There comes a point in your life when you will have to learn how to do laundry.
For some, it’s in the distant future, for others, it’s near, and for you, it’s today.
Laundry is a must, and it’s something we take for granted.
We all love fresh laundry, but there’s one thing that makes things complicated.
No one likes doing it!
Yup.
Laundry is a must, we love fresh clothes, but everyone and their mothers would rather hang out on IG all day.
It’s quite a chore and one that not many like to do.
However, it must be done, regardless of how we think or feel.
So, If you want to learn how to do laundry, this simple guide will show you how to get it done.
Table of Contents
How to do Laundry
If you want to know how to do laundry, there are several things you need to have, know, and understand.
First, you’ll need to sort your laundry by color and fabric type. This will prevent colors from bleeding onto each other and help protect delicate fabrics.
Once you’ve sorted your laundry, it’s time to choose the right detergent and set your washing machine to the appropriate settings.
After your clothes are washed, it’s important to dry them properly.
Depending on the type of fabric, you can use a dryer, or you might have to hang them and let them air dry.
Along with learning how to do laundry, this post will give you tips on how to properly dry your clothes and avoid shrinking or damaging them.
With these simple steps, you’ll be able to figure out and understand how to do laundry with confidence and ease.
How to do Laundry: The Basics
Unless you like being the talk of the town, laundry is necessary.
And, if you’re a complete beginner looking to learn how to do laundry, here are some basic things you need to know before you even think about throwing anything into the washer.
Sorting Clothes
This is probably the most laborious part of doing laundry but it is very, very important.
Doing this will help prevent damage and ensure that they are cleaned properly. Two main things to focus on will be color and fabric type, which can be done with these guidelines.
- Whites: Wash separately from other colors.
- Dark colors: Wash together to prevent fading.
- Delicates: Wash separately from heavier fabrics.
- Towels: Wash separately from clothing items as they can produce lint.
Choosing Detergent
To ensure your clothes are cleaned properly, you need to choose the right detergent. There are many types of detergent available, but the most common are powder, liquid, and now, pods.. With those two types come many different brands that make things that much more confusing. Here are some things to consider when choosing a detergent:
- Fabric type: Choose a detergent that is suitable for the fabric type of your clothes.
- Stain type: Choose a detergent that is effective in removing the type of stain you have.
- Fragrance: Choose a detergent with a fragrance that you like. there are many different kinds to choose from, and there are some that are also fragrance-free for sensitive clothing and skin.
Loading the Washing Machine
Loading the washing machine is another important step if you want to learn how to do laundry properly. Doing so will get your clothes cleaned and fresh. Here are some general guidelines:
- Do not overload the machine: Overloading the machine can damage your clothes and the machine but most importantly, it won’t get your clothes as fresh as you want them.
- Add detergent: Add the recommended amount of detergent for the load size. The instructions are there for a reason but you will find what works best for you as you learn and gain experience along the way.
- Set the water temperature: Set the water temperature according to the fabric type or risk damaging your clothes.
- Choose the wash cycle: Choose the appropriate wash cycle for the fabric type and stain type.
These are just the basics, but if you follow them, you can start washing clothes already.
Sorting Your Laundry
Sorting laundry is not fun but it’s the first step in learning how to do laundry.
By sorting your laundry, you will ensure that your clothes get cleaned properly, prevent them from getting damaged, and you don’t have certain colors bleeding into the other.
At the very least, you want to sort your laundry into three different ways.
By Color
Sorting your laundry by color is a must.
It prevents color bleeding and will ensure your clothes are getting
As much of a no-brainer as this may sound, sorting your laundry by color is not something that some will understand.
When I was in basic training I used to throw all my clothes in one load.
It worked for that situation, but is not something you want to do, especially with white clothing.
You want to sort your clothes into three colors: whites, lights, and darks.
Not only will you keep clothes from bleeding, but it will keep your whites looking bright and it also prevents them from becoming gray or yellow over time.
By Fabric Type
Sorting your laundry by fabric type is another important step if you want to learn how to do laundry properly
Delicate fabrics like silk, lace, and wool require special treatment and can be sorted into their own category
This is great if you have uniforms or some of your fancier outfits
Similarly, clothes with embellishments such as sequins, beads, or embroidery should be washed separately to help keep them intact.
By Level of Dirtiness
This is important if you have clothes that are really dirty.
Our kids play soccer and love to get dirty, so there are times when we need to sort laundry by the level of dirtiness.
You don’t want to mix your nicer clothes with muddy socks and whatnot, but we will save that discussion for another article.
For now, wash dirtier clothes together, regardless of color.
In the end, sorting your laundry properly is important if you want to know how to do laundry the right way.
Choosing the Right Detergent
Once you have everything sorted, it’s time to choose the right laundry detergent.
This will ensure that your clothes are cleaned properly and well-maintained.
Follow these tips to see how to choose the right detergent for your laundry needs.
For Whites
You need a detergent for white clothes that will help keep them bright and clean.
Look for detergents that contain bleach or enzymes, as these effectively remove stains and keep your whites looking new.
You can also use a detergent that is specifically formulated for whites, but don’t overdo it or you’ll find your whites looking yellow or gray.
For Colors
When washing colored clothes, choosing a detergent that won’t cause the colors to fade or bleed is important.
Look for detergents that are labeled “color-safe” or “color-protecting.”
These detergents are formulated to help preserve the color and keep them looking vibrant.
For Delicates
Delicate fabrics such as silk, wool, and cashmere require a gentle detergent that won’t damage the fibers.
Look for detergents that are labeled “gentle” or “delicate.”
These detergents are formulated to be mild and gentle on delicate fabrics.
This specific type of detergent is necessary if someone in the family has allergies or is sensitive to certain ingredients.
Always follow the instructions and use the recommended amount according to the size of your load.
Choose the right detergent and you will keep your clothes fresh and clean along with keeping them looking new.
Loading the Washer
Knowing how to do laundry requires a very simple knowledge of loading your washer.
Depending on the size of your washer will determine the amount of clothes you will put in your washer.
I’ve had a smaller washer at one point and as much as I wanted to stuff it to get my laundry done faster, it only made things worse.
Not only did my clothes come out nice and fresh but I had to rewash them as well.
The last thing you want to do is overload your washer.
Next, you want to add the detergent.
Use the recommended amount per load size and follow the instructions on the detergent carefully.
Next, you want to ensure that you have the proper temperature of water for the type of clothes you will be washing.
Lastly, set the washer to the proper cycle according to fabric type and you’re good to go.
There are all kinds of knobs and dials on washing machines these days, so take the time to understand the functions of your washer.
Conclusion – Now You Know How to do Laundry
Laundry is a must and there’s no way around it.
However, once you learn how to do laundry, you will do it with ease and you will get faster and have specific ways that you do things.
In the end, if you follow these basic steps on how to do laundry, I’m sure you’ll have your clothes looking and feeling their best for several years.
I hope you have learned how to do laundry but I will be covering a more in-depth guide on how to do laundry here soon.
For now, thanks for reading, and don’t forget that drying your shoes with newspaper actually works.
Thanks for reading!
