Doing laundry properly involves a few key steps to ensure clean and well-maintained clothes. Let's break down the process:
1. Pre-Laundry Preparation: Sorting and Stain Treatment
Before you even begin washing, proper sorting and stain treatment are crucial.
- Sorting: As the Cleaning Institute recommends, sort your laundry by color (like colors) and soil level (heavily soiled items separate from lightly soiled). This prevents color bleeding and ensures optimal cleaning. For example, separate whites from colors, and darks from lights.
- Stain Treatment: Address stains immediately before washing. The longer a stain sits, the harder it is to remove. Use a stain remover appropriate for the fabric and stain type, following product instructions.
2. Washing Your Clothes
This stage involves selecting the right settings on your washing machine.
- Detergent: Always follow the instructions on your laundry detergent. Use the recommended amount for your load size and water hardness. Too much detergent can leave residue, while too little won't clean effectively.
- Water Temperature: Select the appropriate water temperature according to fabric care labels. Hot water is best for whites and heavily soiled items, while cold water is gentler on colors and delicate fabrics.
- Wash Cycle: Choose a wash cycle appropriate for the fabric type. Delicate fabrics require a gentle cycle, while sturdy items can handle a more vigorous wash.
3. Drying Your Clothes
Drying clothes properly extends their lifespan.
- Fabric Care Labels: Always check the fabric care labels on your clothes. Some items should be air-dried to prevent shrinkage or damage.
- Drying Methods: Use a dryer on the appropriate setting for the fabric type. Avoid over-drying, which can damage clothes and cause shrinkage. Consider air-drying delicate items to prevent damage.
4. Regular Washing Habits
- Frequency: The Cleaning Institute advises washing all clothing, towels, and bedding regularly, whether stained or not, to maintain hygiene.
Following these steps, combined with paying attention to fabric care labels (as mentioned by the Cleaning Institute), will ensure your laundry comes out clean and your clothes remain in good condition.
