What Is the Most Efficient Way to Do Laundry?

Laundry is a household chore that can be time-consuming and energy-intensive if not done efficiently. And, if you are a busy parent, a working professional, or someone looking to save on utility bills, mastering an efficient laundry routine can make a significant difference. 

Let’s explore how to eliminate common summer stains, view recommended laundry appliances, and discover valuable tips that will help you tackle every tough stain.

 

 

Efficient Laundry Tips: The Basics

Efficient laundry routines not only save your family time but also extend the lifespan of your clothes and reduce energy consumption. Here are some helpful tips to make sure you're getting the most out of your laundry efforts:

• Separate Light and Dark Clothes: Always separate light-colored clothes from dark ones before washing. This prevents color bleeding and keeps your clothes looking fresh and new.

• Pre-Treat Stains Immediately: Deal with stains as soon as they happen. Use appropriate stain removers or a simple mixture of baking soda and water. Pre-treating stains increases the chances of complete removal during the wash.

• Use Cold Water: Washing clothes in cold water saves energy and is often as effective as hot water for regular loads. It also helps in preserving the color and fabric of your garments.

• Full Loads Only: Run your washing machine with full loads whenever possible. This maximizes water and energy use efficiency. If you must wash smaller loads, adjust the water level settings accordingly.

• Use the Right Detergent Amount: Too much detergent can lead to residue build-up on clothes and the machine. Follow your manufacturer’s manual for the correct amount of detergent based on your load size and soil level.

 

Efficient Laundry Tips for Different Fabrics

Understanding the specific needs of different fabrics can make your laundry routine more efficient and help extend the life of your clothes. Here are some tailored tips:

Delicates:

Handle delicate fabrics such as silk, lace, and fine knits with extra care. Use a gentle cycle and cold water to prevent shrinkage and damage. Place delicate items in mesh laundry bags to protect them from friction and stretching during the wash cycle. Additionally, consider hand washing particularly fragile items, and always check the garment’s care label for specific instructions.

Heavy-Duty Fabrics:

For jeans, towels, and bedding, use a higher spin speed to remove as much water as possible, reducing drying time. These fabrics can typically handle more rigorous washing settings, but it’s still beneficial to turn jeans inside out to prevent fading and use a lower heat setting when drying to maintain fabric integrity.

 

Efficient Sorting Tips

Taking a few extra minutes to create a more efficient pre- or post-laundry routine can help you save time and hassle. Check out these sorting and folding laundry tips:

• Sort by Fabric Type: Separate laundry not only by color but also by fabric type. Washing towels with other heavy fabrics and delicates separately ensures each item gets the appropriate care. For example, washing heavy items like jeans with lighter items like t-shirts can lead to uneven cleaning and potential damage to the lighter fabrics. Sorting by fabric type also lets you choose the optimal wash cycle for each load.

• Pre-Sort Laundry: Use hampers with multiple compartments to pre-sort your laundry by color and fabric type. This saves time on laundry day and ensures each load is properly organized for optimal cleaning.

• Pay Attention to Care Labels: Always check the care labels on your garments before washing. These labels provide important information on how to wash, dry, and iron your clothes, helping you to avoid damage and maintain their quality.

• Use Mesh Bags for Delicates: Place delicate items such as underwear, bras, and hosiery in mesh laundry bags. This prevents them from tangling and getting damaged during the wash cycle. It also makes it easier to separate them from the rest of the laundry when it’s time to unload the washer.

• Sort by Soil Level: Separate heavily soiled items from lightly soiled ones. Washing heavily soiled clothes together allows you to use a more intensive wash cycle, while lightly soiled items can be washed on a shorter, gentler cycle. This ensures that all items are cleaned effectively without wasting energy and water on items that don’t need it.

 

 

How To Get Rid of Tough Stains 

Tough stains seem impossible to remove, but you can tackle them effectively with the right techniques. Here’s how to handle some common culprits:

Sweat Stains

To remove sweat stains, create a paste using equal parts baking soda and water. Gently rub the paste onto the stain, let it sit for 30 minutes, then wash as usual. For extra stubborn stains, adding a few drops of lemon juice to the paste can help bleach the stain naturally.

Grease Stains

Grease stains can be challenging, but applying a small amount of dish soap directly to the stain can break down the oils. Gently scrub the area with a soft brush or your fingers, then wash the garment in cold water. For particularly tough grease stains, consider using a degreaser specifically designed for fabrics.

Grass Stains

Grass stains are primarily protein-based, making them difficult to remove. Soak the stained area in a mixture of water and white vinegar for at least 15 minutes. Dab at the stain with a clean white rag, then wash the garment with an enzyme-based detergent, which helps break down the protein in the grass stain. Repeat the process or use a pre-treatment spray before washing for persistent stains.

Mud Stains

Allow mud stains to dry completely before attempting to remove them. Once dry, brush off as much of the dried mud as possible. Treat the remaining stain with liquid detergent and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Finally, wash the garment as usual. If necessary, repeat the treatment for any lingering stains.

Sand

While not necessarily a tough stain, sand can be annoying to deal with. Shake the clothing out to remove the bulk of the sand. Soak the items in cold water for 10 minutes, allowing the sand to separate from the fabric. Lastly, air-dry the fabric, and any remaining sand should be easy to brush or shake off.

Tip: Tackle stains as quickly as possible. The more time a stain has to set in, the harder it will be to remove.

 

Our Recommended Efficient Washers

Here are three recommended washers to help you fight tough summer stains and elevate your laundry routine:

 

Our Pick: Speed Queen TR7 Ultra-Quiet Top Load Washer with Speed Queen® Perfect Wash™ (TR7003BN)

Why We Love It: The Speed Queen Perfect Wash™ offers versatile and gentle cleaning, allowing you to tailor wash cycles for optimal fabric care with innovative, clean results. It operates ultra-quietly, measuring only 43dB during agitation, making it ideal for maintaining a peaceful home environment. Known for legendary reliability, Speed Queen has been trusted for over 110 years, with machines built to last 25 years in the average home. Its out-of-balance management ensures all cycles run to completion, thanks to commercial-quality components and unmatched technology.

 

Our Pick: GE® ENERGY STAR® 4.8 cu. ft. Capacity Smart Front Load Washer (GFW550SPRRS)

Why We Love It: The GE® ENERGY STAR Smart Front Load Washer is a standout choice for modern laundry care. It features the unique UltraFresh Vent System with OdorBlock™, which eliminates excess moisture to prevent odors, keeping the washer fresh. Microban® antimicrobial technology is built into the gasket, dispenser, and drain, providing continuous protection against bacteria. With built-in WiFi, you can start, stop, and monitor your laundry from anywhere, receiving real-time updates on your smartphone. 

 

Our Pick: Maytag Top Load Washer (MVW5035MW)

Why We Love It: This top-loading washing machine offers an extra-large capacity of 4.8 cu. ft. to easily handle larger loads. It is also packed with smart features, such as automatic detergent dispensing that dispenses the right amount of detergent each time and a power steam feature that penetrates deep into fabric fibers, loosening stains to deliver enhanced cleaning performance.

 

 

Get Your Next Washer at Queen City!

Adapting your laundry routine to keep your clothes looking and smelling their best is a priority. Upgrading to a quality washer and dryer will help ensure you are well-equipped to tackle stains, preserve colors, and extend the life of your favorite garments. Discover the best front-load washers, top-load washers, gas dryers, and electric dryers at Queen City.

Browse the latest high-capacity washers from leading brands like Whirlpool, Maytag, Electrolux, Speed Queen, and more to reduce your average cycle time. 

So, what are you waiting for? Head to one of our appliance store locations in North Carolina to upgrade your laundry routine today!

Related readings:

• How To Clean A Washing Machine

• How To Clean A Dryer Vent

• How Much Water Does A Washing Machine Use?

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Washers

Can I use bleach to remove stains from white clothes?

Bleach can be effective for white clothes, but it should be used sparingly to avoid weakening the fabric fibers. Consider using oxygen-based bleach as a gentler alternative.

Can I wash my towels with other clothes?

Washing towels separately from other clothes is recommended, as they tend to produce more lint. This prevents lint transfer and ensures your other garments stay clean.

Can I use vinegar to soften my laundry?

Yes, vinegar can be used as a natural fabric softener. Add half a cup of distilled white vinegar to the rinse cycle to help soften clothes without leaving a vinegar smell.

How can I prevent mold and mildew on damp towels?

After use, hang damp towels and swimwear in a well-ventilated area to dry completely before storing them. Avoid leaving them in a humid environment.

Is it necessary to wash certain clothes more often than others?

Depending on your activities and sweat levels, you might need to wash some clothes more frequently. However, avoid overwashing, as it can wear out fabrics faster.