferring dirt to other clothes.

• Bonus: Invest in mesh laundry bags for delicates like bras or lace garments to keep them safe during the wash.

2. Read the Care Labels

Clothing care labels are there for a reason! They offer important information about how to wash and dry your clothes to keep them in good condition. Many fabrics, such as wool, silk, or cashmere, require special attention to avoid shrinking, fading, or damaging the fabric.

• How to do it: Look for symbols on the care labels that indicate washing temperature, drying instructions, and ironing advice. For example, a symbol with a hand in a bucket of water means “hand wash only,” while a circle inside a square with a line underneath means “tumble dry low.”
• Bonus: If you don’t have the time to read every label, stick to cold water for most loads to prevent shrinkage and fading. Cold water is also more energy-efficient.

3. Choose the Right Detergent

The right detergent can make a big difference in how your clothes come out. There are many different types of laundry detergents available, and it’s important to pick the one that’s best for your needs. You’ll find options like liquid detergent, powder detergent, and pods. Some detergents are designed for specific fabrics, like delicates or activewear.

• How to do it: If you’re not sure which detergent to use, start with a standard liquid detergent. If you have sensitive skin or allergies, look for hypoallergenic or fragrance-free options. For tough stains, consider a stain-fighting detergent or a separate stain remover.
• Bonus: Don’t overuse detergent! Using too much detergent can leave residue on your clothes and in the washer. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommended amount, based on the size of your load.

4. Use the Right Water Temperature

Choosing the right water temperature is key to getting your clothes clean without causing damage. In general, cold water works well for most clothes and helps prevent shrinking or fading. Hot water is great for whites or heavily soiled clothes, while warm water is a middle ground.

• How to do it:

  • Cold water: Best for colors, delicate fabrics, and lightly soiled clothes. It helps preserve colors and prevents shrinking.
  • Warm water: Good for lightly soiled clothes and blends. It’s ideal for things like t-shirts and sheets.
  • Hot water: Best for whites, towels, and bedding, or when you need to disinfect or remove heavy stains. Be cautious with delicates and darks, as hot water can cause fading and shrinking.

• Bonus: Consider washing your clothes inside out to protect the color and fabric, especially for dark or graphic clothing.

5. Don’t Overload the Washer

It might be tempting to stuff as much laundry as possible into your washing machine to get it done faster, but overloading the washer can prevent clothes from getting properly clean. Clothes need room to move around to get thoroughly washed.

• How to do it: Follow your washing machine’s capacity guidelines. If your clothes are packed in too tightly, they won’t get washed as effectively, and it can strain the machine.
• Bonus: If you’re washing larger items like blankets or comforters, wash them separately to avoid overloading and ensure they get cleaned properly.

6. Dry Clothes Correctly

Drying clothes can make or break the lifespan of your garments. High heat from the dryer can cause shrinkage, fading, or fabric damage, so it’s important to be mindful of your drying settings.

• How to do it:

  • Air drying: For delicate or shrink-prone items, hang them up to air dry. It’s gentler on fabrics and helps avoid any unwanted shrinkage.
  • Tumble dry low: Use a low heat setting for most items, especially delicate fabrics or items with elastic.
  • High heat: Only use high heat for towels, bedding, or heavier items that can handle it.

• Bonus: To speed up drying, add dryer balls (or tennis balls) to the dryer to help fluff up the fabric and reduce drying time.

7. Treat Stains Immediately

One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is leaving stains on clothes for too long. The longer you wait, the harder it is to remove the stain. Acting quickly can help you avoid permanently stained garments.

• How to do it: Blot (don’t rub) the stain with a clean cloth to absorb as much as possible. Use a stain remover or liquid detergent directly on the stain and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before washing. For tough stains like grease, consider using a stain stick or pre-treatment product.
• Bonus: For blood stains, rinse the fabric in cold water before applying a stain remover or soap. Hot water can set the stain.

8. Fold Clothes Right After Drying

Folding clothes as soon as they come out of the dryer (or after air drying) will keep them wrinkle-free and organized. Plus, it’s much easier to do when the clothes are warm and soft.

• How to do it: Lay items flat or fold them immediately as you take them out of the dryer. If you don’t have time to fold right away, hang items like shirts or dresses to prevent creases.
• Bonus: Invest in a folding board for perfectly neat folds every time.

9. Maintain Your Washer and Dryer

Properly maintaining your washer and dryer can extend their lifespan and ensure they continue working efficiently. Check the lint trap after each use to avoid fire hazards, and periodically clean the washer to prevent mildew buildup.

• How to do it: Run an empty load with hot water and a cup of white vinegar every few months to clean the washing machine. Clean the lint filter after every dryer load, and check the dryer vent for blockages.
• Bonus: Leave the washing machine door open after use to allow it to air dry and prevent odors from developing.

10. Don’t Over-Use Fabric Softener

Fabric softeners can make clothes feel soft and smell fresh, but overuse can leave residue on your clothes and cause buildup in your washing machine. Use fabric softeners sparingly and only when necessary.

• How to do it: Use fabric softener for towels, sheets, and bedding to add softness. For everyday clothes, you can usually skip it or use a half amount to avoid residue.
• Bonus: Try natural alternatives like white vinegar, which helps soften clothes and remove any soap residue.

Conclusion

Laundry doesn’t have to be a daunting task once you understand the basics. By sorting your clothes, choosing the right detergent, and following the right washing and drying practices, you’ll have clean, fresh clothes without the hassle. With these tips, you’ll feel more confident and efficient when it comes to laundry day. So, embrace the process and soon enough, you’ll be handling laundry like a seasoned pro!