How to Speed Up Your Laundry Routine: Time-Saving Hacks

Laundry can be a time-consuming task, but with a few smart strategies, you can get it done more quickly and efficiently. Whether you’re managing laundry for a large household or just trying to streamline your routine, these time-saving hacks can help you get through the laundry pile faster.

1. Pre-Sort Your Laundry

• Use Multiple Hampers: Set up separate hampers or laundry baskets for whites, colors, and delicates. Pre-sorting laundry as you go saves time on laundry day since everything is already organized by load type.
• Color-Coded Hampers: Assign different hampers for each family member or load type (e.g., lights, darks, delicates) with color-coded bins. This makes it easy to grab and go without sorting through piles of clothes.

2. Invest in a Large-Capacity Washer and Dryer

• Upgrade Your Machines: If you have a large family or do multiple loads a week, a high-capacity washer and dryer can cut down on the number of loads you need to do. Look for energy-efficient models that can handle big loads while saving on water and electricity.
• Use Quick Wash Cycles: Most modern machines have quick wash settings that can handle lightly soiled clothes in as little as 15-30 minutes. Use these for everyday wear that doesn’t require deep cleaning.

3. Streamline Folding and Sorting

• Sort While You Fold: Instead of separating clothes into piles first and then folding, fold each item as you pull it out of the dryer. This reduces the time spent handling clothes multiple times.
• Use a Folding Board or Tool: A folding board or laundry tool can help you fold clothes quickly and neatly, especially for items like t-shirts. Consistent folding not only looks better but also saves space in drawers and closets.

4. Plan Your Laundry Schedule

• Designate Laundry Days: Instead of doing laundry randomly throughout the week, set specific laundry days and stick to them. This keeps the task from piling up and becoming overwhelming.
• Load While You Sleep: Start a load before going to bed and transfer it to the dryer first thing in the morning. This way, you wake up to fresh, clean laundry ready to be folded and put away.

5. Use Laundry Bags for Small Items

• Mesh Laundry Bags: Use mesh bags for socks, lingerie, and other small items to prevent them from getting lost or tangled. You can toss the entire bag in the washer and dryer, saving time when sorting later.
• Pre-Sorted Bags for Each Person: Assign each family member a mesh bag for their socks and underwear. After washing, simply return the bag with clean items to the right person—no sorting needed.

6. Simplify Your Detergent Routine

• Pre-Measured Pods or Sheets: Use detergent pods or pre-measured sheets to eliminate the time spent measuring liquid or powder detergent. They’re also less messy and reduce the chances of overusing detergent.
• Keep Supplies Handy: Store detergent, fabric softener, and dryer sheets within arm’s reach of your machine. An organized laundry area makes it easier to grab what you need quickly.

7. Multitask While You Fold

• Fold While Watching TV: Make folding laundry less of a chore by doing it while watching a favorite show or listening to a podcast. You’ll stay entertained while getting the job done.
• Use the “One Touch” Rule: Handle each item only once. Instead of moving clothes from pile to pile, fold and put them away immediately to avoid unnecessary steps.

8. Skip the Ironing

• Use a Wrinkle-Release Spray: Spritz wrinkle-release spray on clothes as you pull them from the dryer, then smooth them out by hand. This can eliminate the need for ironing.
• Hang Clothes Immediately: To reduce wrinkles, hang clothes immediately after drying. Shirts and pants can be placed directly on hangers while still warm, so they dry wrinkle-free.

9. Teach the Family to Help Out

• Assign Laundry Tasks: Divide laundry responsibilities among family members. Kids can help sort, fold, or put away their own clothes, reducing the overall burden on one person.
• Laundry Rotation: Implement a laundry schedule where each person is responsible for their laundry on certain days. This not only speeds up the process but also teaches responsibility.

10. Use a Timer and Stay on Track

• Set Timers for Each Load: Use a timer to remind yourself when it’s time to switch loads. Staying on top of load changes prevents clothes from sitting in the washer too long, which can cause mildew and require a rewash.
• Keep a Routine: Establishing a consistent laundry routine helps you stay on top of the task without letting it pile up. Whether it’s daily or bi-weekly, sticking to a schedule saves time and stress.

Conclusion

By incorporating these time-saving laundry hacks into your routine, you can cut down on the time you spend doing laundry and free up more time for other activities. A few simple adjustments can make the process more efficient and less of a chore.