Category: Living on Your Own

Laundry Basics

Doing laundry is one of those life skills that seems simple until you’re standing in front of a washing machine with a basket full of clothes and no idea what to do next.

The good news is that learning the basics isn’t difficult. Once you understand a few simple rules, laundry becomes a routine chore that helps your clothes last longer and keeps them looking their best.

Start by Reading the Care Label

Every piece of clothing has a care label that provides instructions from the manufacturer.

The label tells you things like:

Whether the item can be machine washed
The recommended water temperature
Whether bleach is safe to use
How to dry the item
Whether ironing is recommended

If you’re unsure about a garment, always check the label before washing it.

Sort Your Laundry

Before starting the washer, separate your clothes into different loads.

A simple system is:

Check Every Pocket

Before placing clothes in the washer:

Remove tissues
Empty coins
Take out pens
Remove keys
Check receipts

One forgotten tissue can create a mess throughout an entire load.

Zip and Button Clothing

Before washing:

Zip zippers.
Button large buttons.
Tie drawstrings.
Close Velcro fasteners.

This helps prevent clothes from snagging each other during the wash cycle.

Don’t Overload the Washer

It can be tempting to fit everything into one load.

Avoid overfilling.

Clothes need room to move freely so they can be cleaned properly.

An overloaded washer may:

Clean less effectively
Cause wrinkles
Increase wear on fabrics
Put unnecessary strain on the machine

Choose the Right Water Temperature

A simple guide:

Use the Right Amount of Detergent

More detergent doesn’t mean cleaner clothes.

Using too much can:

Leave residue
Cause odors
Reduce cleaning performance

Follow the instructions on the detergent container and adjust for load size if needed.

Helpful Resources: Browse Detergent & Laundry Products for products, equipment, services, or supplies related to this section.

Choose the Correct Wash Cycle

Most washers offer several settings.

For everyday laundry:

Drying Your Clothes

After washing:

Shake clothes out before placing them in the dryer.
Clean the lint filter before every load.
Avoid overloading the dryer.

Some clothing should be:

Air dried
Laid flat to dry
Hung on hangers

Again, check the care label.

Helpful Resources: Browse Drying & Clothing Care for products, equipment, services, or supplies related to this section.

Fold or Hang Clothes Promptly

Leaving clean laundry in a basket creates wrinkles.

Instead:

Fold shirts
Hang dress clothes
Match socks
Put everything away soon after drying

This also helps keep your bedroom organized.

Laundry Tips

Simple habits make laundry easier.

Wash towels separately from clothing.
Wash new dark clothes separately the first time.
Treat stains as soon as possible.
Keep a small laundry basket in your bedroom.
Wash bedding regularly.

Consistency is easier than letting laundry pile up.

Helpful Resources: Browse Stain Care for products, equipment, services, or supplies related to this section.

Laundry Supplies Checklist

✔ Laundry detergent

✔ Stain remover

✔ Laundry basket

✔ Hamper

✔ Dryer sheets or dryer balls (optional)

✔ Mesh laundry bags

✔ Hangers

✔ Folding drying rack (optional)

Common Laundry Symbols

You’ll often see symbols instead of words.

Common examples include:

Machine wash
Hand wash only
Do not bleach
Tumble dry
Hang to dry
Do not iron
Dry clean only

Learning these symbols can help you avoid damaging your clothes.

Common Mistakes

Avoid these common mistakes:

Washing new dark clothing with whites.
Leaving tissues in pockets.
Using too much detergent.
Overloading the washer.
Ignoring care labels.
Forgetting to clean the dryer’s lint filter.
Leaving wet clothes in the washer for too long.

Laundry doesn’t have to be complicated. A few simple habits will help keep your clothes clean, organized, and looking their best.