Household Hints & HELP!

Laundry - The "How-To's"

submitted by Lorene Bartos, Extension Educator
This article appeared in the August 24, 2003 Lincoln Journal Star Newspaper.

Laundry has become a simpler task over the years. Even so doing the laundry can be a time of crisis for families or college students. Laundry duties can be shared by all family members. By following a few simple steps, laundry can be done without major problems and articles will be in good shape after many times in the laundry.

There are basically six steps: sorting into loads, preparing clothes for washing, choosing laundry products, washing, drying and sometimes ironing.

Sorting involves more than just making sure a non-colorfast item does not get mixed with a white load. It is combining items of similar color, construction and soil level.

* Sort by color--(1) white or white background prints that are colorfast; (2) colorfast pastels in solids and prints; 3) medium and bright colors in solids or prints and dark colors.

* Sort by construction and fabric type--separate loosely knit or woven fabrics, sheers and finely made garments and heavy lint-producers, such as towels, fuzzy sweatsuits, etc.

* Sort by amount and kind of soil--keep heavily soiled or greasy items separate for washing. Sort by size, mixing large and small items in each machine load for better washing action. A typical mix for a regular capacity washer might include two sheets and several pillowcases, two to four shirts and blouses, with the balance of the load made up of other small items.

Preparing clothes for washing includes closing zippers and other fasteners to prevent snagging. Tie strings and sashes loosely to avoid tangling. Empty pockets and clean cuffs. Remove unwashable belts, trimmings, ornaments and pins. Mend rips and tears. Treat spots and stains.

Detergent is the primary dirt remover. There are many types available and choice is a matter of personal preference and need. Measure the recommended amount suggested in the measuring device provided or use a standard measuring cup. The amount for good soil removal will vary with the load size, soil conditions, hardness of water and water volume of the washer. Other laundry products such as bleaches, detergent boosters, water softeners and conditioners, and fabric softeners help solve special problems and aid in good results. Always read label instructions.

When loading the washer, add the detergent and other additives first, start water to dissolve or mix detergents, and then add clothes. Fill the tub loosely and don't wind items around the agitator in the tub, they may become tangled. Choose the water setting and level according to washer load. Hot is usually suggested for white and colorfast fabrics, diapers and heavily soiled loads. Warm is for non-colorfast fabrics, moderately soiled loads, man-made fibers, permanent press fabrics, knits, silks and woolens. Cold is for dark or bright colors that bleed or fade. A cold rinse is adequate, saves energy and is preferred for permanent press fabrics to reduce wrinkling.

Generally, items that are washed together can be dried together. Shake the damp pieces to loosen them before putting them into the dryer. Set heat controls according to type of load and fabric if possible. For easier handling and less wrinkling take clothes out of the dryer before the dryer shuts off. Be sure to clean the lint filter after each use. Ironing may be necessary for some items. In most instances, if clothes are folded on hung up immediately ironing may not be needed. Steam ironing helps prevent heat damage to fabrics and generally makes ironing easier. Smaller areas such as collars, cuffs and sleeves should be ironed first, and larger areas last to keep wrinkling at a minimum.

By following a few simple procedures laundry time need not be a burden. Family members from school age on up can learn to help with laundry and make the task easier and faster.

Back to Household Hints & HELP