Easy Laundry Routine: Tips for Sorting, Prepping & Washing

How do you tackle laundry day? Do you take a relaxed, haphazard approach, tossing clothes in the washer when your laundry basket is overflowing or do you tackle it with military-style precision, sorting, prepping, and washing like a pro? Regardless of your approach, mastering the art of laundry is essential for maintaining clean clothes and a clutter-free home. We share an easy laundry routine with tips for sorting, prepping and washing to make your laundry day a breeze!

Step 1: Sorting your laundry

The first step to a successful laundry routine is sorting. Sorting your laundry not only helps to preserve the quality of your clothes but also ensures the best cleaning results and streamlines the washing process.

Separate by colour: Divide your clothes into whites, lights and darks to prevent colours from bleeding onto each other.

Sort by fabric type: Delicate fabrics like silk and wool should be washed separately from heavier fabrics like denim or towels to avoid damage during the washing process.

Check care labels: Pay attention to the care instructions on your clothing tags to determine the appropriate wash cycle and water temperature.

Tackling a supersized laundry pile

If you are dealing with a family size laundry pile, you can sort your clothes into groups first:

Everyday laundry – cotton and durable synthetics like T-Shirts, underwear and socks

• Sheets, towels and bedding
• Activewear & swimwear
• Denim
• Delicate fabrics
• Items that are heavily soiled

Be sure to separate each group by colour – white, lights and darks.

Laundry sorting tips and tricks

• To streamline the sorting process, invest in multiple laundry baskets or bins designated for different loads. You can even buy hampers with built in dividers. Label each basket accordingly (e.g., lights, darks, delicates) to make sorting more efficient and organised.
• Keep stain removal pre-treatments by the clothes baskets so items can be treated ahead of time.
• Turn dark coloured garments inside out before washing. This reduces friction when washing and helps to reduce fading when drying in the sun.
• For small or delicate items like socks, lingerie, or baby clothes, consider using mesh laundry bags to keep them contained and protected during the wash cycle.

Step 2: Prepping your laundry

Check for stains: Before loading clothes into the washing machine, inspect them for any stains and treat them with a stain remover.

Empty pockets: Before washing, be sure to check pockets for any loose items like coins, keys or tissues that could damage your clothes or washing machine.

Close zippers and fasten buttons: Zip up zippers and fasten buttons to prevent snagging and damage to other garments in the load.

Unroll sleeves and pant legs: Ensure sleeves and pant legs are unrolled to allow for thorough cleaning and prevent wrinkles.

Step 3: Washing your laundry

Now that your laundry is sorted and prepped, it’s time to tackle the washing process

Select your laundry detergent: Choose a detergent suitable for your laundry needs. Use laundry powder for heavily soiled or stained clothes, as it is more effective at removing tough stains and odours. Use laundry liquid for delicate fabrics or clothes that require a gentle cycle, as it is less likely to damage these types of fabrics.

Load size: Use the recommended amount of detergent for the size of your load. Overloading the machine can cause the detergent to be less effective and can lead to other problems like excess suds.

Use the right amount of laundry detergent: Too much detergent can leave residue on your clothes, while too little may result in insufficient cleaning. Follow the recommended dosage on the detergent packaging and adjust based on load size and soil level.

Choose the right water temperature: Different fabrics require different water temperatures for the best cleaning results. Use cold water for delicate items and hot water for heavily soiled garments, while warm water is suitable for most everyday laundry.

Choose the correct cycle: Select the appropriate wash cycle based on the fabric type and soil level of your laundry. Most washing machines offer a variety of cycles, including normal, gentle and heavy-duty.  Use the short wash cycle for items that need a light freshening up. It will get the job done and save on water and energy use.

Handy hint!

Managing multiple loads of laundry can be quite time-consuming. To make laundry day more manageable, consider breaking it down into specific tasks. Designate separate days for washing different types of items, such as sheets and towels on one day, kids’ clothes on another, and everyday laundry on yet another day. This approach prevents the laundry workload from becoming overwhelming and allows you to focus on each category more efficiently.

Washing machine maintenance tips

To keep your washing machine running smoothly and efficiently, regular maintenance is key. Here are some maintenance and repair tips to extend the lifespan of your machine:

Clean your washing machine regularly

• Sanitise and deep clean your washer: For top load washing machine, set your machine at its hottest and longest setting. When it has filled up with water, add 2 cups vinegar and 1/2 cup baking soda. Let it run for a complete cycle. For front load washing machine, add 2 tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda into the detergent drawer and ½ cup white vinegar into the drum. Let it run for a complete cycle on the hottest setting.
• Clean the detergent and softener dispenser trays: Trays need to be regularly cleaned to eliminate bacteria and grime. Simply remove and clean with warm soapy water. Use an old toothbrush to clean any hard-to-reach corners.
• Clean the outside of the machine: Using a soft, damp cleaning cloth, wipe the exterior with an all-purpose cleaner. We recommend Aktivo All Purpose cleaner – an eco-friendly cleaner that is tough, with a gentle and non-toxic formula.
• Wipe down the drum, door and gasket: Give the seals a thorough clean with a toothbrush or soft bristled sponge. Water, dirt, and grime can get trapped in the seal’s folds, leaving a musty smell or cause mould or mildew to grow.  Check the seals for any damage, splits or cracks.

Descale your washing machine

• From time-to-time limescale can start to build up, particularly if you have hard water. Limescale can reduce the efficiency of your washing machine. To descale your machine use Aktivo Dishwasher + Washing Machine Descaler – just add to your machine as per the instructions. This will help remove unwanted odours and thoroughly cleanse your washing machine.

Don’t forget your lint filter

• If your washer has a removable lint filter/trap, you can give this a good clean. For front loaders, locate the small access door at the front. Place a towel underneath. Turn the filter counter-clockwise to remove it. Let water drain into a bowl. Rinse the filter under hot water and use a brush to remove particles. Reinstall and lock the filter before closing the door. For top loaders, consult your manual to find the lint trap. It’s usually along the top rim or inside the agitator. Remove, clean with hot soapy water, scrub with a brush, then reinstall.

Inspect your washer

• Inspect hoses and connections: Check hoses and connections for any signs of leaks, cracks, or damage. Replace worn hoses or connections to prevent water damage to your home and prolong the life of your machine.
• Check for leveling: Make sure your washing machine is level and stable. If it wobbles or shakes during operation, adjust the feet to ensure it sits flat on the ground.

If you notice any unusual noises, leaks, or malfunctions, address them promptly to prevent further damage. Consult the manufacturer’s manual or seek assistance from a qualified service technician if needed.

Tackling laundry day doesn’t have to be a difficult or daunting task. By sorting, prepping, and washing your laundry with care, you can ensure clean and fresh clothes every time. Additionally, regular maintenance and timely repairs will keep your washing machine running smoothly for years to come.

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