We asked home efficiency expert Cynthia Townley Ewer, author of Homework , to explain her secrets to making laundry tasks simple, easy and successful.
If you skip the sorting step before you start the wash, you'll know what's coming:red sweater plus white undies equals pink knickers (or worse, pink jockey shorts).
To order clothes, start with the color. Separate clothes into white, light, bright and dark divisions to avoid dye transfer problems. Wash white and light clothing separately to keep dye transfer at bay.
Separating synthetic materials (polyester, nylon, acrylic) from natural fibers (cotton, linen) can also cure dye transfer problems; Synthetic fibers can be dye magnets, absorbing residue from dye-rich natural fibers.
Worried about lint in the wash? Keep lint generators (sweatshirts, towels, flannel fabrics) away from lint attractors (nylon blouses, microfibers) in the washing process.
For cleaner clothes, sort clothes by floor level. Jeans worn when planting seedlings in the garden are not good washing companions for slightly soiled blouses. The weight of the fabric, too, must be considered; thick seams, panties, and jeans buttons are too rough to share a wash cycle with lighter or more delicate clothing.
As you load the washing machine, check each item of clothing. Close zippers, remove belts and ties, and check pockets for forgotten items that didn't belong in the wash. Observe each garment, look for stains and treat them before washing..
You are ready to wash, but how well do you know your washing machine? Your washing machine's product manual has a wealth of information on how to clean clothes effectively. Washing recommendations vary from machine to machine. For example, if you fill a front-loading spin-cycle washer, clothes come out cleaner, but overloading a top loader that uses an agitator will impede the cleaning process and could damage clothes.
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Once the clothes are loaded, add detergent. Detergent use is one of those "know your machine" issues that pays to be educated. Washing machines vary in capacity and are designed to use different amounts of detergent. Check the washer's product manual first, then read the detergent box to determine how much detergent to add and measure carefully, using a measuring cup. You may need to use more detergent for large loads, heavily soiled clothes, or if you live in an area with hard water. Use slightly less detergent for soft water, small loads, or lightly soiled clothes.
Add any fabric additives or softeners. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for using bleach, non-chlorine bleach, or fabric brighteners; These toxic products must be used carefully and according to label directions. Fabric softener should be added during the final rinse cycle.
Select the appropriate water temperature for the clothes in the washing machine.
When the washing machine cycle is over, it's time to dry off. Place clothes in an automatic dryer and select the appropriate heat level and cycle length. Give any twisted garment a good shake while charging it; It will give them a head start so they dry smoothly and wrinkle-free. Hang delicates on hangers, a dryer rack, or a clothesline to air dry.
Be sure to fold or hang your clothes quickly after removing them from the dryer; the last bit of heat on the garment will help smooth out wrinkles (and prevent the need for ironing). Watch out for metal buttons or zippers. They can be very hot after a tumble in the dryer.
Using color-coded baskets, place each family member's clothing in a separate basket as you fold. It will make it easy for everyone to store their own clothes if they just have to grab a basket and go.
