How to Stop Feeling Overwhelmed by Laundry and Regain Control of your Home
Ah, the laundry room – a place that’s meant to keep your clean clothes organized but often becomes a battlefield against the endless tide of dirty laundry. The washing machine churns tirelessly, piles of clothes grow taller, and laundry day seems to come around far too quickly. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by laundry.
But don’t worry, there’s a way to conquer the laundry monster and regain control over your laundry room. From efficient laundry schedules to decluttering strategies and practical tips, you’ve got plenty of options to get things under control if you have tons of laundry and feel overwhelmed by it all. If you don’t like laundry, (and really, who does) then today’s post will help you!
How to Clean your Clothes when you feel overwhelmed by Laundry
Creating a Smart Laundry Schedule
1. Prioritize Sorting: Your Laundry Room’s Best Friend
The first step in conquering the laundry mountain is to sort your clothes wisely. Invest in a few laundry baskets or bins to separate your laundry by color and fabric type. This simple step will help you save time later on, ensuring that you can throw a load into the washing machine without any extra fuss.
2. Embrace the Power of Batching
The best way to handle loads of laundry is to establish a regular laundry schedule. Designate specific days of the week for different types of laundry. For instance, Monday can be for whites, Tuesday for darks, and so on. This batching technique ensures that you’re not overwhelmed by a huge pile of clothes all at once and helps keep your laundry area organized.
3. Strategize Your Laundry Day
Make laundry day a breeze by starting a load of laundry first thing in the morning. If you’re a working mom or have a busy household, this is crucial. The earlier you start, the more likely you are to finish before the end of the day, leaving you with free time to enjoy with your family.
Efficiency Tips for Washing and Drying
1. Optimize Your Washing Machine
Your washing machine is your greatest ally in the fight against dirty laundry. Use it efficiently by running full loads whenever possible. This not only conserves water but also saves you time and energy. Additionally, use cold water when washing your clothes to prevent color fading and save on energy costs.
2. Utilize Mesh Laundry Bags
For small loads or delicate items, use a mesh laundry bag. These are a huge help when washing small children’s clothes, workout clothes, or anything with delicate details. They prevent clothes from getting tangled and damaged in the wash.
3. Choose the Right Water Temperature
Using hot water isn’t always necessary. Most of your laundry can be washed perfectly well in cold water. This not only saves you money but also extends the lifespan of your clothes. Reserve hot water for items that really need it, like bedding and towels.
4. Get the Most Out of Your Dryer
When it comes to your dryer, shake out your clothes before putting them in. This helps prevent wrinkles and speeds up the drying process. Also, consider using dryer balls instead of fabric softener sheets – they’re reusable, cost-effective, and help reduce drying time.
Simplify with Decluttering and Organization
1. Embrace the Capsule Wardrobe
Consider implementing a capsule wardrobe for yourself and your family members. This concept involves owning fewer clothes that can be mixed and matched effortlessly. Not only does this cut down on the amount of laundry you have to do, but it also streamlines your morning routine.
2. Teach Your Family the Laundry System
Getting everyone involved in the laundry routine can make a big difference. Teach your kids how to sort and fold clothes from an early age. Set up a central laundry basket where everyone can deposit their dirty laundry, making the process more efficient and reducing piles of dirty clothes scattered around the house. Or, you can give them their own laundry baskets and teach them to do their own laundry on a designated day. So one child does their laundry on Mondays, another on Tuesdays, and so on.
3. Declutter Regularly
Decluttering isn’t just for the rest of your home – it’s for your laundry room too. Keep only the essentials on hand and make sure items are easily accessible. Donate clothes that no longer fit or you no longer wear to keep your laundry area clutter-free.
Extra Tips for Conquering the Mountain of Laundry
1. Marie Kondo Your Laundry Routine
Apply the famous Marie Kondo decluttering philosophy to your laundry routine. Keep only the clothes that truly “spark joy” and consider donating or selling the rest. This reduces the amount of laundry you have to manage in the long run.
2. Invest in Second-Hand School Uniforms
If you have school-aged kids who wear uniforms, consider getting second-hand uniforms. School uniforms are often gently used and can be a great way to save money and reduce the amount of laundry you have to do for your kids’ school clothes.
3. Use Amazon for Laundry Supplies
To save time and effort, consider using Amazon to purchase your favorite laundry supplies online. This way, you can have them delivered to your doorstep and avoid the hassle of shopping for household items in-store.
How to do Less Laundry by embracing the “Wear More, Wash Less” Mindset
When it comes to tackling the laundry mountain, one of the most powerful strategies is to embrace the “wear more, wash less” mindset. It’s a game-changer that encourages us to reevaluate our laundry habits and make conscious choices about what truly needs a trip to the washing machine.
Jeans, sweaters, jackets – these items often don’t need a one-and-done approach. Hanging them up to air out after a wear can often be sufficient. By wearing clothes multiple times before washing, not only are we saving time and resources, but we’re also extending the lifespan of our beloved garments. If you ever wondered how to reduce laundry, the “Wear More, Wash Less” approach will help.
How to Catch up on Laundry When you are Completely Behind
We’ve all been there – facing piles of laundry that seems to have a life of its own. The good news is that catching up on the laundry pile doesn’t have to be a Herculean task. Start by setting aside a dedicated day or weekend for your laundry marathon. Create a checklist of loads to conquer and tackle them one by one.
Involve your family members to make the process faster and turn it into a fun activity. Prioritize the essentials first – work clothes, school uniforms, and daily wear. Use your washing machine’s different settings to efficiently handle different fabrics and stain levels. By taking a strategic approach and rallying your laundry troops, you’ll be amazed at how quickly those piles of clothes can transform into neatly folded, clean laundry ready to conquer another week.
How often should you do laundry a week?
The frequency of doing laundry per week depends on several factors, including the size of your household, your personal preferences, and your lifestyle. Generally, many people find that doing laundry 2 to 3 times a week strikes a good balance. This allows for efficient sorting and handling of smaller loads, preventing overwhelming piles from accumulating.
However, if you have a larger family, you might need to do laundry more frequently, possibly a load a day, and even a couple extra loads on one of the days. On the other hand, if you’re living alone or with a smaller household, you might find that doing laundry once a week is sufficient. Ultimately, the key is to find a laundry routine that fits seamlessly into your daily life, ensuring you have clean clothes ready when you need them without feeling overwhelmed by the task.
Want a few Laundry Hacks to Make laundry Day Easier?
Laundry day doesn’t have to be a chore! Check out these genius laundry hacks that will save you time, energy, and maybe even a bit of sanity.
1. Ice Cube Trick for Wrinkles
Got a wrinkled shirt and no time for ironing? Toss it in the dryer with a couple of ice cubes for a quick wrinkle-release. The ice will create steam, smoothing out those creases without the hassle.
2. Sock Organizer Hack
Missing sock mysteries? Use a hanging shoe organizer to keep socks paired up. Simply slip each pair into a pocket, and say goodbye to single sock woes.
3. Tennis Ball Dryer Hack
Tired of waiting for those comforters and pillows to dry? Toss a clean tennis ball into the dryer with them. It will help fluff up your bedding and speed up the drying process.
4. Homemade Stain Remover
Say goodbye to stubborn stains with a homemade stain remover. Mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and dish soap, apply to the stain, and let it work its magic before tossing it into the wash.
5. Dry Erase Marker Trick
Ever forget which clothes are delicate or need special care? Use a dry erase marker to jot down reminders on the washer lid. It’s a quick and easy way to avoid laundry mishaps.
6. Velcro Hack for Towels
Sick of your towels falling off hooks? Sew a small piece of Velcro onto the corner of your towel and another on the hook. Your towels will stay put and won’t end up on the floor.
7. Vinegar Fabric Softener Hack
Swap out store-bought fabric softeners for a more natural alternative – white vinegar! Add a splash to your rinse cycle to soften clothes, remove odors, and keep your washing machine clean.
8. Sneaker Dryer Rack Hack
Washing sneakers? Avoid the dreaded thumping sound in the dryer by creating a sneaker dryer rack. Tie the laces together, then hang them over the dryer door to let them air dry.
9. Lint Roller for Delicate Items
Lint rollers aren’t just for removing lint – they’re great for gently cleaning delicate items like sweaters and blouses. Roll it over your clothes to pick up dust and debris without causing any damage.
10. Shower Curtain Ring Hangers
Short on space to hang clothes? Use shower curtain rings on a hanger to create extra hanging spots. It’s perfect for tank tops, scarves, and other lightweight items.
11. Hair Straightener Collar Trick
No time to iron a collar? Use a hair straightener to quickly smooth out collar wrinkles. It’s a game-changer for those last-minute touch-ups.
12. Lemon Juice Brightening Hack
Bring back the brightness to your whites with a natural trick. Add 1/2 cup of lemon juice to the wash cycle to help whiten and brighten your clothes.
Don’t Let Laundry Stress you out Anymore
Conquering the laundry monster is a common problem, but armed with the best tips and a little strategy, you can transform your laundry routine from a huge mess to a well-organized system.
Implement a smart laundry schedule, optimize your washing and drying process, and simplify your life through decluttering and organization. With these strategies, the laundry room will no longer be a place of overwhelm, but rather a space where clean clothes and a sense of accomplishment await.
Related: Make your own laundry soap
