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Having a bit of Type A personality isn’t doing me any favors when it comes to the laundry department. BrownThumbPapa and Jackjack would be happy to grab clothes straight out of the clean laundry basket–wrinkles be darned! [twitch twitch]
Over the last zillion years of marriage, I’ve learned that I have to adjust my expectations…of myself and others. Laundry is one of those battles that’s not worth fighting. Here are some tips for how to win the laundry wars at your house.
- Wear stuff (jeans especially) a couple of times before washing. This helps cut down on the volume of laundry, and saves on water and detergent too.
- Make your own laundry detergent and freshen your clothes without weird chemicals. You’re already washing in cold water, right? Good.
- Put baby socks, nursing pads, and other small items in a lingerie bag before washing. It’ll keep the dryer from eating them, and they’ll be easy to put away.
- We have a laundry basket in each bedroom. Little Peanut’s diaper-blowout clothes are automatically quarantined this way, and can be washed in hot water with an extra rinse.
- Jackjack has one type of sock, so it’s easy for him to pick a matching pair. If they get un-repairable holes (yes, I really do darn his socks) then I can repurpose or chuck the holey one without worrying about looking for its mate.
- Ditch the dryer sheets! Your clothes will get just as soft from the tumbling action of the dryer. If you miss the scent, put a few drops of essential oil onto a fabric scrap or piece of old t-shirt and toss in the dryer. Learn about the premium essential oils I recommend.
- Moms, take a deep breath…are you ready for this one? Wash and fold the kids’ clothes exactly as they’re put into the laundry basket. If they’re inside out, wash and fold them that way. It saves tons of time on folding and is one less thing to nag them about. Save your nagging for more critical issues.
- Stains and spills don’t happen in the laundry room, they happen where life happens! Keep your favorite stain remover (I like Dreft) under the kitchen sink or in the bathroom.
I’m also a fan of buying multiple pairs of the same little socks (especially because I buy fancy ones) to help conserve them. More on that here:
http://hintmama.com/2013/11/06/todays-hint-how-to-conserve-little-and-big-socks/
You share some really great tips here!
Thank you for joining us last Wednesday for Wildcrafting Wednesday #94! I sure hope you will join us again this week!
Join on this week for Wildcrafting Wednesday at: http://www.essentialtraditions.com
Thanks for sharing your great laundry tips on Natural Living Monday! I never understood why people complained about laundry, until I had a child. Now it seems like my life consists of laundry, dishes and baths, lol.
I have been wanting to make my own detergent for a while, but haven’t quite managed it. Do you really skip the dryer sheets completely?
Laundry, dishes, and baths! Ha ha ha, that’s so true! We haven’t used dryer sheets for several years now and don’t miss them at all. Give it a try and see how you like it!
Some good tips, but there is no way I’m wearing my jeans more than one day. Thanks for sharing on Tuesdays With a Twist.
For me, the dryer sheet isn’t for scent (I buy the unscented ones) but for static cling. How does that work for you?
For advice, I like Flylady, “A load a day keeps Mt. Washmore away.” Even in my small family, I find that I do more laundry like drapes, comforters, blankets etc when I’m caught up on what we need.
I love Flylady! I don’t have too much trouble with static cling. If a skirt is sticking to my legs, I put a couple of drops of water on my hands, rub them on my legs, and we’re good!
I use the bag for the small socks and other things but I started twitching with the folding things inside out. I don’t think (twitch) that I can do (full convultions thinking about it). I have to turn them the right way. Is there a 12 step program for this??
Haha, I can’t do it either! Admitting that you have a problem is the first step. ;o)
Alison P. I am with you. I cannot fold things inside out. My boys would just put them on that way!!!
Great ideas, thanks 🙂
I <3 using a lingerie bag for my little one's socks. They don't get caught in the lip of the washer (front loader) and they're always with the mate. Our lingerie bag hangs on a little hook by the door of the laundry room and once the socks are taken off the little feet, they go right to the bag. They never see the laundry bin/hamper. Because, trust me, if they do see the laundry bin/hamper, they may never be seen again. I don't know why. It's just what happens. 🙂
My Mom always nagged me about taking off my clothes inside out, and now the boyfriend laughs about it! I have learned to just fold clothes the way the come out of the dryer – it really does save a lot of time. Great tips here, thanks for sharing!