This will be your new, go-to manual on wash day.
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A truism ofmodern housekeeping: The laundry is never done.
Decode Clothing Labels
Always look at care labels!
Photo:Cyano66/Getty Images
Heres some help translating those hieroglyphic figures (symbols can vary slightly).
Sort It All Out
At the very least, separate whites, lights, and darks.
If you want to go the extra mile, also avoid combining fabric types, which can cause pilling.
Stock Up on the Right Staples
Detergent
Whats best for you?
We have some info that might sway you one way.
If you want to add the powder to a cycle instead, dial up the water temperature to warm.
For anyone whos already used chlorine bleach on whites: Sorry, but the yellowing damage is done.
(We like Shout and Puracy.)
Apply it as soon as you might, and give it time to do its thing.
You know how sometimes you take sheets out of the dryer and theyre all in a damp knot?
Keep four to six in the dryer at all times.
Mesh Bags
Get a bunch of these, stat!
Theyre great for delicates, socks, hats, even headbands and hair ties.
Both of these should be applied by the drop and rubbed in.
Reconsider These Supplies
Your clothes will thank you, Richardson says.
Cant give it up?
Just dont use it on activewear or towelsit can leave a coating that traps stink and inhibits absorption.
Dryer Sheets
Theyre great at nixing static electricity, but they can leave a waxy residue.
Instead, lower your dryers heat, and pull out clothes when theyre still a tiny bit damp.
The moisture helps prevent clinging as stuff dries.
Scent Boosters
With some scented balls, the fragrance can linger on your clothes for months.
Chlorine Bleach
Cotton is not naturally a dazzling white.
Your pearly tees are dyed that shade, and bleach strips the dye.
Plus, most of us dilute it incorrectly, and too much can degrade fabric over time.
Set the Temperature
Go for cold most of the time.
This not only saves energy, it also helps prevent color fading, which hot water can accelerate.
Its OK to use warm sometimes, like when youre adding oxygen bleach, because heat boosts its efficacy.
The hot and (extra-hot) sanitizing cycles are generally unnecessary.
If youre nervous about cooties, Jennifer Ahoni, a scientist at Procter & Gamble, says dont fret!
Only consider bumping up to the sanitizing cycle if someone in your home has a serious stomach bug.
To banish odors and fix a funky gasket, you have to wash your washer!
(As silly as it sounds.)
Run an empty cycle once a month with an Affresh tablet.
Afterward, Maker says, clean the doors gasket with an antimold formula, like Concrobium Mold Control Spray.
Between loads, leave the door and detergent dispenser open to prevent mold.
A magnetic door prop can help.
FYI, fabric softeners can coat your machines drum and lead to mildew!
Learn the Dryer configs
Aaand now its time to talk about what all those dryer buttons mean!
Try These Dryer Hacks
Speed up, smooth out, and scent loads.
Get Good at Hang-Drying
The dryer is one of the biggest energy suckers in a home!
It can also help back up your clothes from shrinkage and abrasion.
Not a fan of airing your laundry for all the neighbors to see?
Depending on your climate, consider using a dehumidifier too.
When unloading, pull out anything that needs to get hung, and dont bother folding undies.
(Will the world know theyre wrinkled?
Pairing socks will go faster if theyre grouped in mesh bags (see Find Those Missing Socks).
Finally, roll towels instead of folding them.
Youll maximize storage space and feel like youre at a spa when you grab one.
