DIY: How to Do the Laundry
Okay, this is probably more for the guys. In my post, How to Do the Laundry Frugally, I discussed doing the laundry frugally, but I didn't specifically explain doing the laundry . . . it's time to really learn how to do the laundry. Maybe you are newly single or want to impress your partner . . . doing the laundry is relatively simple.
Step 1: Sort the Laundry
Sort as follows:
- Whites
- Lights
- Darks
- Delicates
Step 2: Set Washer
I start filling the washer and add the detergent before I put the clothes in-- I want the detergent to mix and dissolve. I also don't use more detergent than recommended by the detergent manufacturer-- save your money.
- Whites- This is your Hot water setting. You may also want to add a small amount of bleach-- a cap full
- Lights- This is your Warm water setting
- Darks- This is your Cold water setting. Cold warm preserves your clothes colors and saves you money
- Delicates- This is for hand washing
Step 3: Pre-Treat
While the washer is filling-- I pretreat spots and stains if needed.
Step 4: Evenly Distribute
Be the clothes are evenly distributed in the washer.
Once done you can go to the line or the dryer. Don't leave the clothes in the washer damp-- too long and the clothes will start to smell mildewed-- then you need to wash them again-- not frugal.
If you are going to the dryer, follow these steps:
Step 1: Untwist and Unball
The wet laundry so the drying is more effective and wrinkle free.
Step 2: Add Dryer Sheet
Add a half dryer sheet (Dryer Sheet Savings)
Step 3: Pull and Fold Fast
Leaving dryed clothes in the dryer results in wrinkled cloths and the need to redry-- again, not frugal. Get them folded or on a hanger fast.
That's it in a nutshell.
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Hi! I do almost all my clothes in cold water to save money.
Also I make my own laundry soap that works great.
In addition a super frugal tip is to skip the fabric softner, but add 1/4 to 1/2 cup plain white vinegar to rinse (I use a downy ball to do so.) This keeps your clothes soft. As an added bonus it cleans some of the built up gunk hidden behind your washer drum.
I promise your clothes will not smell like vinegar, but will be nice and soft for pennies.
Thanks! -Becky in NJ
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Great tips-- we use cold water most times too. The warm or hot is for serious cleaning jobs.
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This should be posted in the laundry rooms of university dorms. The first time I was in a dorm and I wound up having to teach some girl how to do laundry. This always amuses me when I think about it because I never considered myself particular domestically inclined, I just paid attention when my parents did the laundry.
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I learned in high school because I liked my clothes folded a certain way.
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You sound like a pro! I love hanging clothes out them blowing in the breeze, priceless!
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Another way is to make a deal with the wife: I take care of things she doesn't like to deal with (e.g. centipedes) while she does ( e.g. laundry.)
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Yet another approach . . .
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