Detergent. Softener. Delicates. Wool wash. Cycle speed. The list could really go on, but we’ll spare you: You’ve probably already been confronted by the abundance of detergents and products at the store and may be wondering why on earth there are so many settings on your machine. Even if you’re a seasoned laundry-doer, you might still be unsure about how to do your laundry properly. Despite those many settings and products, the basics of laundry are quite simple once you’ve built up a good routine. We’ll share our laundry routine to help you do the laundry properly.
Sorting your laundry can take a while, but once you’ve done a few loads you’ll know which clothes need which settings off by heart. Reading the care labels of your clothes is vital. Look out for the temperature they can be washed at, and whether the colours will bleed. Some dyes will bleed out a bit the first time and then become indelible; others won’t and need to be watched out for. There are three main categories you can sort your clothes into: Synthetic, wool, and cotton. We recommend Dynamo Professional 7 in 1 for mixed and synthetic clothes. Sort your clothes into these piles, and then sort them again by colour. Light and pastel-coloured fabrics should go in one pile, bright colours in another, and dark colours in a third pile. Keep in mind that Dynamo Professional 7 in 1 will keep your dark clothes looking good as new even after many washes. Red sock + white shirts = lots of pink shirts. Not a good idea, unless you’re really into monochrome outfits.
Now that you’re a laundry sorting pro, you can progress to the machine. Depending on the fabric type, you’ll need a certain temperature and spin cycle to ensure you don’t damage your clothes, but that they still end up clean. This also applies to your type of detergent – silks, wools, and other delicate fabrics require a special detergent to stop them from becoming damaged during the wash.
So, depending on your fabric, pick the suitable detergent and dose it depending on how dirty the clothes are, and how hard or soft the water is. If you’re unsure about this (not the sort of fact most people can whip out unprompted), then you’ll probably be able to find out online, or you may have realised that your water is hard because you get a lot of limescale build up in your shower.
Once you’ve dosed your detergent you can load the washing machine and select your wash settings. Many machines have pre-set cycles for cotton or synthetics or even wools and delicates, but you should review the settings to make sure you’re not washing a load of cotton too hot or cold. Top tip! Shorter cycles mean less waiting time, and reduce wear and tear on your clothes. Where you can, opt for shorter cycles or Eco settings.
Clothes that smell damp can be really easily avoided by unloading your machine as soon as it finishes its wash cycle and correctly drying your clothes. This is a part of knowing how to do laundry people forget about. The care labels on your clothes will have information about the settings you can tumble dry your clothes at. A top tip is to dry lightweight clothes together and heavier ones in a separate load.
Hanging your laundry to dry has a bunch of benefits though, not only because you’ll save energy and money, but also because it’s gentler on your clothes. This means your favourite top or that set of PJs your kid never takes off can stay in shape and be vibrant for longer.
That’s it! Once your clothes are dry, fold and store them and you’ve aced the laundry routine and know how to do laundry properly! Don’t forget that the machine itself also needs some TLC once in a while so make sure to read our article on how to clean your washing machine.