Laundry 101

Washing clothes may seem like a straightforward task on the surface, but the truth is that it requires a bit more attention and care to ensure the longevity and quality of your garments. While tossing your clothes into a washing machine and using the same old settings might be a quick solution, it can actually be detrimental in the long run. This careless approach can lead to issues such as premature wear and tear, shrinkage, color fading, or even fabric damage.

To avoid these common pitfalls and keep your clothes looking their best, it's essential to follow some basic laundry guidelines.

Sections In this Post

1. Read the Label

2. Sorting

3. Loading The Washing Machine

4. Water Conservation Techniques

5. Ironing

Read the Label

Probably the easiest yet the most ignored tip when it comes to doing the laundry is to read the care instructions. This little label removes the guesswork by providing a succinct set of washing instructions.

Below is a cheat sheet of the meanings of the icons seen on the labels.

Laundry label cheat sheet.

Sorting

The first step to doing the laundry is sorting into different piles. Below are the criteria used for sorting. These need not be done in order and can be swapped around without issue — with the first criterion arguably a possible exception. The key to following the sorting criteria listed below is by referring to the laundry care label.

We have also written several articles on this subject that describes the needs of some fabrics.

• Laundry: Washing Cotton

• Laundry: Washing Polyester

• Laundry: Washing Rayon

Laundry Method

There are three laundry methods to consider: 1) Dry cleaning, 2) Machine washing, and 3) Hand washing. As previously mentioned, unlike the other criteria, it is probably more practical to perform this as the first sorting method.

First, it is simply easier to separate the dry cleaning because this requires professional attention that is unlikely possible at one's own home. Thus, this will be the only time dry cleaning will be mentioned here. Send these to the professionals.

Second, clothes slated for machine washing can be handled by a good local laundromat that can take care of the details on your behalf, thus eliminating the need for the rest of this article. Of course, for those who do their own machine washing, read on!

Color

Sort white garments separately from colored ones, or generally, separate darks from lights. Some very light colors may simply be sorted in with the whites, but do so with prudent discretion. This simple step prevents dark colors from bleeding into the light-colored clothes. It would be tragic if all the white uniforms no longer adhered to the dress code because they all turned into a shade of pink.

Water Temperature

Another criterion for sorting is by water temperature. This can range from cold to warm to hot. Different fabrics all have their preferred water temperatures. For example, delicate fabrics tend to prefer cold to lukewarm temperatures — any hotter would be detrimental to the fabric.

Machine Wash Cycles

There are several cycles available on washing machines, such as normal, delicate, and heavy. There may be more available wash cycles depending on the washing machine. Simply put, sort your laundry by each type of wash cycle they require.

Loading The Washing Machine

One of the most common mistakes people make when washing clothes is overloading the washing machine. It can be tempting to stuff as many items as possible into a single load to save time and energy. However, overcrowding the machine can lead to inadequate water circulation and insufficient detergent distribution.

When the machine is overloaded, clothes may not receive enough water and detergent, resulting in ineffective cleaning. Additionally, the excessive friction caused by overcrowding can lead to excessive wear and tear on the fabric, causing it to lose its softness and color faster.

To avoid this mistake, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for load capacity. Typically, it is best to fill the machine only up to 80% of its capacity to allow enough space for proper water circulation and agitation. This will ensure that garments receive the thorough cleaning they need without compromising their quality.

Water Conservation Techniques

Implement water-saving strategies when laundering garments. Use the appropriate load size setting on the washing machine to avoid unnecessary water usage. Consider utilizing a front-loading washing machine, as it typically consumes less water compared to top-loading models. Additionally, collect and reuse the water from the rinse cycle for other household tasks to minimize wastage.

Ironing

Before applying the hot iron to your clothes, make sure that the hot plate surface and the ironing board are clean. Any dirt or residue can easily be transferred to the garment during this process.

Avoid using excessive heat, and opt for the lowest recommended setting. Lay the garment flat on the ironing board. Optionally, a pressing cloth can be placed on top to protect the garment from direct heat. Begin ironing by gently applying pressure with the iron face, moving with smooth, straight motions. Stubborn wrinkles can be sprayed with a water bottle or steamed during the process.

Store the newly ironed clothes properly immediately to prevent new wrinkles forming.