Basic Laundry Tips

Clean clothes are a necessity, but sometimes in a rush to get the chore done and have clean laundry, we forget the basics of doing laundry. Remember these laundry tips to make laundry easier and keep your clothes looking better for longer:

• Be sure to read clothing labels. You may be surprised to find that many items have special washing instructions.
• Sort laundry into piles of whites, lights, darks, brights and delicates. You also may want to keep lint-generators (sweatshirts, towels, flannel fabrics) away from lint attractors (nylon blouses, microfibers).
• Check clothing for stains and pockets for any items you’ve forgotten.
• To avoid snagging, check and secure zippers, buttons, snaps and buckles. Also, unroll cuffs on shirts or pants, and tie drawstrings.
• Avoid overloading machines. It’s best to never fill the tub more than ¾ full. When putting clothes into the washer, don’t pack them inside the tub.
• Don’t over soap. Only 1/4 cup of detergent is needed for most front-load washers. If you use too much soap, your clothes won’t get as clean and may remain wet at the end of the cycle.
• Clean the lint trap in the dryer before you start drying. A full lint trap can lead to poor dryer performance and your clothes still may be damp even when the cycle is complete.
• When the dryer stops, remove clothes promptly and fold or hang to avoid wrinkles.