14 Laundry Hacks to Live By

Ziad Halabi
Dec 18, 2024
2 min read

Doing laundry doesn’t have to be a daunting chore. With a few clever hacks, you can save time, protect your clothes, and even reduce costs. Whether you’re a laundry pro or a beginner, these 14 tips will make your laundry routine a breeze.

1. Sort Your Laundry as You Go

Keep separate hampers for whites, darks, and delicates. This saves time on sorting and ensures each load gets the appropriate care.

2. Use Mesh Bags for Delicates

Protect delicate items like lingerie, socks, and baby clothes by placing them in mesh laundry bags. This prevents tangling and damage in the wash.

3. Pre-Treat Stains Immediately

Don’t let stains set! Treat them as soon as possible with a stain remover or a simple mix of baking soda and water.

4. Turn Clothes Inside Out

Turning clothes inside out before washing helps preserve colors and prevents fading or pilling on your favorite garments.

5. Wash with Cold Water

Using cold water saves energy and is gentler on fabrics. It’s especially effective for most everyday laundry items.

6. Don’t Overload the Machine

Overloading prevents clothes from getting properly cleaned and can strain your washing machine. Stick to recommended load sizes for best results.

7. Use White Vinegar as a Fabric Softener

Add half a cup of white vinegar to your rinse cycle. It softens clothes naturally, eliminates odors, and reduces static cling.

8. Remove Pet Hair with Dryer Sheets

Toss a dryer sheet into the dryer with pet-hair-covered clothing. It helps loosen the hair, making it easier to remove.

9. Say Goodbye to Wrinkles with Ice Cubes

Throw a few ice cubes into the dryer with your clothes. The steam generated will help reduce wrinkles, saving you from unnecessary ironing.

10. Invest in Wool Dryer Balls

Replace single-use dryer sheets with reusable wool dryer balls. They reduce drying time, soften clothes, and are eco-friendly.

11. Use a Dry-Erase Board for Special Instructions

Place a small dry-erase board near your laundry area to jot down special care instructions or reminders, such as “air-dry only.”

12. Keep Zippers and Velcro Closed

Unzipped zippers and open Velcro can snag and damage other items. Fasten them before washing to protect your clothes.

13. Dry Clothes Flat to Avoid Stretching

Heavy fabrics like sweaters should be dried flat to maintain their shape. Use a drying rack for optimal results.

14. Clean Your Washing Machine Regularly

Run an empty cycle with hot water, vinegar, and baking soda every month to keep your washing machine clean and odor-free.

Final Thoughts

Laundry doesn’t have to be a tedious task. By incorporating these 14 laundry hacks, you’ll streamline your process, save time, and extend the life of your clothes. Need more cleaning tips or help with chores? Because You Need offers professional cleaning services in Waco, Texas, to keep your home spotless and stress-free.