Laundry is one of those essential household tasks that never seems to end. It’s easy to fall behind or feel overwhelmed, but with a few smart resolutions, you can make your laundry routine more efficient, organized, and stress-free. As you step into the New Year, consider adopting these 10 laundry resolutions to save time, reduce hassle, and keep your clothes looking their best.
1. Create a Laundry Schedule
Instead of letting laundry pile up, establish a weekly schedule. Assign specific days for washing, folding, and putting away clothes. By breaking up the process, it becomes less overwhelming and easier to manage. For example, you might wash on Mondays, fold on Wednesdays, and put everything away on Fridays.
2. Sort Laundry Before Wash Day
Save time on laundry day by pre-sorting clothes throughout the week. Use divided hampers for whites, darks, and delicates. This small habit reduces sorting time and allows you to start the washing machine as soon as you’re ready.
3. Treat Stains Immediately
Don’t let stains set in. As soon as you spot a stain, treat it with a stain remover or a natural solution like baking soda or vinegar. Keeping a stain removal pen or spray in an accessible spot can help you tackle stains as they happen.
4. Wash in Cold Water When Possible
Washing clothes in cold water can reduce energy usage, lower utility bills, and help clothes last longer. Many modern detergents are designed to clean effectively in cold water, so unless you’re dealing with heavily soiled items, skip the hot water.
5. Declutter Your Closet and Laundry Room
A clutter-free space makes laundry tasks feel less chaotic. Declutter your closet to eliminate unused clothes, which will reduce the number of items you’ll need to wash. Organize your laundry area with labeled bins, shelves, and hooks to keep everything in its place.
6. Master the Art of Folding Efficiently
Learn quick and efficient folding techniques to save time and keep clothes wrinkle-free. Use methods like the “KonMari fold” to maximize drawer space and make clothes easier to find. Folding right after drying prevents wrinkles and eliminates the need for ironing.
7. Avoid Overloading the Washing Machine
While it’s tempting to stuff as much laundry as possible into one load, overloading the washer reduces its cleaning effectiveness. Clothes need space to move around for proper washing. Follow the manufacturer’s load capacity guidelines for the best results.
8. Use the Right Detergent and Fabric Softener
Choosing the right detergent for your clothes can make a significant difference. For sensitive skin, opt for fragrance-free or hypoallergenic detergents. If you’re washing delicates or activewear, use specialized detergents that cater to those fabrics. Avoid overusing detergent, as too much soap can leave residue on clothes.
9. Reduce Drying Time and Save Energy
Reduce drying time by using dryer balls or clean, dry towels in the dryer. These items help separate clothes and improve air circulation, leading to faster drying times. Also, consider air-drying clothes that don’t need to be machine-dried to save energy and preserve fabric quality.
10. Teach the Family to Share Laundry Responsibilities
Laundry shouldn’t fall on one person’s shoulders. Get the whole family involved by teaching children and partners to sort, wash, and fold their own clothes. Even young kids can help with simple tasks like matching socks or folding towels. Sharing the workload makes the process faster and more manageable.
Laundry doesn’t have to be a dreaded chore. By implementing these 10 laundry resolutions, you can streamline your process, reduce stress, and free up valuable time. From creating a laundry schedule to involving the whole family, these small changes can lead to big results. Start the New Year with a fresh approach to laundry, and you’ll thank yourself all year long.
Utilizing laundry services can be another quick time saver for the busy holiday season. Find out about our laundry services and email us with questions at [email protected] or call us! Call our locations in Mayfair at (215) 701-1010 or Hunting Park at (215) 309-8479.