Doing laundry can feel like a never-ending chore. No matter how often you wash clothes, more always seem to pile up. Fortunately, there are some simple hacks that can help streamline laundry and save you time. Incorporate a few of these tips into your routine and you’ll be amazed at how much easier laundry day becomes.
Sort Clothes Before Washing
One of the best ways to improve efficiency with laundry is to sort clothes before washing. Separate lights from darks, delicate items from sturdy ones, and heavily soiled items from lightly dirty laundry. This prevents colors from bleeding or fading and allows you to wash different fabrics at optimal temperatures. Sorting upfront saves the headache of digging through clean clothes later to check for issues.
Take a few minutes when putting clothes in the hamper to sort them into piles. Use separate hampers or laundry bags for each group. When it’s time to wash, you’ll just grab a bag and go instead of having to sort through a giant pile.
Wash Full Loads Whenever Possible
Washing smaller loads often uses more water and energy over time. For maximum efficiency, wait until you have full loads before running the washing machine. This advice applies to all sizes of washers.
If you end up with a small load, add towels or sheets to fill it out. Just be sure to follow fabric-specific wash instructions.
Only wash items when truly needed. Spot treat stains and let clothes air out instead of washing after every wear. With a little planning, you can build up full loads easily.
Know Your Machine Settings
Modern washers and dryers come with a variety of settings to handle different fabric types and soils. Learn what each option does on your specific models. This allows you to select the optimal cycles for every load.
Refer to the owner’s manual for guidance. Make a cheat sheet of the best settings for different situations and post it on the machines for easy reference.
Using the right settings avoids issues like shrunken sweaters or still-dirty clothes caused by improper washing. Saving cycles also conserves water and electricity.
Use Cold Water When Possible
Heating water comprises up to 90% of the energy used for washing clothes. Save energy by washing most loads in cold water.
Detergents specially formulated for cold water provide the same cleaning results as hot washes. Unless dealing with oily stains, hot water is rarely needed.
Colors stay brighter when washed in cold water as well. Reserve hot washes for sanitizing white loads or killing germs on kitchen rags or sick room linens.
Skip the Dryer When Feasible
Tumble drying also uses significant electricity. Save energy and prevent wear by line drying clothes when you can. Hang delicates and lightweight items indoors from a retractable line or drying rack.
For heavier pieces like jeans, place an outdoor clothesline in a sunny spot. The sun’s heat helps eliminate bacteria and allergens as clothes dry. Items may need a quick tumble on low with no heat afterwards to soften them up.
If drying indoors, open windows so moisture can escape. Placing a fan nearby speeds up drying time. Just make sure to dust or vacuum first!
Use Dryer Balls
Dryer balls are reusable balls placed in the dryer to help separate clothes and improve air circulation. This allows clothes to dry faster using less energy.
Wool dryer balls also absorb some moisture, further cutting dry time. Some contain essential oils for light scenting.
Dryer balls replace dryer sheets, eliminating waste and unnecessary chemicals. They are an inexpensive investment that can save significant energy costs over time.
Clean the Lint Filter
A clogged lint filter forces the dryer to work harder and use more energy to dry clothes. Clean it before every load for optimal efficiency.
Also check the outdoor vent exhaust occasionally to ensure it is not blocked. Lint buildup there can increase fire risk and damage the dryer.
Give the filter a deep cleaning every few months by soaking it in warm soapy water. This removes lingering residue and helps it work like new.
Use the High Spin Cycle
Washing machines have a high spin cycle that extracts more water from clothes before going into the dryer. Using this option reduces dry time and the energy needed.
The high spin is harder on fabrics though, so skip it for delicates. For most loads, the time and energy savings outweigh the small amount of added wear.
If your washer lacks a high spin cycle, manually wring items out or spin them a second time before drying for similar results.
Clean Washers Regularly
Over time, residue from detergents and fabrics builds up inside washers. This can lead to foul odors and improper cleaning.
Deep clean front load washers monthly by running a hot water cycle with bleach. Top loaders should be cleaned every 6 months with vinegar or a commercial cleaner.
Also remember to wipe the door gaskets, dispenser drawers, and any folds or crevices where dirt collects. Keeping washers fresh optimizes performance.
Use Dryer Sheets Sparingly
While dryer sheets make clothes smell nice, the perfumes and chemicals can build up in machines over time. This leaves a film that hampers efficiency.
Limit dryer sheets to occasional use for a quick scent boost. Instead, add a few drops of essential oils to wool dryer balls for light fragrance.
Vinegar mixed with water in a Downy ball also helps remove residue. Run a hot cycle with it monthly to keep the dryer operating at peak condition.
Clean Out Lint Traps
Lint can gather in all sorts of places beyond the filter. Over time, this buildup also creates inefficiency and fire hazards.
Every 6 months, unplug the dryer and use a vacuum hose to clean the cabinet inside and out. Use a toothbrush dipped in rubbing alcohol to scrub the lint trap housing.
Remove the vent hose and use a long brush to clean it out. Wipe down the drum and around the door seal as well.
Use Fabric Softener Sparingly
While fabric softener makes clothes feel nice, it can also leave an oily residue on machine parts over time. This coating makes the dryer work harder.
Only use softener for specific fabrics that need it, like towels. Dilute to half strength or less to reduce buildup.
Vinegar works as a natural fabric softener and prevents residue. For a scented boost, add essential oils to the vinegar.
Clean Detergent Dispensers
Just like inside the washer, gunky buildup can accumulate in detergent and softener dispensers. Clean these regularly for optimal performance.
Leave the dispensers open after use to air dry. About once a month, remove them completely and clean with hot water and an old toothbrush.
For front loaders, also clean the rubber seal around the dispenser drawer to prevent leaks and mold growth.
Use a Laundry Stain Pretreat
Heavily stained and soiled items take more wash cycles and effort for machines to get them clean. Pretreating stains helps clothes get cleaner in the first wash.
Look for prewash sprays or sticks formulated for your stain type. Apply them to soiled areas as soon as possible before washing.
You can also make a DIY pretreat with dish soap, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and vinegar. This saves money compared to commercial products.
Soak Tough Stains
For serious stains or heavily soiled clothing, soaking before washing provides an extra cleaning boost. The prolonged exposure to water helps loosen soils.
Fill a tub or sink with enough cold water to cover the item. For whites, add bleach. For colors, use an oxygen-based cleaner.
Let soak 30 minutes to overnight depending on the stain. Launder as usual afterwards, and repeat if needed.
Wash Bras in a Lingerie Bag
The straps and hooks on bras make them prone to snagging on other laundry in the wash. This stretches them out prematurely.
Use a mesh lingerie bag to keep bras separated during washing and protect their shape. Look for bags with zip closures at the top for security.
Turn bras inside out before washing as well. This prevents the cups from filling with water and maintains support.
Hand Wash Expensive or Delicate Items
No matter how careful you are, machine washing can eventually damage delicate fabrics like silk, lace and sequined fabrics.
Extend their life by hand washing expensive or fragile garments. Use a gentle cleaner formulated for delicates and cool water.
Let items soak for a few minutes to loosen dirt. Swish gently, then rinse. Lay flat or hang to dry away from direct sun.
Wash Sweaters in a Pillowcase
Wool sweaters canfelt or shrink in the washing machine, even on a delicate setting. Protect their shape by washing in a pillowcase.
Place the folded sweater inside and tie the open end for security. The smooth cotton helps sweaters glide gently through the machine instead of catching on other items.
Be sure to use cold water and a gentle cycle. Air dry flat afterwards to complete sweater saving!
Clean the Washing Machine Itself
Laundry buildup and residue collects inside washers over time. This creates odors and hampers cleaning performance.
Clean top loaders monthly by running a hot cycle with either bleach or vinegar. Use an affresh cleaner tablet every 3 months for deeper cleaning.
Clean front loaders every 30 washes with bleach or vinegar. Leave the door open to dry out any moisture between washes to prevent mold.
Balance Loads
An imbalanced washing machine vibrates excessively and can walk across the floor. This puts strain on components.
For top loaders, intermix large and small items for even distribution. For front loaders, load evenly between left and right sides.
If the machine seems off balance, stop it right away. Redistribute the load for smoother, efficient operation. Avoid overstuffing as well.
Mix Up Detergents
Using the same detergent constantly allows ingredients to build up on clothes and in the machine. Switching formulas helps prevent this.
Try alternating between liquid, powder and single dose pod detergents. Use ones formulated for cold water washes.
Changing to a detergent made for sensitive skin can help if yours gets irritated. Just avoid detergents with added scent or fabric softener.
Pre-Treat Collars and Cuffs
The collars and cuffs of shirts get more grime and buildup than other areas. If you can’t pre-treat a whole garment, focus on these spots.
Use a small brush or old toothbrush to gently scrub stain remover, laundry detergent or a DIY mix into soiled collars and cuffs before washing.
This extra attention loosens soils so the main wash cycle can remove them more easily. A little extra elbow grease here saves the machine effort.
Install a Utility Sink
Hauling laundry across the house to wash, treat stains and hand wash delicates is exhausting. Make laundry chores easier by installing a utility sink in the laundry room.
Choose a large, deep sink that can accommodate hand washing and pretreating. Add hooks nearby to hang items to drip dry.
Use an antibacterial soap formulated for laundry for hand washing. The utility sink keeps laundry cleaning contained to one room.
Conclusion
Doing laundry doesn’t have to take over your life or eat up all of your precious time. By incorporating some of these 19 helpful laundry hacks and tips into your routine, you can streamline the process and make wash days easier. Sort clothes before washing, only run full loads, and use the right settings for optimal efficiency. Invest in tools like dryer balls and sink accessories for laundry rooms. Prevent buildup by regularly cleaning machines, vents and dispensers. Pretreat stains and hand wash delicates to protect your favorite items. Use these simple shortcuts to take back your weekends and make laundry a breeze!
Frequently Asked Questions About Laundry Hacks That Work and Save Time
What are some effective laundry pre-treatments?
Some effective stain pre-treatments include:
- Dish soap – For oil and grease stains
- Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda – For underarm stains and ring around the collar
- White vinegar – For perspiration and deodorant stains
- Meat tenderizer – For blood stains
- Lemon juice – For rust stains
- Murphy’s oil soap – For makeup and lipstick stains
Apply directly to the stain and let sit for 15-30 minutes before washing as usual.
What are wool dryer balls and how do they work?
Wool dryer balls are soft balls made from wool fibers that are placed in the dryer with clothes. As the dryer runs, the balls bounce around and separate clothes, improving airflow. This allows clothes to dry faster and reduces drying time. Wool balls also absorb some moisture and cut down on static. Over time they can help soften laundry as well. Wool dryer balls replace dryer sheets.
How often should you clean the lint trap?
For optimal efficiency and fire safety, you should clean the lint filter in your dryer before every load. Lint buildup in the filter and vent hose forces the dryer to work harder to get clothes dry. A clogged filter is also a major fire hazard. Take a few seconds before each load to remove lint from the filter. Give it a deep clean by washing monthly.
How can you dry clothes faster indoors?
Some tips for faster indoor drying include:
- Hang clothes close together so they touch. This allows moisture to wick between items.
- Make sure closet doors are open so air can circulate freely.
- Point a fan directly on garments to enhance airflow.
- Open windows if possible, or turn on A/C to lower indoor humidity.
- Use a drying rack instead of hanging over furniture or rods. Racks allow air on all sides of clothing.
What are signs your washing machine needs cleaning?
Signs that a washer needs cleaning include foul odors coming from the machine, cloudy gray water draining out, poor cleaning performance, hidden mold or mildew buildup and increased time needed to get laundry clean. Take the time every month or so to deep clean the washer itself, along the door gasket, dispensers and inside the drum to keep it fresh.
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