How to do Laundry
The time is coming soon that you will have to learn to do your own laundry-if you haven't already. When that time comes do you know what to do? If not-read on!
Sorting
The first step to doing your own laundry is to sort the clothes. To sort clothes, first check the label to see what kind of washing instructions it has. The label will tell you how hot the water can be, and what type of fabric it is. In general, the hotter water will get out more dirt, but will also be harder on the clothes. Some colors will run in hot water, and some fabrics will shrink.
Once you have the clothes sorted by type, sort them again into dark colors, light colors, and whites. You do this so that all of your underwear does not turn pink because of one red sock!
It's Washing Time
After you have sorted, it is time to wash the clothes. Take one of the piles that you have made. Make sure that the label says that it can be washed in a machine. Some fabrics have to be hand-washed. Set the machine for the water temperature that the clothes say. Then loosely place the clothes into the machine. If you bunch them in there, they will not get clean. Set the machine for how full the machine is-if you only have a little bit of clothes, don't waste the water of a full load. Add the detergent to the machine based on what the directions say. Don't use extra detergent, the clothes will not get any cleaner. Then turn on the machine.
Drying the Clothes
When the machine stops, take the clothes out. If the label says that they can go into the dryer, put them there. Otherwise, hang them up to dry, or follow the label. Once the other clothes are in the dryer, turn the settings to match the labels. Remember a hotter dryer will dry the clothes more quickly, but they might shrink if they get too hot. When the dryer stops, take the clothes out.
Ironing, Folding and Hanging
Once you take the clothes out of the dryer, fold them or hang them on a clothes hanger to help keep the wrinkles out. If an item is very wrinkled, you can iron it but check the label first. Some clothes cannot be ironed. Only set the iron for as hot as the clothes can take, and watch the iron. Do not leave the hot iron face down on the clothes when you go to answer the phone. You will end up with a big hole in your shirt!
Now that you know the basics for laundry look at this website if you have questions. Or come to the library and take out Talking Dirty Laundry with the Queen of Clean by Linda Cobb-648.5 COB