Posted on May 21st, 2023.

Laundry is a necessary chore that most people dread. But with the right knowledge and practices, it can be a quick and easy task that doesn't have to take up a lot of your time.

In this blog post, we will discuss the best practices for laundry, including how to sort your clothes, remove stains, choose the right detergent, and dry your clothes properly. We will also provide some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your laundry routine.

So whether you're a laundry pro or just starting out, read on for all the information you need to keep your clothes looking and feeling their best!

1. Sort your clothes by color and fabric type

The first step to doing laundry is to sort your clothes by color and fabric type. This will help to prevent colors from bleeding and fabrics from being damaged.

To sort your clothes, you will need a few different laundry baskets or hampers. One basket should be for whites, one for lights, one for darks, and one for delicates. You may also want to have a separate basket for towels and bedding.

Once you have sorted your clothes, you can start washing them.

2. Remove any stains as soon as possible

Stains are easier to remove when they are fresh. If you spot a stain on your clothes, try to remove it as soon as possible.

There are many different ways to remove stains. Some common methods include:

For blood stains, soak the stained area in cold water for 30 minutes. Then, apply a paste of baking soda and water to the stain and let it sit for another 30 minutes. Rinse the paste off with cold water and wash the garment as usual.

For grass stains, rub a bar of white soap into the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then, wash the garment as usual.

For ink stains, apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then, wash the garment as usual.

3. Use the correct water temperature

The importance of correct water temperature in laundry is to prevent damage to your clothes and to ensure that they are cleaned properly. Using too hot of water can shrink, fade, or even ruin some fabrics, while using too cold of water may not remove all of the dirt and grime.

The best way to determine the correct water temperature for your laundry is to check the care label on each garment. This label will tell you the maximum water temperature that the fabric can tolerate.

In general, delicate fabrics such as silk, wool, and lingerie should be washed in cold water. Most other fabrics can be washed in warm water, but it is important to check the care label to be sure. Whites and lights can be washed in hot water, but only if the care label says so.

4. Use the correct amount of detergent

Using the correct amount of detergent is important for several reasons. First, using too much detergent can leave residue on your clothes, which can make them look dingy and feel stiff. Second, using too much detergent can also contribute to the buildup of soap scum in your washer, which can damage your clothes and make your washer less efficient. Third, using too much detergent can waste water and energy.

Using too little detergent, on the other hand, can lead to clothes that are not clean. This is because detergent helps to loosen dirt and grime from your clothes so that they can be washed away by the water. If you don't use enough detergent, the dirt and grime may not be removed completely, which can lead to clothes that look dirty and feel unpleasant to wear.

The best way to determine the correct amount of detergent to use is to follow the directions on the detergent bottle. These directions are usually based on the water hardness in your area and the size of your load. If you are unsure how much detergent to use, it is always better to use less than more. You can always add more detergent if needed, but it is difficult to remove excess detergent once it has been added to the washer.

5. Air dry your clothes whenever possible

Drying clothes in the dryer can cause them to shrink, fade, and wrinkle. Air drying is gentler on your clothes and will help them last longer.

If you do need to use the dryer, choose a low heat setting. And, be sure to remove any items from the dryer as soon as they are dry to prevent them from wrinkling.

6. Clean your washer and dryer regularly

Over time, dirt, lint, and detergent residue can build up in your washer and dryer. This can damage your clothes and make them less effective at cleaning.

To clean your washer, run a cleaning cycle with a cup of white vinegar. To clean your dryer, vacuum the lint trap after every use and run a cleaning cycle with a cup of baking soda.

Here are some key components to enhance your laundry knowledge:

1. Types of fabrics: Knowing the type of fabric is important in determining how to properly wash and care for it. For example, cotton can tolerate higher heat temperatures while silk and wool are more delicate and require gentler treatment.

2. Properties of detergents: Understanding the different types of detergents available in the market and their properties can help you make a more informed choice for different types of laundry tasks. Some types of detergent may be better suited for removing stains, while others may be better suited for preserving the condition of delicate fabrics.

3. Proper washing and drying techniques: To prevent damage to your clothes, it is important to understand how to properly wash and dry them. This includes knowing the appropriate water temperature, how much detergent to use, and how long to let the clothes dry.

4. Stain removal techniques: Specific stains require different techniques for removal, such as using specific chemicals, soaking, or pre-treating. Laundry knowledge helps in identifying the type of stain and choosing the appropriate stain removal technique.

5. Understanding the laundry symbols: Laundry symbols can be seen on clothing labels and provide information on how to properly care for the garment. Laundry knowledge includes understanding the different symbols and what they mean.

By following these best practices, you can help to keep your clothes looking and feeling their best for longer.

Don't let laundry day stress you out any longer! Trust in Ivory Wash & Fold to handle all of your laundry needs with our exceptional services and affordable prices. Contact us today at [email protected] to schedule your first pickup or to learn more about our services. We look forward to serving you and bringing the comfort and convenience of freshly laundered clothes back into your life!