Doing laundry is one of those repetitious chores that seldom seems to get or stay caught up. The multiple tasks associated with washing the family's clothes often get interrupted before the entire process can be concluded.
If you are having trouble getting the laundry done, here are a few tips for organizing the work to get it done on a timely basis.
1. Install a laundry chute in bedrooms or bathrooms. That way everyone can throw dirty clothing down the chute whenever needed and it will all end up together in the basement, where many people have laundry facilities.
2. If a laundry chute is impractical, set laundry hampers in bathrooms or bedrooms. If family members are prone to leaving used clothing laying on the floor, charge them a quarter for each item that doesn't make it into the hamper. Or simply leave that piece of clothing unwashed and when needed, your spouse or child will accept your terms for the next time you wash clothes.
3. On laundry day, tell each person to bring his or her hamper and the bathroom baskets as well to the laundry area. They should also be instructed to place all dirty clothes in the hampers, such as towels currently in use or things that may be laying on dressers or tables, etc.
4. In your laundry area try to find space for a sorting and folding table. If not, use the tops of the washer and dryer or the floor. Sort soiled clothing by color:
-whites, such as underwear and socks
-pastels
-darks
(Some people include a "brights" pile.)
In addition, start a "delicate" pile for things that should be gently washed. These may include lightweight fabrics or hand washable items.
5. Using the appropriate temperature water, add the right amount of detergent. Don't overdo it as laundry soap can be harsh and may damage fabrics. When the washer begins to fill with sudsy water, add your first load, evenly distributing them around the agitator in the center.
6. Close the lid and do something else. Check your load or listen for the sound of the washer coming to a stop. Switch those items to the dryer and start your next load of laundry.
7. Go through each pile of clothes in the same way. When the first load comes out of the dryer, fold them immediately to prevent wrinkling and to save ironing time. Place in stacks for each family member and place in a well traveled area so they can pick them up on the way to their rooms and put them away promptly.
Alternatively, you may want to train kids from age twelve or so to handle their own laundry. Show them how to do it the first time or two, and supervise them the next few times, helping as needed. Soon they will be able to complete their own laundry, contributing to a sense of maturity and self-responsibility.
Laundry need not be an overwhelming and dreaded task. Sort the task much as you would the clothing and it will get done promptly.
