What is the correct way to do laundry?

Are you unsure about the right way to do laundry? If you're anything like me, who wasn't given a thorough rundown on laundry basics, you're in the right place. I used to be the person who tossed everything into the machine and hoped for the best, believing hot water was the key to clean clothes. However, I've since learned that's not the best approach. Today washing machines are incredibly efficient and capable of cleaning effectively with cold water. This not only helps in preventing color fading but also saves energy. Let's explore a step-by-step guide on proper laundry techniques to make your clothes last longer and conserve resources. Let’s do this!

How to wash clothes step-by-step?

Washing clothes involves a process that can usually be broken down into seven key steps. While our method might vary slightly from others, it's largely in line with common practices we've researched. Let's explore these steps in detail together.

1. Sort by Color and Fabric

2. Pre-Treat Stains

3. Which Detergent to Use and How Much

4. Soften Clothes

5. Load the Washing Machine

6. Load the Dryer

7. Fold and Store

Step 1. Sort by Color and Fabric

The first step to efficient laundry is sorting your clothes. Start by Sorting by Color, then by Fabric. This can be easily achieved using inexpensive bins from Dollar Tree, typically priced around five dollars each.  By labeling each bin, you can sort your laundry into 6 sections; 1) Lights, 2) Darks, then 3) Jeans, 4) Heavy Lights, and 5) Heavy Darks.

What Colors Can Be Washed Together?

When considering which colors can be washed together, it's essential to distinguish between lights and darks. Lights can combine Whites with Pastels and Light Gray, while Darks can combine Blacks with Rich Colors. This helps keep your lights bright and prevents dark colors from bleeding onto them.  Here's a more detailed guide on how to sort your laundry by color groups:

Sort by Color Shades

1. Lights: Group Whites, Pastels, and Light Gray. Remember to check pockets, turn graphic tees, and workout clothes inside out. Use mesh bags for bras and delicates. 

2. Darks: Group Black, Navy, Purple, Brown, Dark Gray, Red. Avoid washing with new-colored clothing to prevent color bleeding. Air-dry these items to preserve their integrity. Remember to turn workout clothes inside out, empty pockets, and use mesh bags for bras and delicates. 

Sort by Fabric Weight and Type

3. Jeans: Group all jeans. Empty pockets. Keep a bowl for items you find in the pockets. Turn the jeans inside out to protect them from fading. Be cautious with new, bright-colored jeans as they might bleed; wash these separately at first.

4. Heavy Lights: Group white or light-colored towels, and bedding. Be aware that heavy items may need longer drying times.

5. Heavy Darks: Group dark-colored blankets, dark towels, and jackets.

Additionally, be aware of lint shedders (like cotton clothes, bed sheets, towels) and lint attractors (like synthetic clothes, microfiber, and blouses). Wash them separately to avoid lint transfer. If you're short on laundry and need to wash quickly, combine all clothes of the SAME COLOR in one load. Make sure to use a wash cycle that's safe for the most delicate item in the mix.

Step 2: Pre-Treat Stains

To extend the life of your clothes, prevent damage to your favorite items, and save money, it's crucial to pre-treat stains effectively. A simple yet effective method is to apply a small amount of detergent directly onto the stain—be careful not to use too much. For better results, gently work the detergent into the stain with a soft brush; a toothbrush can be used if necessary. Always check that the stain has been completely removed before placing the garment in the dryer. Once the stain is heat-set in the dryer, it becomes much more difficult to remove. For more advanced pre-treating, get a spray bottle from a store like Dollar Tree and add Half Water Half White Vinegar, and 2 drops of detergent. Spray this on the stain, then dab a dot of detergent to agitate it into the stain. If this doesn’t take off the stain, my go-to is using 91% rubbing alcohol and agitating to the stain. Detergents and Alcohol work on stains because they are degreasers. Here is a recap on top tips for pre-treating stains:

• Spray Bottle: Create a cleaning solution to spray general stains to pre-treat before the wash. Fill a Spray Bottle with half Water and half White Vinegar, and add 2-3 drops of detergent for general stains.
• Soft Brush: Use a soft brush to agitate the solution and or liquid detergent onto to stain, don’t overdo it.  1-3 drops of detergent is fine.
• Alcohol: Dab alcohol into the stain and agitate. Use 91% rubbing alcohol for tougher stains. This works great for ink and grass stains.
• Hydrogen Peroxide: Removes organic stains like blood or feces. Dab on to stain and agitate.
• Sun: UV rays from the sun have a natural bleaching effect, which fades stains. Lay garments for a few hours out in the sun.
• Borax:  Softens water and enhances the cleaning power of your laundry detergent. Mix ½ of Borax with your regular detergent in the dispenser. 
• Baking Soda: Gently scrubs clothes for a deeper clean. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of baking soda into the washer. 
• White Vinegar: Deodorizes, strips alkaline residue, and softens clothes. Add to the dispenser. Pour into the fabric softener dispenser or the bleach dispenser of your washing machine. 

Note: Follow these general guidelines, and always consult laundry care labels and symbols before treating stains or washing. Begin with gentle methods for delicate fabrics such as rayon, silk, chiffon, and wool, escalating to stronger treatments if needed. Promptly treating stains yields the best results.

Step 3: Which Detergent to Use and How Much

Our first recommendation is to check if your washing machine is a high-efficiency (HE) model. HE-compatible detergents, designed for low-suds formulas, operate best with less water. Using regular detergents in these machines can lead to excessive suds, disrupting the wash cycle and potentially causing long-term damage. Therefore, choosing the right detergent is not only crucial but also helps eliminate unsuitable options. For optimal results, use powder detergent for light-colored laundry and liquids, gels, or pods for colored items. 

How Much Detergent to Use:

When deciding on the amount of detergent, consider the load size, the level of soil on the garments, and the hardness of your water. If this is the first time you hear about water hardness, this is why you should care. If your water is hardened, meaning it is packed with minerals, then it makes your detergent less effective and you need more detergent for it to clean your clothes. To soften water, mix ½ of Borax with your regular detergent in the dispenser. Water hardness in your area is typically determined by the geographical characteristics of where you live. Different regions have varying levels of minerals, like calcium and magnesium, in their water supply. Spruce has a guide on how much detergent to use. For detailed benefits of each detergent type, explore further information here:

Powder Detergents:

• Best for Lights: Specifically formulated to clean and maintain white fabrics.
• Contains Oxygen Bleach: Ideal for keeping whites bright.
• Effective Against Tough Stains: Highly efficient in removing stubborn stains.

Liquid and Pod Detergents:

• Best for Darks: Specially designed to protect colored and dark garments from fading and damage.
• Free from Oxygen Bleach: Safer for colored and dark fabrics.
• Pre-Treats Stains: These can be directly applied to stains for effective pre-treatment.
• Versatile: Suitable for various fabric types and washing conditions.
• Note: Gel Pod Detergents is effective in cold water washes.

Step 4: Soften Clothes

While the traditional use of commercial fabric softeners is a common choice in laundry care, it's important to consider their potential drawbacks. These softeners, though effective in imparting freshness and softness, can sometimes leave chemical residues on fabrics and may contribute to the gradual deterioration of certain materials. Over time, they can reduce the absorbency of items like towels and affect the fire-retardant qualities of clothing. Additionally, they often contain synthetic fragrances and additives that can irritate sensitive skin.

Use White Vinegar to Soften Fabrics

An alternative method to soften fabrics is using white vinegar. White vinegar effectively softens fabrics, helps remove soap residue, and can even protect the color and texture of your clothes over time. It's also an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin or allergies. And as a bonus, it's cost-effective and eco-friendly.

How to Use White Vinegar:

• For Front-Loader Machines: Add 1/2 cup of white vinegar to the fabric softener dispenser at the start of the wash cycle.
• For Top-Loader Machines: You can add vinegar during the rinse cycle or use the fabric softener dispenser, if available.

Traditional Softeners vs. White Vinegar:

• Traditional Softeners:

           1. Can leave chemical residues.
           2. May deteriorate fabrics, affecting absorbency and fire-retardancy
           3. Potential skin irritant.

• White Vinegar as an Alternative:

           1. Natural fabric softening.
           2. Effective residue removal.
           3. Reduces static cling.
           4. Neutralizes odors.
           5. Eco-friendly, good for sensitive skin.

Step 5: Load the Washing Machine (Wash Temperature and Wash Cycle)

When loading your washing machine, there are two key factors to remember: cycle and temperature. For a safe and straightforward approach, opt for a normal cycle with cold water, and fill the machine half full – this is a great general rule for most laundry. Ready to level up your laundry skills? 

Wash Temperature by Color:

• Lights: Hot wash, 3/4 full for whites and light pastels. Hot water removes oils and stains but can fade colors.
• Darks: Cold wash, half-full to prevent fading. Warm wash for heavy soil.

Wash Cycle by Fabric:

• Delicate Fabrics: Use the delicate or normal cycle. Protect these items with mesh bags, so you can wash them with your regular load. Load lingerie, gym tops, or dresses up to ½ full. Hook bras to prevent tangling and turn delicate items inside out to protect the fabric. Remember to always check garment labels for specific care instructions to ensure the best results.
• Heavy: Use the normal or heavy cycle. Load towels and bedding up to 1/2 full, allowing enough space for thorough cleaning. 

Recap:

• Hot Wash: Recommended for light-colored items.
• Cold Wash: Generally suitable for most laundry and prevents fading.
• Delicate Cycle: Ideal for sensitive fabrics.
• Normal Cycle: Generally suitable for most laundry.
• Heavy Duty Cycle: Best for heavy items such as bedding and towels.

Step 6: Load the Dryer

Before starting each load, make sure to remove lint from the lint catcher. You can use a brush for this to prevent any nicks to your hands. Once you start loading the dryer, inspect each garment for any remaining stains; if you find any, rewash the item. This is crucial because once a stain is heat-set in the dryer, it becomes much more challenging to remove. For delicate items such as blouses, bras, and gym clothes, opt to hang them dry. You can use a shower rod for an easy and inexpensive way to hang dry clothes.

Step 7: Fold and Store

After drying, fold clothes in large laundry baskets, separated by each family member for easy storage. For example, yours, his, and the children. There are a few ways to fold. If you have time and want to save space in your drawers, opt for the fold-and-tuck method. I have provided the links to this folding method below, so you can give it a try. On the other hand, if you are running low on time, the good news is that you don't have to fold children's clothes, since they are small and less likely to wrinkle.

Fold-and-Tuck Clothes to Save Space:

Shirts 

Pants

Bulky Items

Next Steps

Did this housekeeping guide prove helpful? If so, book with Hernandez Carpet Cleaning for your floor and vent cleaning. We're committed to providing top-notch deep cleaning services, ensuring your floors shine and your vents remain dust-free. For professional cleaning that meets your schedule, simply book online or call us at 336-292-0331. Our friendly team is ready to assist you Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. For all your floor and vent cleaning requirements, Hernandez Carpet Cleaning is just a call or click away!

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Sources:

https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-do-laundry-2146149

https://tide.com/en-us/how-to-wash-clothes/how-to-do-laundry

https://www.ariel.co.uk/en-gb/how-to-wash/how-to-do-laundry/7-step-guide

https://www.nytimes.com/article/how-to-do-laundry.html

https://www.ihateironing.com/blog/laundry-symbols-explained/

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