Washing laundry is an essential part of life, especially if you’re a parent of a growing family. With the right approach and knowledge, washing your laundry doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Knowing the basics of how to wash your laundry can save you time and money and ensure your clothes last longer.
Gather Your Supplies
Before you start, you’ll need to gather your supplies. This includes detergent, fabric softener, a washing machine, and a clothes dryer. Depending on the type of fabrics you’re washing, you may also need to include bleach or other special detergents. It’s important to read the labels on your garments to determine which type of detergent is best for the fabric. After you have all your supplies, you’re ready to begin.
Separate Clothes by Color and Fabric
When preparing to wash your laundry, it’s important to separate clothes by color and fabric. This includes whites, darks, and colors. You should also separate fabrics such as cotton, wool, and synthetics. This will help prevent colors from bleeding onto other fabrics and help ensure your clothes last longer. You should also check for stains and treat any areas that need special treatment prior to washing.
Choose the Right Water Temperature
When washing your laundry, it’s important to choose the right water temperature for each load. For most clothes, cold water is the best choice as it helps keep colors from fading and prevents shrinking. However, if you’re washing heavily soiled items, you may need to use hot water. Again, it’s important to read the labels on your garments to determine the best water temperature.
Choose the Right Detergent
When it comes to detergents, there are many options. Most laundry detergents come in powder, liquid, and capsule form. It’s important to choose the right type of detergent for your load. For example, if you’re washing heavily soiled items, you may need to use a more concentrated detergent. If you’re washing delicate items, you may need to use a milder detergent.
Add Fabric Softener
Once you’ve added the detergent, you may want to add fabric softener. Fabric softener helps reduce static cling and makes clothes feel softer and smell fresher. Be sure to read the instructions on the bottle to determine how much fabric softener to use. You may also want to add a fabric softener sheet to the dryer during the drying cycle.
Load the Washing Machine
When loading the washing machine, you’ll want to start with the heaviest fabrics and work your way down to the lightest. This will help ensure an even wash for all of your clothes. You should also be sure to let the washing machine fill up with water before adding the clothes. This will help ensure the detergent and fabric softener is properly dispersed.
Set the Cycle and Start Washing
Once the washing machine is loaded, you’ll want to select the correct cycle. Most washing machines have several cycle options such as delicate, normal, heavy, and extra heavy. Be sure to select the proper cycle for your load. Once the cycle is selected, you can start the machine and let it do the work.
Remove Clothes from the Washing Machine
When the cycle is finished, you’ll want to remove the clothes from the washing machine. Be sure to check the pockets for any forgotten items and inspect the clothes for any leftover detergent or fabric softener residue. If there is any residue, you may need to rewash the items in a new cycle.
Load the Dryer and Start Drying
Once the clothes are removed from the washing machine, you’ll want to load the dryer. When loading the dryer, be sure to separate the items by fabric type. This will help ensure an even drying cycle. You may also want to add a fabric softener sheet to the dryer during the drying cycle. Once the dryer is loaded, you can start the cycle and let the dryer do its job.
Remove Clothes from the Dryer
When the drying cycle is finished, you’ll want to remove the clothes from the dryer. Be sure to check the pockets for any forgotten items and inspect the clothes for any leftover fabric softener residue. If there is any residue, you may need to run the items through another drying cycle.
Fold and Store Clothes
Once the clothes are dry, you’ll want to fold and store them. This will help keep them neat and organized. Be sure to fold clothes according to the fabric type and store them in an area that is free of moisture. This will help ensure your clothes stay in good condition.
Conclusion
Washing laundry doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right approach and knowledge, you can easily wash your laundry and keep it looking and smelling fresh. Be sure to separate clothes by color and fabric, choose the right water temperature and detergent, add fabric softener, load the washing machine, select the proper cycle, remove clothes from the washing machine, load the dryer, remove clothes from the dryer, and fold and store clothes. Following these steps will help ensure your laundry is cleaned properly and lasts longer.