Laundry day – a term that can evoke a mix of emotions. Some find it therapeutic, while others consider it a necessary evil. Whichever category you fall into, we’ve compiled a list of 10 amazing laundry hacks that will transform the way you approach this daily task.

Sorting Clothes 

• Separate colors: Wash lights, darks, and delicates separately to avoid color bleeding and damage. 
• Group by fabric: Wash cotton, wool, and delicates in their own cycles to prevent shrinking and wear. 
• Label fast fashion: Stitch a quick label on fast-fashion clothes to wash them separately on a gentle cycle.

Tackling Stains 

• Pre-treat stains: Apply a paste of baking soda, dish soap, and water to fresh stains before washing.
• Use stain remover: Choose a stain remover specific to the type of stain (e.g., wine, grass, grease).
• Wash with cold water: Cold water sets stains and prevents colors from running.

Saving Energy with Cold Water

• Most clothes: Cold water washes are effective for most clothes and save energy.
• Delicates: Cold water is gentle on delicates and prevents shrinkage.
• Heavy soil: For heavily soiled clothes, pre-wash with cold water and then wash with warm water.

Folding Clothes Like a Pro 

• T-shirts: Use the “konmari fold” to fold them into rectangles that stand upright in drawers, saving space.
• Sweaters: Lay sweaters flat to dry and fold them gently to prevent stretching. Store them on shelves or in drawers.
• Socks: Use drawer dividers or a separate basket for each person’s socks to avoid losing them.

Drying Clothes Quickly 

• Extra spin: Use an extra spin cycle in your dryer to remove more moisture and shorten drying time.
• Tennis balls: Toss tennis balls in the dryer to separate clothes and prevent wrinkles.
• Air drying: When weather permits, air-dry clothes on a line or drying rack to save energy and get fresh scent.

Adding a Pleasant Scent 

• Skip artificial fragrances: Use natural alternatives like lavender sachets, dryer balls with essential oils, or cedar blocks.
• DIY linen spray: Make your own linen spray with water, witch hazel, and your favorite essential oil. 
• Air out clothes: Leave the washing machine door open after washing to prevent musty smells. 

Multipurpose Laundry Products 

• Vinegar: Use vinegar as a fabric softener, stain remover, or rinse agent. It’s affordable and eco-friendly. 
• Baking soda: Baking soda is a deodorizer, pre-treatment for stains, and gentle whitening agent. Sprinkle it on carpets for cleaning. 
• Bicarbonate boost: For shrunken clothes, soak them in lukewarm water with hair conditioner or baby shampoo, then gently stretch them. 

Keeping Track of Socks 

• Pair and store: Pair socks immediately after laundry and store them in dedicated compartments or laundry nets.
• Embrace mismatched: Don’t throw away single socks! Use them as cleaning cloths, dusters, or even juggling balls.

Organizing Your Laundry Room 

• Install shelves, hanging rods, and baskets: Keep your laundry space organized and clutter-free. 
• Clean your washing machine: Run a hot water cycle with vinegar or baking soda to remove detergent buildup.
• Make your own detergent: Opt for eco-friendly homemade laundry detergent with baking soda, borax, and castile soap.

Managing Your Laundry Time

• Wash smaller batches: Wash smaller loads more frequently to avoid laundry mountains and save time.
• Multitask while folding: Fold laundry while watching TV or listening to music.
• Schedule laundry time: Plan laundry time in your calendar and stick to your routine to avoid last-minute emergencies.

Sustainable Laundry Practices

• Air-dry whenever possible: Save energy and reduce carbon footprint by air-drying clothes.
• Secondhand clothes: Give clothes a second life by donating, swapping, or reworking vintage garments.
• Buy quality clothes: Invest in durable, high-quality clothes that you’ll wear for years to reduce laundry load and fast-fashion waste.

Remember

• Laundry doesn’t have to be complicated! These simple tips can help you save time, energy, and money while keeping your clothes clean and fresh.
• Be resourceful, creative, and enjoy the process of making laundry a smoother and more sustainable experience.

In conclusion, these 10 amazing laundry hacks are not just about making your life easier; they’re about reclaiming time and simplifying a task that’s often seen as mundane. Try incorporating these tips into your routine, and watch as laundry day becomes a breeze.