Home laundry checklist
Sorting
- Divide clothes into two piles: one for dark-colored clothes and one for light-colored clothes.
- Ensure that each pile contains only clothes of the designated color.
- Identify delicate items that may be damaged in a regular wash cycle.
- Place these items in a separate pile or laundry bag to be washed separately.
- Follow the care instructions on the garment for the appropriate washing method.
- Inspect the pockets of each garment before washing.
- Remove any loose items such as coins, keys, or tissues.
- Failure to do so may damage the items or the washing machine.
- Differentiate between synthetic fabrics (e.g., polyester, nylon) and natural fabrics (e.g., cotton, linen).
- Create separate piles for each type of fabric.
- This prevents damage caused by different washing requirements.
- Identify heavily soiled clothes that require a more intensive wash.
- Separate them from lightly soiled clothes to avoid cross-contamination.
- Wash heavily soiled clothes separately or use a pre-wash cycle if available.
- Inspect clothes for lint or pet hair.
- Use a lint roller, lint brush, or tape to remove any visible lint or hair from the garments.
- This helps prevent lint transfer to other clothes during washing.
- Divide clothes into two piles: one for white garments and one for colored garments.
- Ensure that each pile contains only clothes of the designated color.
- Washing whites separately helps prevent color bleeding and keeps them bright.
- Organize clothes by their fabric composition (e.g., cotton, silk, denim).
- Create separate piles or groups for each type of fabric.
- This ensures that clothes are washed using the appropriate settings and detergents.
Pre-treatment
- Thoroughly inspect the clothing for any visible stains.
- Take note of the type and location of each stain.
- Apply a small amount of stain remover or pre-treatment solution directly to each stained area.
- Ensure the stained area is completely covered with the solution.
- Using your fingers or a soft cloth, gently rub the stain remover into the fabric in a circular motion.
- Be careful not to scrub too hard, as it may damage the fabric.
- Prepare a container or basin with the recommended pre-treatment solution.
- Place the pre-treated clothing into the solution, ensuring it is fully submerged.
- Allow the clothing to soak for the specified time mentioned on the product label.
- Choose a soft-bristled brush suitable for the fabric type.
- Gently scrub the fabric with the brush, focusing on the stained areas.
- Continue brushing until the solution is evenly distributed and worked into the fabric.
- Fill a sink or basin with cold water.
- Submerge the pre-treated clothing in the water and agitate it to remove dirt and residue.
- Continue rinsing until the water runs clear and all the pre-treatment solution is eliminated.
- If any stains remain after the initial pre-treatment, repeat the entire pre-treatment process.
- Ensure to use fresh solution and follow the same steps for maximum effectiveness.
Washing
- Separate clothes into piles based on fabric type (e.g., cotton, wool, synthetic)
- Read the washing instructions on the clothing labels
- Group clothes with similar washing instructions together
- Create separate piles for delicate items that require handwashing or special care
- Open the washing machine lid or door
- Place the sorted clothes into the washing machine, making sure not to overload it
- Consult the detergent packaging for the recommended amount
- Measure and pour the appropriate amount of detergent into the washing machine
- Refer to the washing machine's manual for cycle options and their descriptions
- Choose the cycle that corresponds to the fabric type and level of dirtiness
- Select the appropriate temperature setting, considering the fabric and stain type
- Close the washing machine lid or door
- Press the 'Start' button to initiate the washing cycle
- Keep an eye on the washing machine's progress
- If the clothes appear heavily soiled or the detergent is not sufficient, pause the cycle
- Add an additional amount of detergent as needed
- Resume the cycle
- Check the progress of the washing cycle
- If desired, pause the cycle before the rinse cycle
- Add the recommended amount of fabric softener
- Resume the cycle
- Once the washing cycle is complete, open the lid or door of the washing machine
- Take out the clothes and shake them gently to remove any wrinkles
- Inspect each garment for any remaining stains or spots
- If any are found, note their location for re-washing
- For clothes with missed stains or spots, repeat the washing process
- Place the stained garments back into the washing machine
- Add extra detergent if needed
- Select the appropriate cycle and temperature
- Start the washing machine again
Drying
- Check each care label on the clothing items to determine whether they can be tumble dried or need to be air-dried.
- Separate the items that require air-drying from those that can be tumble dried.
- Separate your clothes into different piles based on their drying instructions.
- Group clothes that can be tumble dried together and clothes that need to be air-dried separately.
- If the clothes can be tumble dried, load them into the dryer.
- If the clothes need to be air-dried, hang them up on a clothesline or drying rack.
- Refer to the care labels to determine the appropriate temperature and drying time for the items that can be tumble dried.
- Adjust the dryer settings accordingly to match the recommended temperature and drying time.
- For tumble-dried clothes, start the dryer and let it run for the specified drying time.
- For air-dried clothes, hang them in a well-ventilated area where they can dry naturally.
- Once the dryer cycle is complete, promptly remove the items to prevent wrinkles from setting in.
- Avoid leaving the clothes in the dryer for an extended period as it can lead to shrinkage or excessive wrinkling.
- Once the clothes are dry, fold them neatly or iron them if necessary.
- Store the clothes in their designated places or put them away in drawers or closets.
- After each drying cycle, open the dryer door and locate the lint filter.
- Carefully remove any accumulated lint from the filter and dispose of it properly.
- Regularly cleaning the lint filter helps maintain the dryer's performance and prevents lint buildup.
- After each drying cycle, inspect the clothes for any signs of shrinkage or damage.
- If you notice any issues, adjust your drying method or temperature accordingly.
- Do not over-dry clothes as it can lead to excessive shrinkage or damage.
- Follow the recommended drying times and check the clothes periodically to prevent over-drying.
Folding and Ironing
- Carefully remove clothes from the dryer or clothesline
- Shake out any wrinkles or creases
- Fold clothes neatly, ensuring smooth edges
- Hang clothes on hangers, grouping similar items together
- Check the fabric label for ironing instructions
- Set the iron to the appropriate temperature
- Iron clothes in small sections, moving the iron in a smooth motion
- Avoid ironing over buttons or zippers
- Place folded clothes in a drawer or on a shelf
- Hang ironed clothes in the closet
- Separate clothes into piles based on fabric type
- Group delicate fabrics together and sturdier fabrics together
- Check for any wrinkles or creases
- Re-fold clothes if needed to ensure neatness
- Hang shirts, blouses, and dresses on hangers
- Use clothespins to hang skirts or pants
- Place folded clothes in designated drawers or shelves
- Hang clothes on hangers in the closet
- Sort socks and match them by pairs
- Fold each pair of socks together
Miscellaneous
- Remove the lint trap from the dryer
- Clean out all lint from the trap
- Replace the lint trap back into the dryer
- Wipe down the exterior of the washing machine and dryer with a damp cloth
- Remove any visible dirt or grime
- Check for any spills or stains and clean accordingly
- Gather all laundry supplies and equipment
- Organize them in their designated storage areas
- Ensure everything is neatly arranged and easily accessible
- Go through the checklist
- Mark each completed task with a checkmark
- Ensure all tasks are accounted for
- Identify any stained items in the laundry
- Apply an appropriate stain remover to the stains
- Follow the instructions on the stain remover for best results
- Separate the laundry into different categories (e.g., whites, colors, delicates)
- Place each category of laundry into its designated basket
- Ensure the baskets are labeled for easy identification
- Inspect the pockets of all clothing items
- Remove any small items (e.g., coins, keys)
- Place the small items in a designated container
- Locate the filter in the washing machine
- Remove the filter and clean it thoroughly
- Reinsert the filter back into the washing machine
- Review the settings on the washing machine and dryer
- Adjust the settings as needed (e.g., water temperature, cycle type)
- Ensure the settings align with the laundry being washed or dried
- Identify delicate items in the laundry
- Hang these items on a clothes hanger
- Ensure they are hung in a location where they won't get wrinkled
- Pick up each item with wrinkles
- Gently shake the item to release any wrinkles
- Proceed to fold the item neatly
- Arrange the items to be dried in a systematic order
- Ensure they are not overcrowded or tangled
- Load the items into the dryer with care
- Wait for the dryer cycle to finish
- Open the dryer door
- Remove the dried items immediately
- Take out the warm items from the dryer
- Hang or fold them immediately
- Avoid leaving them in a crumpled state
- Put away all laundry supplies and equipment in their designated storage areas
- Clean up any remaining mess or clutter
- Ensure the laundry room is tidy and ready for future use
Use in Manifestly