Most of us don’t love doing laundry.
Yet that pile of dirty towels that need to be washed never seems to stop.
While laundry is inevitable, some simple tips and tricks can make your life a little easier.
Credit: Kritsada Panichgul
Our editors have a long, idiosyncratic list of tricks, favorite products, andsmart organizing ideasfor laundry day.
Put our editors' advice to work on the trouble spots in your laundry routine.
But the unsightly lines created by your drying rack can be frustrating.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Here’s a laundry hack that’s easy and affordable.
Take a basic pool noodle, make a cut along one side, and slide it onto your rack.
Make a DIY Spot Treater
You probably have the makings for this DIY spot treatment in your kitchen cabinets.
Credit: Laurie Black
Simply grab some baking soda and white vinegar.
“Let it sit for a bit, then wash like normal.”
Look to your kitchen cabinets.
Aluminum foil can be bundled up and used as a dryer sheet for up to six months.
“It’s also supposed to help poison ivy, although I’ve never tried it for that.”
Try thisstain-removing productnext time you encounter a grass stain that just won’t come out.
Use a Dry-Erase Marker to Remember Items
Preservedelicate itemswith a friendly reminder.
Simply wipe away when finished.
Or hang a dry-erase board near your washer if you are worried about smearing your notes.
They can be easily refilled while keeping your countertops clutter-free.
Keep a hand towel nearby to wipe up any drips from the dispenser’s spout.
Placing a small tray or dish underneath the spout can also help with drainage.
“it’s possible for you to actually see the color it absorbs when the wash is done.
I’ve taught my kids to put one in every loadjust in case.”
Make Clothes Dry Faster
To help clothes dry quicker, try shaking out some of the excess water.
“Mom and Gram swore it opened up the fabric and made it dry faster with fewer wrinkles.”
Consider a Countertop Hamper
Hampers aren’t the only option forcollecting laundry.
This laundry hack keeps dirty kitchen towels organized and makes bringing them to the laundry room a fast process.
Be sure to install it high enough so dresses and pants don’t hit the floor when hung.
Metal works better than wood and won’t get damaged when it gets wet.
For even more storage, look for a towel rack with multiple rungs.
Dry-Clean at Home
Some dry-clean-only garments can be washed at home.
By doing your dry-cleaning at home, you’ll save a ton of time and money.
Make Folding Simple with Cardboard
Folding clothesgoes faster with a little help.
Get kids involved in folding by creating a cardboard template.
The template should help fold sleeves in first, followed by folding the bottom of the shirt upwards.
To prevent this, get alaundry hamperwith multiple compartments.
Now your clothes will be wrinkle-free.
