Do you find that your laundry is always pilling up? Here are some tips on how to tackle your laundry.
Buying More Than One Laundry Basket
Sometimes having more than one laundry basket in your home could help. Maybe having one for each colour could be too much, however, it could also help you e.g. 1 for 'whites'; 1 for 'dark' and 1 for 'coloured'. You may consider having a 4th basket or a hanging bag for clothes that need to be taken to the dry cleaners. This can be very time efficient in the long run.
Professional Laundry Organization:
- Use separate baskets for whites, darks, and colors
- Add a fourth basket for dry-clean-only items
- Label each basket clearly for easy identification
- Place baskets in convenient locations throughout the home
- Consider collapsible baskets for space-saving
Dedicated Drying Area
It is useful to have a dedicated area in your home where you can dry your clothes even if you do have a drying machine or if you like to hang your clothes outside on the washing line. After all, there is nothing more unsightly than seeing everyone's underwear or sports gear hanging from radiators.
Creating a Drying Space:
- Designate a specific area for drying clothes
- Use a spare room or utility area if available
- Install proper ventilation to prevent dampness
- Keep drying area away from living spaces
- Consider privacy for personal items
Drying Rack
If space is limited, or if you have a large family and you wish your drying to be less unsightly, why not consider installing a drying rack from the ceiling? For a more upcycled and rustic look, paint a small ladder and hang from the ceiling to act as a drying rack. Of course, you just tackle your laundry the regular way too and use the foldable ones to dry your clothes on. And place them away right after there use out of the way.
Space-Saving Drying Solutions:
- Install ceiling-mounted drying racks
- Use foldable drying racks that can be stored away
- Create rustic drying solutions with upcycled ladders
- Consider wall-mounted drying systems
- Use retractable clotheslines for small spaces
Hangers
It's vital to have a good supply of hangers to hand as hanging clothes, such as T-shirt and shirt., When they come out of the washing machine, you can prevent them from being badly creased by hanging them straight away, this will save you some time spent on the ironing.
Hanger Organization:
- Keep a good supply of hangers readily available
- Use appropriate hangers for different garment types
- Hang clothes immediately after washing to prevent creasing
- Invest in quality hangers that won't damage clothes
- Organize hangers by type and size
Clean Washing Cupboard
Upcycle an old cupboard (not tall) and invest in some runners to hang plastic laundry baskets from - one labelled for each member of the family. Even better, if it has a flat top on which to do your folding and then pop it in the basket, for each member of the family to take to their rooms and tidy away.
Laundry Storage Solutions:
- Repurpose old cupboards for laundry storage
- Install runners for hanging laundry baskets
- Label baskets for each family member
- Use flat surfaces for folding clothes
- Create a dedicated laundry station
From Dryer to Fold
If you use a drying machine, don't waste the fact that when clothes have finished their cycle, they are in a fit state to be folded and fold particularly well whilst still warm. Give them a good straight brush down with your hand and fold. This will save you plenty of time you would otherwise have spent ironing.
Efficient Folding Techniques:
- Fold clothes immediately after drying while still warm
- Smooth out wrinkles with your hands before folding
- Use consistent folding methods for neat stacks
- Fold similar items together for easy organization
- Store folded clothes in designated areas
Do It Regularly
The most efficient way of doing laundry is to keep on top of it. Creating a rota could be a great way to help you if you need some organisation, for example, a day of the week for the whites/ darks/ colours. Hopefully, this will reduce the last minute washing requests!. Of course, there will be times where you may need to do a certain colour more frequently and your washing will get full quicker but this could be beneficial. Then, pop the wash on before you leave in the morning and by the time you return, it won't take you 5 mins to hang up once you know how and where you will dry the clothes. The clothes should be dry overnight for anyone needing them the next day.
Laundry Schedule Tips:
- Create a weekly laundry rota
- Assign specific days for different loads
- Start loads before leaving home
- Plan drying time for overnight completion
- Adjust schedule based on family needs
Additional Professional Tips:
Sorting and Pre-Treatment
- Sort clothes by color, fabric type, and washing temperature
- Pre-treat stains before washing
- Check pockets for items that could damage clothes
- Turn clothes inside out to protect prints and embellishments
- Use appropriate detergents for different fabric types
Washing Machine Care
- Clean your washing machine regularly
- Use the correct amount of detergent
- Don't overload the machine
- Choose appropriate wash cycles
- Maintain your machine for optimal performance
Drying Techniques
- Use appropriate heat settings for different fabrics
- Remove clothes promptly to prevent wrinkles
- Consider air-drying delicate items
- Use dryer balls to reduce drying time
- Clean lint traps regularly
Ironing and Pressing
- Iron clothes while slightly damp for best results
- Use appropriate heat settings for different fabrics
- Hang clothes properly to reduce ironing needs
- Invest in a good quality iron
- Consider steam irons for efficiency
Storage and Organization
- Store clean clothes in appropriate locations
- Use drawer dividers for small items
- Hang delicate items to prevent damage
- Rotate seasonal clothing
- Keep laundry supplies organized and accessible
Time Management
- Batch similar tasks together
- Use timers to track washing cycles
- Plan laundry around your schedule
- Delegate tasks to family members
- Use technology to remind you of laundry tasks
Energy Efficiency
- Wash full loads to maximize efficiency
- Use cold water when possible
- Clean dryer vents regularly
- Consider energy-efficient appliances
- Air-dry when weather permits
If you require further help or enquiries regarding any of our services, don't hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have via:
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 020 3670 9997