Ten tips for Washing, Drying & Ironing clothes

Keeping clothes clean and presentable is a daily chore, and there are several easy steps you can take to ensure you keep your wardrobe looking fresh and crisp. Washing, drying and ironing clothes can seem like a daunting task, but following some simple guidelines can make the process easier and more effective.

When it comes to washing clothes, it’s important to make sure you’re using the correct water temperature, detergent and washing cycle. Depending on the type of fabric, different fabrics require different temperatures, so always make sure to check the care tag for any special instructions. Once you’ve chosen the correct cycle, add the appropriate amount of detergent or fabric softener. It’s important to make sure you use the right amount of detergent to avoid over-sudsing.

Once the washing machine is finished, it’s time to move on to the drying process. Different fabrics require different drying methods, so always double-check the care tag. Different items can also require different drying times, and if your clothing features more delicate materials, you may need to use a lower temperature setting. It’s also important to remove items from the dryer as soon as they’re finished to avoid wrinkles.

The final step in the process is ironing, which can be tricky. It’s important to make sure you use the correct heat setting for the type of fabric you’re ironing. Delicate items may require a low setting, while tougher fabrics such as denim and canvas may require a higher heat. Remember to always use a pressing cloth when ironing delicate materials to protect the fabric.

Following these simple guidelines when it comes to washing, drying and ironing can help keep your clothes looking and feeling their best. With the right tools, a little know-how and a bit of patience, you can keep your wardrobe looking neat and tidy.

Whether you do it only for yourself or take care of the whole family, there’s always something that you wish you could do faster and more efficiently. Implement some of these tips into your routine to make your daily life easier:

Laundry tips:

Read the labels

Learn how to read clothing labels before tossing them all into the same load. Most often, you can get information about the temperature and setting you should use, as well as whether you should even wash that particular item in the washing machine. Some clothes are marked for dry cleaning only. 

If that’s the case, then make sure your clothes are properly taken care of. Some businesses, like this one for dry cleaning in NJ, offer to completely take care of the process for you, from pick-up to washing, drying, and delivering them back to you.

Don’t overload your machine

If you want your washing machine to work as efficiently as possible, then avoid loading it to its full capacity. You want your clothes to have enough space to tumble in and rinse properly. Overloading can also cause damage to the drum, so take proper care of it to extend its lifespan.

Close the zippers and pockets

There are multiple things you should do before throwing your clothes in the washer. It’s best to turn delicate fabrics inside out or use a mesh bag to avoid tearing or snagging during the wash. 

Close the zippers all the way up so that they can’t get caught with other clothes and potentially damage them.

Use the correct detergent

Be mindful of the type of detergent you’re using. Many laundry detergents contain harmful substances that are harmful for the environment and can cause allergies in those with more sensitive skin. Look for natural, eco-friendly options in your local supermarket. 

Use a cold setting

Today, washing machines are efficient enough that you don’t need to use a hot setting to properly clean your garments. In fact, most of the time, it’s better for your clothes to be washed on a colder cycle.

If you absolutely must use the hot setting, then check to see if your machine has an eco-program.

Drying tips:

Air dry if you can

Drying your clothes in the dryer frequently can put a strain on the fibers of the material and cause your clothes to shrink or change shape. If you live in a suitable environment, try to hang up your clothes to air dry. You’ll save a lot on the electric bills!

Don’t overload your dryer

The same rule that applies for washing machines goes for dryers too. Don’t fill the dryer up to the brim, since your clothes won’t dry properly. Reduce the temperature setting to prevent them from shrinking.

Ironing tips:

Iron inside out

After you’ve dried your clothes, it’s time to make them wrinkle-free. The first thing you should do is turn your clothes inside out. This is especially important when handling delicate fabrics like silk or satin. If you do something wrong, it’s better for the mistake to be on the inside!

Use a damp cloth when ironing

Avoid putting your iron directly on sensitive fabrics, like wool or satin. Instead, place a damp cloth on top, and you’ll get the same effect without worrying about burning the clothes by accident.

Iron the right way

Iron your clothes in the right order. If you’re handling shirts, then start on top, around the collar, before moving onto the rest of it. Iron the clothes inside out, then turn them back to see if you missed a spot. For the sleeves, you should go from the top to the bottom.

Iron along the seams first when it comes to pants. Flatten them completely before moving to the rest.