13 Good Laundry Habits That Stop the Hamper From Becoming a Problem

Do you ever find yourself facing a laundry mountain when you least expect it? It happens when you neglect it for too long. However, simple habits can help keep the laundry from piling up. By making a few small tweaks to your routine, you can make laundry less of a chore. 

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Sort Laundry as You Go

Sorting laundry as you go can save a lot of time when it comes to laundry day. Set up separate bins for colors, whites, and delicates to make things easier. It eliminates the need to scramble through a full load to find what you need. If you keep your laundry sorted, it becomes a quick task when you are ready to do the wash.

Having separate laundry baskets can also help you avoid washing clothes that should not be together. By sorting laundry immediately, you can prevent the frustration of having to redo a load due to mistakes. This habit helps make laundry feel less like a chore. It is a small adjustment that saves time and effort later.

Use a Laundry Basket in Every Room

Having a laundry basket in every room can stop clothes from accumulating in various spots. Instead of tossing dirty clothes in the corner of a bedroom or bathroom, use a designated basket for each space. This method keeps laundry organized and reduces the chances of clothes being forgotten. It also encourages everyone in the household to put things where they belong.

If your family tends to leave laundry lying around, this method will make sure that clothes are collected in one place. With a laundry basket in each room, there is no excuse to let clothes pile up. When it is time to do the laundry, it will be easier to gather everything. This simple habit promotes tidiness and organization.

Wash Smaller Loads More Often

Washing smaller loads more often can prevent the hamper from filling up too quickly. By doing smaller loads regularly, you will have less laundry to deal with at one time. This habit also helps keep your washer and dryer working efficiently, as overloading them can lead to wear and tear. Frequent, smaller loads allow you to focus on one task at a time without feeling overwhelmed.

Smaller loads also provide the opportunity to clean clothes when they need it, rather than waiting for a larger load to accumulate. It may take a bit more time, but you will avoid the frustration of dealing with a mountain of laundry. This approach ensures that your laundry habits stay under control. It makes the task feel more manageable and less stressful.

Treat Stains Right Away

When a stain occurs, it is important to treat it as soon as possible to avoid it setting in. Keeping a stain remover handy allows you to quickly address stains before they become permanent. Applying the right treatment immediately gives you the best chance of removing the stain completely. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to get out, so act quickly.

Taking a few extra minutes to pre-treat stains saves time in the long run. It helps ensure that clothes come out of the wash looking their best. Plus, this habit prevents you from having to rewash clothes multiple times. Quick action on stains helps maintain the overall quality of your wardrobe.

Fold Clothes Immediately After Drying

Folding clothes immediately after drying can stop them from piling up in the laundry basket. When clothes come out of the dryer, take the time to fold them right away. This prevents wrinkles from setting in, keeping your clothes neat and organized. The sooner you fold, the less likely you are to have a pile of unfolded laundry building up.

Folding clothes immediately also keeps the laundry room tidy and organized. If you leave clothes in the dryer for too long, they can become wrinkled and may require extra time to iron. By making folding a habit, you save time and effort later. It ensures that clothes stay in better condition and that the laundry process is quicker and more efficient.

Keep Your Laundry Area Organized

Keeping your laundry area organized makes the entire process easier. Having a dedicated space for detergent, fabric softener, and other laundry essentials helps you avoid unnecessary searching. Organize your laundry supplies so everything is easily accessible. A tidy space allows you to work more efficiently, and it reduces the chances of clutter spilling over into other areas.

A well-organized laundry area also makes it easier to keep track of your supplies. If you have a system for storing laundry essentials, it will be easier to spot when something is running low. This simple habit ensures that doing laundry is as quick and smooth as possible. It can help prevent laundry day from becoming a stressful, disorganized task.

Use a Laundry Schedule

Creating a laundry schedule ensures that laundry is consistently done without piling up. By setting specific days each week for laundry, you avoid the build-up of clothes in the hamper. This habit takes the pressure off, as you know exactly when laundry is due. Scheduling a regular time to wash clothes keeps the task manageable and consistent.

Having a set schedule means you can plan ahead and avoid last-minute laundry rushes. It also ensures that your laundry is always up to date, so you are never overwhelmed by a huge pile. Scheduling also prevents clothes from sitting too long in the hamper, helping them stay fresh. This method keeps laundry from feeling like a never-ending task.

Use the Right Amount of Detergent

Using the right amount of detergent helps your clothes get cleaned effectively while preventing build-up. Overusing detergent can leave residue on your clothes, leading to unpleasant smells and extra work. On the other hand, using too little detergent may not clean your clothes properly. Follow the recommended amount for your load size to get the best results.

By using the correct amount of detergent, you can also save money and avoid wasting product. This habit ensures that your laundry is both clean and fresh without any excess detergent lingering. It also helps preserve the lifespan of your washing machine. The right detergent balance will keep your laundry looking great and your machine functioning properly.

Separate Delicates from Regular Laundry

Separating delicate items from regular laundry can protect your clothes from damage. Delicate fabrics like lace, silk, and wool require special attention to keep their integrity. Use mesh laundry bags or gentle cycles to wash these items to ensure they are treated carefully. This simple separation step prevents wear and tear, keeping delicate fabrics looking their best.

This habit extends the life of your delicate clothes and helps them maintain their shape. Washing delicates separately also reduces the chances of snags or stretching. It may take a little extra time, but it is worth the effort to keep your finer items intact. By treating delicate fabrics with care, you avoid the frustration of having to replace worn-out clothing.

Dry Clothes on the Appropriate Setting

Using the right drying setting for your clothes is important to avoid shrinkage or damage. Some clothes require a low heat setting, while others can withstand a higher temperature. Check care labels for drying instructions and follow them to maintain the quality of your clothes. Drying clothes at the right temperature helps them last longer and keeps them looking their best.

Drying clothes properly also saves energy and time. By using the correct setting, you avoid the need for additional drying cycles, which can be wasteful. This habit ensures that your clothes are treated gently and not exposed to excessive heat. It helps preserve their shape, size, and fabric quality.

Empty the Lint Trap After Every Load

Emptying the lint trap after every load is an easy way to keep your dryer functioning properly. A full lint trap can slow down drying time, wasting energy and increasing wear on your dryer. Clean lint traps also reduce the risk of fires, making it a crucial safety habit. This simple step helps maintain efficiency and prolongs the life of your appliance.

By making it a habit to empty the lint trap, you also improve the quality of your laundry. A clean dryer works better, and your clothes dry faster. This step takes just a few seconds and can save you time, money, and potential problems. It is one of the easiest ways to take care of your laundry equipment.

Avoid Overloading the Washer

Overloading the washer can lead to poor cleaning results and unnecessary strain on your machine. Clothes need room to move in the drum to get clean, so it is important to avoid cramming in too many items. When the washer is overloaded, detergent does not circulate properly, and clothes can come out still dirty. This habit also prevents your machine from becoming overworked.

A washer that is overloaded can also cause the fabric to wear out faster due to friction. Keeping loads at the recommended size helps maintain the effectiveness of both your washer and your clothes. By staying mindful of the load size, you ensure better results with each wash. This small adjustment will save time and money in the long run.

Use Fabric Softener for Softness and Freshness

Fabric softener helps keep clothes feeling soft and smelling fresh, but it is important to use it correctly. Add fabric softener to your laundry routine, especially for towels and sheets, to keep them feeling comfortable. Be sure to follow the recommended amounts to avoid build-up, which can affect the performance of your washer. This step can make a noticeable difference in the feel of your clothes.

In addition to softness, fabric softener helps reduce static and makes ironing easier. It adds an extra layer of freshness to your laundry, keeping your clothes smelling clean for longer. Using fabric softener can also help preserve the color and texture of fabrics. It is a simple addition that improves the overall quality of your laundry experience.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.