Thursday, January 30, 2014

BFBN: laundry tips for people who hate laundry


Did you know that I have friends that actually enjoy doing their laundry?

I guess the only plus about this chore is that you can accomplish it while doing something else - talking to friends, listening to music, watching T.V., etc.  However, it's still folding laundry.  And I'd rather be doing lots of other things than that.

But it's not just the folding.  Putting laundry away is just as annoying.  I mostly hate putting away the hang-up clothes and, because Colt hangs all of his shirts/t-shirts, that's a lot of stuff.  (It's not his fault.  The poor guy doesn't have a dresser.)

But thankfully, I've found a system that works for me so that this dreaded chore doesn't drag on any longer than necessary.  Here are a few tips for my fellow laundry haters:

DO IT ONCE A WEEK

Pick a day and keep it the same each week.  Do it from start to finish on that one day.

Some people do the laundry when it piles up and becomes unbearable.  Some people do a small load every day or every other day.  And some people, like myself, do laundry every Monday.  After all, 2-3 loads of laundry on one day isn't that terribly difficult in the scheme of things.

If you know me at all, it comes as no surprise that I function better with some sort of structure in place.  Prior to having Duke, when I was teaching, I just did the laundry when it got nuts.  Sometimes I'd let it go 3 weeks and then it became a marathon of folding/putting away.  Once I started staying at home, I realized I could have more order in my home since it was part of my job description.  I found that laundry once a week makes life so much easier. 

When I do it from start to finish - washing, drying, folding, putting away - all on Monday, I feel incredibly accomplished.  By the time the next Monday rolls around, it feels like an eternity since I last did laundry! 

DON'T WASH EVERYTHING AFTER ONE WEAR

Gross?  Maybe.  But take a good whiff and use your brain.  If you wore it for 2 hours, you probably don't need to throw it in the hamper.  Unless things are blatantly dirty or smelly, I give it another wear or two.  Jeans?  I wait awhile on jeans.  You people that wash your jeans every week should live a little.

ORGANIZE DRESSER DRAWERS OF T-SHIRTS BY COLOR

That sounds dumb maybe, but let me tell you why.

a.  You figure out what colors you have most/least of.  That way, you have an idea of what color to purchase (or not purchase) the next time you have the option.
b.  You know exactly where to put your t-shirts when putting them away.  You don't have to search for vacant drawers with enough space in them.  It makes putting t-shirts away quick and efficient.  Then again, if you're not wearing t-shirts as much as I am (EVERY DAY), then this may not be the most awesome tip.

I won't go crazy and tell you to organize your closet by items/color, although I know that it's really helpful for some people.  I've tried it on 2 separate occasions (here and here) and have never been able to stick with it.  But if you're one who can make it work, do it!

Any tips you wise readers have to offer on the subject of laundry?

 Follow the Babywise Friendly Blog Network Pinterest page for more Tips and Tricks! 

4 comments:

  1. Haha I hardly ever wash my clothes. I love that that was one of your tips! I wash some things after each wear (like underwear, obviously) but most stuff I just wait it out. I feel like laundry isn't too big of an issue that way. It also helps if you wear cheap clothes (like me) - washing laundry wears them out more slowly.

    These were great tips Claire!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I am totally one of the crazies who love doing laundry :) What can I say, it is therapeutic for me! But I am guessing it will be much more of a hassle when kiddos come along!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ahh, you just brought my "friends who like to do laundry" tally up to 3! That is crazy. Well, if we ever happen to be around each other during laundry time, I know who to ask for help. ;)

      Delete
  3. Commercial laundry is a fast paced business with laundry turnaround speed not only for customers who need bed linen and work clothes laundered, being paramount, but the faster the laundry is turned around then the more business the laundry can...Toronto laundromat services,

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...