Laundry Tips for Busy Parents
This Article Written By
Carly C.
Author / Co-Owner
Hi there, my name is Carly! I am a massive New England Patriots fan, I cannot start my day without Starbucks, and… growing up, I was my mom’s messiest kid. Who would’ve thought I would be the one to own a cleaning business.
Carly here from FreshLee Cleaning Co., and today we’re tackling a chore that’s the bane of every busy parent’s existence—laundry. Between work, school, extracurriculars, and trying to squeeze in some family time, who has the hours it seems like laundry demands? If your laundry baskets are constantly overflowing and you feel like you’re drowning in a sea of socks and t-shirts, don’t worry—I’ve got some game-changing tips to help you keep on top of laundry without losing your mind.
Let’s dive into some time-saving hacks and organizational tricks that’ll help you breeze through laundry day like a pro!
Create a Laundry Schedule
One of the biggest challenges of keeping up with laundry is finding the time to actually do it. That’s where a laundry schedule comes in handy! Dedicate certain days of the week to specific loads. For example, you can do darks on Mondays, lights on Wednesdays, and towels and linens on Fridays. This way, you won’t be overwhelmed with a mountain of laundry all at once, and you’ll always have fresh clothes ready to go.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to factor in special loads like sports gear or delicates. Giving each load its own day ensures everything gets the care it needs without piling up!
Make Sorting Simple
Sorting laundry can be a major time suck, especially when you’ve got a pile of mixed clothes. To make this easier, set up a sorting system in your laundry area or bedroom. Have separate hampers or bins for whites, darks, and colors, so clothes are already sorted when you’re ready to wash them. You can even get your kiddos involved by teaching them how to sort their own clothes as they undress. This small change can save you a ton of time and make laundry day a little less daunting.
Embrace Pre-Treating
Stains are an inevitable part of parenting, but dealing with them doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Keep a stain remover or pre-treating spray in the bathroom or laundry room, and encourage your family to treat stains as soon as they happen. This helps prevent stains from setting and saves you from having to scrub or soak clothes later.
Pro Tip: If you’re dealing with a particularly stubborn stain, try soaking the garment in cold water with a bit of detergent or vinegar before washing. This can help lift the stain and make it easier to remove in the wash.
Use Mesh Bags for Delicates and Small Items
There’s nothing worse than losing a sock or having your favorite bra get tangled up in the wash. Mesh laundry bags are a lifesaver for keeping delicates and small items safe and sound. They’re also great for washing kids’ clothes and socks that are prone to getting lost. Simply toss the items in the bag, zip it up, and throw it in with the rest of the load. Easy peasy!
Streamline Folding and Putting Away
Folding and putting away laundry is often the most dreaded part of the process, but it doesn’t have to be a chore. Make it more enjoyable by turning on your favorite show or podcast while you fold. You can also get your kids involved by turning folding into a fun game or challenge.
Pro Tip: To make putting away laundry easier, organize your family’s closets and dressers by category (shirts, pants, pajamas, etc.). This way, everyone knows where everything goes, and you can quickly put away clothes without having to think about it.
Keep Supplies Handy
There’s nothing worse than running out of detergent mid-laundry session. To prevent this, make sure you always have a good stock of laundry supplies on hand. Keep detergent, fabric softener, stain remover, and dryer sheets in a designated spot in your laundry area, so you’re never scrambling to find what you need. You can also invest in a laundry caddy or cart to keep everything organized and within reach.
Set a Timer and Fold as You Go
We all know the temptation to leave a load in the dryer “just a little longer,” but letting clothes sit can lead to wrinkles and more work for you later. Instead, set a timer for when your load is done and try to fold the clothes as soon as they come out of the dryer. This helps prevent wrinkles and ensures your clothes stay fresh and ready to wear.
Simplify Your Wardrobe
One of the best ways to make laundry easier is to simplify your family’s wardrobe. Take some time to go through everyone’s clothes and donate or sell items that no longer fit or are rarely worn. This not only reduces the amount of laundry you have to do but also makes it easier to organize closets and dressers.
Pro Tip: When shopping for new clothes, opt for easy-care fabrics that don’t require special washing or ironing. This can save you a ton of time and hassle in the long run.
Use the Right Detergent for Your Needs
Choosing the right detergent can make a big difference in how clean your clothes get and how much time you spend doing laundry. If you have a large family or do a lot of laundry, consider using a high-efficiency detergent that’s designed for use in front-loading or high-efficiency machines. This can help you get your clothes cleaner in less time and with less water.
Pro Tip: If you have sensitive skin or allergies, look for a detergent that’s free of dyes and fragrances. This can help prevent irritation and make laundry more comfortable for everyone.
Don’t Be Afraid to Delegate
Laundry is a team effort! Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks to your partner or kids. Even young children can help with sorting, folding, or putting away clothes. Teaching your kids to take responsibility for their own laundry not only helps lighten your load but also teaches them valuable life skills.
Need Professional Help?
Laundry doesn’t have to be a never-ending chore! With a little planning, organization, and teamwork, you can keep on top of your laundry and still have time for the things that matter most. Try incorporating these tips into your routine and see how much easier laundry day can be. And remember, if you ever need a helping hand, FreshLee Cleaning Co. is here to help keep your home fresh and clean, one load of laundry at a time!