With Christmas around the corner and school holidays upon us, the household laundry pile is bound to grow. While juggling family time, outings, and entertaining the kids, laundry doesn’t have to be a dreaded task. Simple, smart techniques can help reduce the time spent on laundry, save money on utilities, and even lighten your environmental footprint. Here are some essential laundry tips to get through the festive season with ease:
1. Mix colours with confidence
For parents who want to cut down on time, using dye-trapping sheets like the ones by Colour Catcher can allow you to wash mixed colours together without fear of colour bleeding. These sheets absorb loose dye, so you don’t need to sort colours as strictly. This makes it quicker to get through larger loads, especially when kids’ clothes pile up after festive fun. I have been using them for years even on cold wash and they have proven to be very effective as well as money saving.
2. Save water and energy
When you combine colours in the wash, you can reduce the number of loads, saving water and electricity. This is especially important if you’re doing laundry more frequently over the holidays. Washing in cold water is another great way to cut down on energy costs, as many clothes clean well at lower temperatures while being gentler on fabrics.
3. Shorten your wash cycles
Opting for shorter wash cycles can save both time and money, and many items only need a quick refresh rather than a full wash. Reserve longer cycles for heavily soiled clothes, and remember that many delicate fabrics benefit from gentler, shorter cycles.
4. Pre-Treat new school uniforms before first wear
If you’ve bought new clothes for school or the holidays, be sure to wash them before first wear. New items may have residues from production or shipping that can be harsh on kids’ skin. Washing not only removes these chemicals but also softens the fabric and helps preserve colours.
Money-Saving and eco-friendly laundry tips
Incorporate these easy practices into your laundry routine for budget-friendly results that are also kind to the environment:
- Measure Detergent Carefully: Overusing detergent doesn’t make clothes cleaner and can leave residue in the fabric and machine. Measuring detergent accurately helps prevent waste and reduces your shopping frequency.
- Skip the Fabric Softener on Uniforms: Fabric softener can weaken certain fabrics, especially uniforms and sportswear. Instead, try adding a small amount of white vinegar to the rinse cycle, which can soften fabrics naturally without the build-up.
- Use Refillable Detergents or Bulk Buys: Refillable or bulk detergent options can be more cost-effective and reduce plastic waste. Check for eco-friendly alternatives that come in bulk or concentrated formulas.
Tackling stains naturally
The holidays bring festive foods and activities, which can lead to more stains on clothes. For effective, budget-friendly stain removal, try these household staples:
- Baking Soda: A sprinkle of baking soda on greasy or food-stained areas can help lift stains. Rub it in gently before washing.
- Vinegar and Water Mix: Combine equal parts white vinegar and water to pre-treat stubborn stains. Let it sit for a few minutes before throwing the item into the wash.
- Salt for Fresh Stains: Sprinkle salt on fresh stains to absorb liquids, especially greasy marks, making them easier to wash out later.
Extend the life of school uniforms
School uniforms can be expensive, so here are a few ways to make them last longer without spending extra on professional cleaning:
- Turn Clothes Inside Out: This protects fabrics from wear and tear, especially embroidery and logos.
- Gentle Cycles and Cold Water: Cold water and gentle cycles prevent fading and shrinking, helping uniforms look newer for longer.
- Air Dry When Possible: Hang uniforms to air dry, especially delicate items like blazers and ties. This method prevents shrinking and saves on electricity costs associated with tumble drying.
Quick tips for easy laundry maintenance
- Only Wash Full Loads: Running your machine with fewer, full loads uses less water and energy overall.
- Avoid Overloading: While filling up the drum is efficient, be careful not to overload, as it can reduce the machine’s effectiveness and cause clothes to come out less clean.
- Dryer Balls: Use dryer balls to help reduce drying time by keeping clothes separated. They’re a small but effective way to cut down on energy costs if you use a tumble dryer.
By using these time-tested methods, you can tackle the holiday laundry mountain with ease and efficiency. With fewer loads, shorter cycles, and small adjustments like cold washes and air drying, you’ll keep the pile manageable while saving time, water, and money. The result? A little more room in your schedule for what matters most – spending quality time with your loved ones this holiday season.