As a busy mom, finding time to do household chores can be a struggle. But doing the laundry is something that simply cannot be avoided – after all, we all need clean clothes to wear! While it may seem like a tedious task, there are a few secrets that can help you achieve perfect laundry results every time, even when you’re short on time.
Sort your clothes properly. Sorting your clothes by color, fabric type, and wash temperature will ensure that they come out of the wash looking their best. For example, you should wash whites and light-colored clothes separately from darker colors to prevent dye bleeding, and wash delicates and heavily soiled clothes on a gentle cycle.
Use the right amount of detergent. Using too much detergent can leave residue on your clothes and make them feel stiff, while using too little can result in clothes that are not fully cleaned. To avoid these problems, be sure to follow the recommended amount of detergent listed on the packaging.
Pre-treat stains. If you have a particularly stubborn stain, it’s best to treat it before tossing it in the wash. Simply apply a pre-treatment solution or a small amount of detergent directly to the stain, and allow it to sit for a few minutes before washing as usual.
Use the right water temperature. Different fabrics require different water temperatures to get the best clean. For example, whites and light-colored clothes should be washed in warm water, while darker colors and delicates should be washed in cold water to prevent fading and shrinkage.
Don’t overload the washing machine. Overloading your washing machine can lead to clothes not getting fully cleaned or rinsed, as well as unnecessary wear and tear on the machine. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommended capacity for your machine to ensure optimal cleaning results.
Don’t leave clothes in the washing machine for too long. Leaving wet clothes in the washing machine for an extended period of time can lead to bad odors and even the growth of bacteria. To avoid these issues, be sure to transfer wet clothes to the dryer or hang them up to dry as soon as the wash cycle is complete.
Use the right drying cycle. Just like with the wash cycle, different fabrics require different drying cycles to avoid shrinkage or damage. For example, delicates should be dried on a low heat setting, while towels and jeans can be dried on a higher heat setting.
Remove clothes from the dryer promptly. Similar to leaving wet clothes in the washing machine, leaving clothes in the dryer for too long can lead to wrinkling and even the growth of bacteria. Be sure to remove clothes from the dryer as soon as the cycle is complete and either fold or hang them up to prevent these issues.
Use fabric softener sparingly. While fabric softener can make your clothes feel softer and smell fresher, using too much can actually make them feel stiff and build up on the fabric over time. To avoid these issues, use fabric softener sparingly and only on certain types of clothes, such as towels and bedding.
Store clothes properly. Proper storage of your clean clothes can help them stay fresh and last longer. Be sure to fold and store clothes in a dry, cool place to prevent wrinkling and the growth of bacteria. By following these ten secrets, you’ll be well on your way to achieving perfect laundry results every time, even as a busy mom. Happy washing!
