There seems to be a common disdain for laundry. It’s the chore that haunts many people as they try to ignore the overflowing basket for days. Yet, like most things in life, they can’t dodge it forever.
As the pile grows, their closet thins, forcing them to acknowledge the task they’ve been avoiding.
Washing clothes is a chore that no one wants to do. Luckily, many people have a choice to hire domestic cleaners in Melbourne who will do the dirty work for them, or even purchase an automated washer/dryer combo that does all the work.
If you’re like most people who dread doing laundry, take a deep breath. We’re about to make this monumental task just a little bit easier with 10 genius laundry tips to make doing laundry less of a chore.
Cycle Through with 10 Time-saving Laundry Tips
Ditch the dragging feet and put this dreaded chore into a quick cycle with these 10 time-saving laundry hacks.
1. Wear More, Wash Less
Not every outfit should only be worn once. Clothing that you wear but doesn’t become soiled throughout the day by dirt, sweat, stains, or other unsavoury things can be worn again without washing them.
This includes shirts, jeans, dresses, and other outer layers of clothes. Just avoid reusing undergarments and socks. These items should only be worn once before washing them for hygiene reasons.
But how long exactly can you wear your clothes before they need a fresh wash? According to GQ Magazine:
- Workout clothes should go through the wash after every use
- You can don the same suit up to 4 or 5 times before washing it
- You can wear dress shirts and blouses 3 to 4 times between washes
- T-shirts vary based on how much you sweat, but on average can be worn once or twice
- Winter outer clothes such as jackets and coats can last the entire season
- Hats, scarves, and gloves can go an entire month without cleaning
- Pyjamas can be worn up to 4 times without needing a wash
Of course, these are loose guidelines. With the exception of single-use clothing, you should always gauge when it’s time to clean clothes by how soiled they become after each use.
2. Ditch Sorting By Doubling Up on Hampers
Skip the frustration of clawing through a mound of clothing as you sort between your whites and your colours. All you have to do is buy an extra clothes basket and designate one for each type of load.
You can toss your clothes in the appropriate bins when they’re ready for washing. Not only does it make shedding your old ensemble more fun, but it shaves off time from your regular laundry chores.
3. Beat the Lost Sock Dilemma with Uniformity
Socks are notorious for becoming lost at some point during the laundry process. In goes two, but only one comes out. Then what?
Stop playing the matching game by going out and buying uniform sets of socks. Buy solid colours in bulk so you can easily match them together, even if it isn’t the same original set.
4. Tackle Stains Immediately
Thanks to awesome inventions like Tide to Go Stain Remover Pens or Sard Wonder Stain Remover Sticks, you can tackle stains when they happen. Keep these handy utensils in your bag.
Not only will it get rid of the stain before it sets in, but they also save you from having to throw it in the wash the moment you get home. These spot removers are quick, efficient, and handy.
Especially when you loathe having to go through an entire wash cycle just for one item.
5. Gather You Loot in One Scoop Using a Towel
How many times have you tried to carry a load of laundry from one place to another only to leave a trail of socks and undergarments behind you?
Thankfully, there is a quick fix for this frustrating issue! Simply use a large towel to gather your load and fold it into a sack you can throw over your shoulder! It’s simple and effective.
Plus, you can see where you’re going far better than you would be when trying to peer through an armful of dirty clothes.
6. Do It Right the First Time
While this may not be a time-saver during the cleaning process, it will save you the time spent tossing ruined clothing and heading out to the store to buy new ones.
As you sort your loads, make sure you separate the fabrics by their cleaning requirements, not just colour.
Different fabrics require different cleaning methods. It pays to pay attention to them. Read the tags and look up any information you aren’t clear on regarding the directions for how to wash them.
You can also use this handy chart.
7. Conquer Overflowing Drawers by Stacking Horizontally
This simple storage hack can keep your drawers from overflowing. Instead of stacking your folded clothes vertically in the drawers, stack them horizontally.
Fill your drawers from to back and you’ll discover they hold far more than before. It will be easier to select your clothing without wrinkling others as well because you can visually see what’s in the stack without moving it around.
8. Cut Back on the Concentrate and Pocket the Extra Cash
Laundry detergent is often concentrated, meaning you don’t need a lot to get the job done. A little bit will cover an entire load.
Avoid being liberal with your detergent. Use the amount recommended on the back or a little less and let your dollars stretch further. It won’t hinder the quality of your wash.
You’ll just find your detergent lasts longer!
9. Escape the Folding Fiasco with Folding and Hanging Hacks
Folding doesn’t have to be a long stint of monotony in your regular laundry chores. Instead, take up some of today’s most popular folding and hanging hacks, such as the Japanese folding method, the Savile row fold, and more!
You’ll save time while keeping your clothes wrinkle-free after a wash.
10. Take Time to Clean Your Washing Machine and Dryer
It may sound odd to think about cleaning your washing machine. Yet just like any other appliance, it does get dirty with use. Aim to take a little bit of time each month to remove dirt, grime, and soap gunk that collects inside of your washing machine.
Also, make it a point to keep your lint rack clean as well as your vent! Your washer and dryer will work far more efficiently when you keep them clean.
No Time to Spare?
If even after reading these 10 laundry tips you still don’t have time (or the desire) to tackle your ever-growing mound of dirty laundry and other chores, pass the job along to the experts.
Here at Sparkle and Shine, we live to dazzle our clients with superb home cleaning services.
We have numerous locations covering the Melbourne area. Book your cleaning online using our easy-to-fill-out form.
You’ll never have to lift a finger when you leave it to us.
