Laundry day is enough to leave anyone feeling wrung out. Did you know that according to one poll of 2,000 Americans, even among the most-hated household chores, laundry ranks second — behind only washing the dishes? Call us biased, but compared to most household duties, we’ll pick tackling that load of dirty clothes every time. In fact, we have a few tips for you that will make laundry day less of a chore. Don’t believe us? Read on for ways to help wash away your troubles and improve your laundry routine.
Don’t let laundry pile up
Don’t make a mountain out of your dirty laundry. Instead of combating several loads in one day, which can feel daunting, clean every time you have one load. That way you won’t feel stressed out by an overflowing hamper. But to be environmentally responsible, also don’t run a wash every time you have a few clothes to clean — this wastes water, energy, and costs you more on your electric bill. Remember: one load, one wash. It will save you time and help make laundry less of a chore.
Liven up your space
Inviting spaces can create a more pleasant experience, so apply this rule to your laundry room. Consider adding greenery — even hanging plants if you have limited space. You can also add a cozy chair or rug to make it feel more comfortable to relax in. Incorporate anything else that can bolster to your mood, making the task of loading the washer and dryer — and then sorting and folding clothes — less of a grind.
Use two hampers
If you have the space, opt for two hampers to separate your laundry. If you wash your darks and lights separately, for example, this will save you time and energy sorting your clothes every week. Just designate your hampers appropriately, whether that’s darks/lights or delicate/normal.
Put on some music
Music makes everything a little better. Assemble a playlist of favorite tunes and help make time fly by as you wait for that spin cycle to wind down. You’ll instantly feel like you’re doing less of a chore. Turn up the volume and let loose as you fold those clean clothes. It’s an excellent way to boost your mood. No experience feels mundane once you’ve started your body moving.
Simplify with eco-friendly laundry sheets
Using SaltyLama’s plant-based laundry sheets will take a lot of the hassle out of your laundry routine — plus, they’re pro-planet. Instead of measuring liquid chemicals or powder, our laundry sheets are pre-measured, so you only need to toss one into your machine. It speeds up the process, prevents you from over or underusing detergent, and ensures your clothes come out looking and smelling fresh! Plus, they deliver straight to your door, so you don’t have to lug a hefty plastic jug out of the supermarket.
Tackle stains early
Instead of waiting until it’s time to clean your dirty clothes to remove stains, deal with them the moment they happen. This will prevent stains from setting in and save you time in the future. Check out some of our tips for dealing with stains. You can easily create a stain remover from mixing our laundry strips with water — or use such toxin-free alternatives as baking soda and vinegar — to tackle tomato sauce, coffee, and even wine.
Multitask while you wash
If laundry is tedious, why not multitask while you work? Combine something you enjoy — such as listening to a podcast or audiobook, catching up on your favorite series, or even exercising — while you fold clothes. If you use a laundromat, bring a book, your laptop, or a friend. This will be a considerable upgrade from mindlessly scrolling through your social media of choice.
Fold your clothes better
Try out the KonMari method for folding clothes. It’s one of the first tidying techniques that Marie Kondo teaches, and you’ll quickly see why. This method will leave them wrinkle-free, and it makes the process of folding laundry more relaxing and distressing. We also recommend taking advantage of hangers to prevent wrinkles.
Are you feeling any better about laundry day now? The fact is, it doesn’t have to be the dull and tedious chore we all loathe. With a bit of creativity and a positive attitude, you can turn it into an enjoyable and even productive experience. So, crank up the music, add some plant life, and get those clothes washed and folded in no time.