Laundry Love

Key Takeaways

1. Embrace Laundry as an Act of Love and Self-Care

Changing our mindsets from simply cleaning clothes to caring for others is key to changing our attitudes about laundry from drudgery to love.

Laundry as a love language. Caring for clothes is a way to show love for yourself and others. By ensuring clean, fresh-smelling, and well-maintained garments, you're setting yourself and your loved ones up for confidence and success in their daily lives.

Mindful approach to laundry. Instead of viewing laundry as a chore, see it as an opportunity for meditation, self-care, and creativity. Use this time to listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks, or simply enjoy the rhythmic sounds of the washing machine.

Efficient and enjoyable process. By adopting the right techniques and mindset, you can transform laundry from a dreaded task into an efficient and even enjoyable process. This shift in perspective can lead to better-cared-for clothes and a more positive outlook on household responsibilities.

2. Simplify Sorting: Forget Whites, Lights, and Darks

To get started, gather your ironing supplies: an iron (a steam-generating iron is preferred), distilled or soft water (whichever your iron requires), a bottle of water for misting, and spray starch.

Four-pile system. Instead of the traditional whites, lights, and darks sorting method, adopt a new four-pile system:

• Whites (including off-whites and very light colors)
• Blacks
• Cool colors (blues, greens, purples, and grays)
• Warm colors (reds, yellows, browns, and oranges)

Benefits of new sorting method. This system allows for more efficient washing and better color preservation. It prevents color bleeding and reduces abrasion between different fabric weights, extending the life of your clothes.

Special considerations. Create a fifth pile for high-performance activewear, as these fabrics require special care due to their hydrophobic and oleophilic properties. For multi-colored or patterned items, sort based on the dominant color or overall tone of the garment.

3. Master the Art of Stain Removal

If you've got a beaded item or one with sequins, be sure to turn it inside out and place it in a mesh bag so it doesn't snag other items.

Three basic stain types. Understand the three main categories of stains:

• Oily (e.g., cooking oils, butter)
• Organic (e.g., blood, grass, berries)
• Inorganic (e.g., ink, makeup)

Stain removal toolkit. Assemble a basic stain removal kit including:

• Vinegar and water solution (50/50 mix)
• Rubbing alcohol
• Laundry soap and brush
• Bleach alternative (sodium percarbonate)
• Oil-based stain solution

Timely treatment. Address stains immediately before washing, rather than pretreating. This allows cleaning agents to work in tandem with the wash cycle for optimal results. For on-the-go stain emergencies, keep a small bottle of rubbing alcohol handy for quick spot treatments.

4. Revolutionize Your Washing Routine: Warm Water and Express Cycle

When it comes to cleaning, our clothes are bossy. Their tags bully us into time-sucking techniques, and before we know it, each article of clothing is trying to tell us what to do—and none of it is simple.

Warm water washing. Contrary to popular belief, use warm water for all loads. Warm water (around 100°F) effectively activates detergents and removes dirt without causing damage or fading to clothes.

Express cycle efficiency. Utilize the express or quick wash cycle (approximately 30 minutes) for most loads. This shorter cycle is gentler on clothes, uses less water and energy, and still provides excellent cleaning results for everyday laundry.

High spin for faster drying. Select the highest spin speed available to remove as much water as possible before drying. This reduces drying time and energy consumption, while also minimizing wear and tear on fabrics during the drying process.

5. Ditch Dry Cleaning and Fabric Softeners for Healthier Clothes and Planet

I highly encourage washing all of your textiles in a single day, preferably the same day each week.

Hazards of dry cleaning. Traditional dry cleaning uses harmful chemicals like perchloroethylene (perc), which can be detrimental to both your health and the environment. Most "dry clean only" items can actually be safely washed at home using gentle methods.

Fabric softener drawbacks. Avoid fabric softeners and dryer sheets, as they:

• Reduce fabric absorbency
• Diminish breathability
• Make stain removal more difficult
• Potentially cause dryer fires
• Contain harmful chemicals and animal-derived ingredients

Eco-friendly alternatives. Opt for plant-based, biodegradable laundry soaps and natural softening methods like wool dryer balls. These choices are better for your clothes, your health, and the planet.

6. Line Dry for Longevity and Environmental Benefits

Like plogging (running and picking up trash), hanging up your clothes to dry outside is an eco-friendly workout.

Extended garment life. Line drying significantly extends the lifespan of your clothes. Most high-quality textiles can endure only about 50 trips through the washer and dryer before showing wear, but line drying can double or triple this number.

Energy savings. Clothes dryers are major energy consumers in the home. By line drying, you can save a substantial amount on your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint.

Improved garment care. Line drying offers several benefits for your clothes:

• Prevents shrinkage
• Reduces wrinkles
• Preserves fabric integrity
• Naturally freshens clothes with outdoor air

7. Transform Your Laundry Space into a Happy Place

Imagine crawling into bed between peppermint-scented sheets.

Functional design. Optimize your laundry space for efficiency and enjoyment:

• Ensure good lighting (natural if possible)
• Install adequate storage for supplies
• Add a folding surface or counter
• Include a drying rack or clothesline

Personal touches. Make the space inviting and reflective of your personality:

• Use cheerful colors or interesting wallpaper
• Add artwork or plants
• Include a sound system for music or podcasts
• Consider a comfortable seating area for folding or relaxation

Multifunctional space. If space allows, consider incorporating other functions into your laundry area, such as a craft corner, reading nook, or meditation space. This can make time spent doing laundry more enjoyable and productive.

8. Shop Fearlessly: No Fabric is Off-Limits

When no item of clothing is off-limits to purchase, it's much more fun to go shopping.

Expanded wardrobe options. With your new laundry skills, you can confidently purchase and care for a wider range of fabrics and styles, including:

• Delicate silks and wools
• Vintage and designer pieces
• High-performance activewear

Cost-effective luxury. By eliminating dry cleaning costs and extending the life of your garments, you can invest in higher-quality pieces knowing you can care for them properly at home.

Sustainable fashion choices. Feel empowered to shop secondhand or invest in sustainable, natural fabrics, knowing you have the skills to maintain them properly and give them a longer life.

9. Extend Garment Life Through Mindful Care and Wear

Wear everything you own. That sounds intuitive, but it's often not.

Rotate your wardrobe. Make a conscious effort to wear all items in your closet regularly. This prevents clothes from sitting unused and potentially degrading over time.

Proper storage techniques. Extend the life of your clothes through proper storage:

• Use appropriate hangers for different garment types
• Fold knits to prevent stretching
• Store seasonal items in breathable containers

Creative styling. Mix and match pieces in new ways to get more wear out of your entire wardrobe. Combine high-end and low-end pieces for versatile, personalized looks that maximize your wardrobe's potential.

Last updated: January 24, 2025

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