Laundry - How to do laundry in 7 easy steps
Doing laundry is a simple but essential household chore. In this beginner's guide, we'll walk you through the basics of doing your laundry, including separating clothes, choosing the right detergent, and operating a washing machine. Let's get started!
Note: Always check the care labels on your clothing for specific washing instructions.
Step 1: Sorting Your Laundry
Sorting your laundry is the first and crucial step to ensure that your clothes get cleaned properly and don't get damaged. Here's how to do it:
Separate by Color:
Divide your laundry into two main categories: whites and darks. This prevents color bleeding and helps maintain the brightness of your whites.
Temperature Consideration:
Check the care labels on your clothes. Sort them further by the recommended water temperature: cold, warm, or hot. Generally, cold water is safe for most fabrics and helps save energy.
Special Items:
Set aside any delicate or special items that require gentle treatment, like silk or wool.
Step 2: Preparing Your Laundry
Before you start loading the washing machine, take a moment to prepare your laundry:
Empty Pockets:
Check pockets for any items like tissues, coins, or keys and remove them to avoid damage.
Close Zippers and Fasten Buttons:
This helps prevent snags and keeps your clothes in good condition.
Turn Items Inside Out:
Particularly for dark clothing, turning them inside out can help preserve their color.
Step 3: Adding Detergent
Choosing the right detergent and using the correct amount is important for effective cleaning. Here's how to do it:
Select Detergent:
Use a good-quality laundry detergent suitable for your machine and laundry type.
Measure Detergent:
Read the detergent's instructions for the recommended amount. Usually, it's about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of detergent per load, but it varies based on your machine's size and the laundry's dirtiness.
Add Detergent to the Machine:
Pour the detergent into the designated dispenser or the washing machine drum.
Step 4: Loading the Machine
Now it's time to load your laundry into the washing machine:
Don't Overload:
Avoid overfilling the machine. Leave enough room for your clothes to move freely for better cleaning.
Load Carefully:
Place the sorted clothes into the machine, making sure nothing is stuck in the door or the rubber seal.
Step 5: Setting the Machine
Operating a washing machine may vary based on the make and model, but the following steps are common:
Select the Water Temperature:
Choose the temperature setting based on the laundry's color and care label recommendations.
Select the Cycle:
Pick the appropriate washing cycle (e.g., normal, delicate, or quick wash) for your laundry. Refer to your machine's user manual for specific cycle details.
Start the Machine:
Press the start button to begin the washing cycle.
Step 6: Drying Your Clothes
After your laundry is washed, you have two options for drying:
Air Dry:
Hang your clothes on a drying rack or clothesline. This is gentle on your clothes and conserves energy.
Machine Dry:
If using a dryer, set the appropriate heat level and drying time according to your clothes' care labels.
Step 7: Folding and Putting Away
Once your clothes are dry, fold them neatly and put them away. This will help keep your laundry organized and reduce wrinkles.
Conclusion:
Congratulations, you've successfully completed your first laundry! As you gain more experience, you can experiment with different detergents, settings, and laundry care methods. With practice, doing laundry will become second nature. Sadly, it will NEVER go away :(
