Laundry 101: Best Practices to Care for 90% of Your Clothes

Embarking on the journey of washing your own laundry can be both liberating and a tad overwhelming, especially if you're new to the game.

Fear not!

We've put together a straightforward guide that covers the essential practices to keep 90% of your wardrobe in top-notch condition. From the importance of sorting, to the lowdown on detergent quantities, we'll walk you through the basics. And if you'd rather leave the laundry hassle to the pros, stick around for an alternative solution at the end.

Let's dive into the world of laundry care without the fuss.

Sorting Wisdom

Ever had the mishap of turning all your white clothes pink? That's why sorting matters. Keep it simple by separating your clothes by color—lights with lights, darks with darks. It's a small step that goes a long way in preserving the vibrancy of your garments.

Cold Water

Washing your clothes in cold water not only saves energy but also helps maintain colors and prevent shrinkage. It's a win-win for your clothes and the environment. While some items may have specific water temperature recommendations, as a general rule, washing in colder than recommended temperatures works just fine!

Detergent

When it comes to detergent, stick with trusted brands of liquid detergent for the highest quality cleaning. A little goes a long way—just one tablespoon is plenty for a normal single load of laundry. Don't be fooled by recommended quantities; those companies want you to use up their product more quickly.

Keep it Simple

All you really need is detergent. While other products can be helpful, at the end of the day, some detergent and water have got you covered.

Don’t Overstuff!

Avoid the temptation to jam-pack your washing machine; your clothes won't get as clean, and drying will take longer. A good rule of thumb is to fill your washing machine 3/4 of the way and your dryer halfway for optimal cleaning and drying.

Drying Heat

Opt for a medium heat setting when using a dryer to prevent excessive wear and tear on your clothes. Consider using dryer balls to speed up drying time and reduce static.

Medium Spin

Choose a medium spin speed instead of high-speed spins to extend the life of your clothes. It's the Goldilocks approach—not too fast, not too slow, just right.

Folding and Hanging

The care doesn't end when your clothes are clean. Properly folding your clothes avoids wrinkles and maintains the fabric's integrity. Hang items prone to stretching, like sweaters, and use padded hangers to keep their shape.

Machine

Treat your washing machine like the VIP it is—gotta be careful in case robots take over the world. Regularly clean the drum and detergent dispenser to prevent any funky odors from transferring to your clothes. It's recommended to wash your machines once a month or every 30 cycles.

This covers basics laundry care for 90% of your closet. For specialty or delicate items, check the clothing labels for care instructions. Options like hang drying, washing items on a delicate cycle in a garment bag, or using a dry cleaner can be suitable.

Alternative Options

If you'd rather not worry about laundry at all, Poplin laundry services offers a full wash, dry, and fold service with free pickup and delivery. Poplin Laundry Pros follow the best practices outlined here, ensuring your clothes get the best treatment!