Doing laundry can be a time-consuming chore, especially for busy people who need to manage their time effectively.
In this post, we will share 15 practical, creative, and efficient laundry hacks that will help you save time and energy on this seemingly endless task.
Let’s dive into these time-saving tips, which are perfect for anyone looking to streamline their laundry process.
1. Sort Clothes by Fabric, Not Just Color
We often hear about the importance of separating laundry by color to prevent color bleeding. However, sorting clothes by fabric type can also save you time and energy.
Washing clothes with similar fabric types together ensures that they receive the appropriate care and cleaning, minimizing the need for touch-ups and rewashing.
For example, avoid washing jeans with other clothes that may be damaged by the heavier fabric.
2. Use Mesh Laundry Bags for Small Items
Mesh laundry bags are a game-changer for busy people. These bags can hold small items like socks, underwear, and delicate fabrics, preventing them from getting lost or tangled in the wash.
By using mesh bags, you can easily separate and organize your laundry, making the process of folding and putting away clothes much faster.
3. Pre-Treat Stains Immediately
Tackling stains as soon as they occur can save you a significant amount of time in the long run.
When you spot a stain, pre-treat it with a stain remover or a homemade solution like a mixture of water, white vinegar, and baking soda.
This quick action will help remove the stain before it sets in, preventing the need for additional treatments or rewashing.
4. Wash Towels and Sheets Together
Combining towels and sheets in the same load can be a time-saver.
As these items are generally more durable and require a similar washing process, they can be washed together without causing damage.
Check out our tips for washing towels and clothes together to ensure the best results.
5. Use a Color Catcher Sheet
Color catcher sheets are an excellent investment for busy people who want to save time on laundry.
These sheets help prevent color bleeding by absorbing loose dyes in the wash, allowing you to combine different colors in one load.
This not only saves time but also reduces the number of loads you need to do, cutting down on water and energy usage.
6. Opt for Cold Water Washing
Cold water washing is an effective way to save time and energy on laundry. Most modern detergents are designed to work well in cold water, making it suitable for most fabrics.
Washing with cold water also reduces the risk of color bleeding, allowing you to combine various colors in one load, and it helps to preserve the lifespan of your clothes.
7. Use a Laundry Sorting Hamper
Invest in a laundry sorting hamper with multiple compartments to make the sorting process easier and faster.
By separating your laundry into designated sections as you toss them into the hamper, you will save time when it’s time to do the laundry, as everything is already sorted and ready to be washed.
8. Hand-Wash Delicates When Necessary
While hand-washing may seem like a time-consuming task, it’s sometimes the best choice for delicate items.
Hand-washing your underwear or delicate fabrics can help maintain their quality and prevent damage, which could lead to needing replacements sooner.
Check out our guide on how to hand-wash your underwear for helpful tips.
9. Half-Load and Quick-Wash Settings
Make the most of your washing machine’s features by using the half-load and quick-wash settings.
These settings are designed to save time, water, and energy by adjusting the wash cycle for smaller loads or quicker cleaning.
Keep in mind that the quick-wash setting is best for lightly soiled clothes, while the half-load setting is ideal for smaller loads without compromising cleaning performance.
10. Dry Clothes Faster with a Towel
To speed up the drying process, add a clean, dry towel to your load in the dryer. The towel will help absorb excess moisture, cutting down on drying time and energy usage.
Just remember to remove the towel after about 15-20 minutes to prevent it from continuing to collect moisture and slowing down the drying process.
11. Time Your Laundry Sessions
Timing your laundry sessions can be a great way to save time and manage your schedule more effectively.
Set a timer for the duration of the washing cycle and use that time to complete other tasks or chores.
This way, you can avoid leaving clothes sitting in the washer or dryer for too long, preventing wrinkles and odors from setting in.
12. Fold Clothes as You Remove Them from the Dryer
Instead of piling your clothes in a laundry basket and leaving them to sit, fold your clothes as you remove them from the dryer.
This simple step can save you time by reducing wrinkles and making it easier to put clothes away. Plus, it helps keep your living space clutter-free.
13. Use a Drying Rack for Delicates
Invest in a drying rack for delicate items that should not be placed in the dryer.
This not only helps maintain the quality of your delicate fabrics, but it also saves time and energy by allowing you to dry multiple items at once.
Place the drying rack in a well-ventilated area to speed up the drying process.
14. Create a Laundry Schedule
Having a laundry schedule can be beneficial for busy people looking to streamline their laundry process.
Assign specific days for washing different types of laundry, such as towels, sheets, and clothing.
This way, you can ensure that you’re washing full loads and using your time efficiently.
15. Keep Laundry Supplies Organized
Lastly, organize your laundry supplies in a designated space or storage system.
By keeping your detergent, fabric softener, stain remover, and other laundry essentials in one convenient location, you can save time searching for the items you need.
This also helps to maintain a clean and clutter-free laundry area, making the chore of doing laundry more manageable.
Final Thoughts
By incorporating these 15 time-saving laundry hacks into your routine, you can make the laundry process more efficient and manageable, even with a busy schedule.
Remember that the key to streamlining any task is to find practical solutions that work for you and your lifestyle.