15 Great Laundry Hacks For Your Next Load

Life hacks are simple techniques or strategies that can help you with various aspects of your life, including laundry. These laundry hacks are meant to make tasks like washing and drying clothes easier, faster, or more efficient.

There are many different laundry life hacks out there, so we’ve filtered out a few of the best for you in this article. Laundry life hacks can help you to cut the time you spend doing laundry down and to make the laundry process much more fun.

General Laundry Life Hacks

Here are life hacks that are sure to come in handy, no matter the scenario you’re washing in.

1. Use the right soap: When washing clothes, always use laundry detergent specifically designed for that type of fabric. Soaps and detergents are often formulated to work well with specific fabrics. Using the right detergent for the right types of clothes will ensure that your clothes are cleaned properly without causing any damage or wear and tear.
2. Clean your washing machine regularly: Your washing machine can turn into a breeding ground for bacteria almost overnight. To keep your clothes and laundry as clean as possible, make sure to regularly clean out the water reservoir of your washer and wipe down any other surfaces that might get dirty.
3. Don’t overstuff your washing machine: You can cut down on time and energy spent on each load by making sure not to overload the washer. Overloading it won’t help you go through a huge load faster, it just causes the clothes in the washer to get cleaned less effectively. A huge load of heavy clothes such as blankets could also damage the motor in all but the most heavy-duty washing machines, so it may be wise to exercise restraint when loading the washer.
4. Avoid overusing stain removers: While it might seem like adding a little extra stain remover in the wash will help your clothes come out cleaner, this is often not the case. Overusing these products in the wash can make stains set in more deeply or cause them to spread, making your clothes more difficult to clean. Only use stain removers when necessary and be sure to follow the instructions on the bottle carefully.

Stain Removal Laundry Hacks

There are several different ways to remove stains from clothes, but some methods are more effective than others. This section aims to get stains out of your clothes as easily and efficiently as possible.

1. As a general rule of thumb, always treat stains as quickly as possible after they occur. The longer a stain has to set, the more difficult it will be to remove.
2. To remove tough stains, you might need to pretreat the fabric with a stain remover or laundry additive before washing. Many different products on the market can help with this, so be sure to read the instructions carefully before using anything.
3. If you’re dealing with a particularly stubborn stain, you may need to soak the fabric in cool water for 30 minutes or more before washing. This will give the stain remover time to work its magic and make the stain much easier to remove.
4. Baking soda and vinegar: Baking soda and vinegar are two household staples that can be used to great effect on laundry stains. To use these for sta, mix one part of baking soda with two parts of water to form a paste. Apply the paste directly to the stain and rub it in gently. Let it sit for about 15 minutes before laundering as usual.
5. For an extra boost, you can add a cup of white vinegar to the final rinse cycle. Vinegar is great for breaking down stubborn stains and will get your clothes clean and smelling fresh at the same time.
6. Lemon juice can be used in a similar way to vinegar. Simply add a cup of lemon juice to the final rinse cycle for extra stain-busting power.
7. If all else fails, you can always bring the item of clothing to a professional dry cleaner. They will have the knowledge and experience to remove even the most stubborn stains.

Laundromat Life Hacks

If you’re using a laundromat, there are a few things you can do to make the experience more efficient and cost-effective.

1. Bring your laundry detergent: Laundromats often charge a premium for laundry detergent, so it’s always best to bring your own from home. This will save you money in the long run and help ensure your clothes are getting thoroughly cleaned.
2. Sort your laundry before you go: Sorting your laundry ahead of time will make it much easier to use the machines efficiently since you won’t need to stand around sorting clothes in front of other people. Make sure to separate lights from darks, as well as any delicate items that might need hand washing.
3. Choose the correct machine size: Many laundromat machines come in different sizes according to how many pounds of clothes they can fit. Make sure you’re using a machine that’s big enough for your load, or you might end up spending more money to run more than one load.
4. Know common folding and wringing techniques: Folding and wringing are two of the most important steps in getting laundry clean. To make these tasks easier, it’s a good idea to learn some basic techniques ahead of time so you can get your clothes out quickly and efficiently. By using a few folding tips, you can make folding go by much quicker.

Laundry Organization Hacks

In addition to effectively cleaning your laundry, it’s also important to learn some tips and tricks for keeping your laundry organized. This will help you save time and energy when doing the wash, giving you a better chance to keep up with your chores.

One of the most basic yet effective ways to organize your laundry is by sorting it into categories at the start. This can include sorting it by color, fabric type, and whether or not the clothes are dirty.

Another useful organizational tip is to use laundry baskets of different sizes. This will make it easier to neatly store folded laundry in drawers, while also helping keep your dirty and clean laundry separate.

When possible, try to avoid using a traditional laundry hamper that’s open on one side. This makes it easy for dirty clothes to get mixed in with the clean ones, leading to more work and potentially missed items.

Finally, if you have any special care instructions for a specific garment, make sure to keep that information handy. This will help you avoid accidentally damaging delicate fabrics or putting an item of clothing through the wrong cycle.