Housekeeping
How to Make a Laundry Schedule: A Step-by-Step Guide
Photography, Jason Briscoe, Unsplash.com
Housekeeping
How to Make a Laundry Schedule: A Step-by-Step Guide
Do you always feel like you have a load of laundry to do?
Between your kid’s soccer uniform and fresh linens for everyone’s bed, not to mention your own delicates, dirty clothes can pile up. Creating a structured laundry schedule can ensure clothes are clean and ready when needed, and reduce stress.
Here’s how to make an effective laundry schedule that suits your time and family.
1. Assess Your Laundry Needs
Step 1: Inventory Your Laundry
- Family Size: The number of people in your household significantly impacts laundry frequency. Larger families will naturally produce more laundry.
- Activity Level: Consider the types of activities your household engages in. Sports and outdoor activities generate more laundry than sedentary lifestyles.
- Wardrobe Variety: Different types of clothing (e.g., work uniforms, casual wear, delicate fabrics) may require different washing methods and schedules.
Step 2: Determine Load Frequency
- Estimate how many loads of laundry you generate in a week. For instance, a family of four might produce 7-10 loads weekly.
2. Categorize Laundry by Type
Step 3: Sort Clothes
- Whites: Towels, bed linens, socks, etc.
- Darks: Jeans, dark shirts, etc.
- Colours: Bright or pastel-coloured clothes.
- Delicates: Lingerie, silk, wool, etc.
- Specialty Items: Sports uniforms, heavy-duty workwear, etc.
Step 4: Decide on Washing Frequency
- Some categories may need more frequent washing than others. For example, delicates might be washed once a week, while towels and bed linens could be done twice a week.
3. Set Up a Weekly Schedule
Photography, Julianna Arjes, Unsplash.com
Step 5: Create a Daily Plan
- Spread the laundry loads throughout the week to avoid overwhelming single-day tasks. For example:
- Monday: Whites
- Tuesday: Darks
- Wednesday: Colours
- Thursday: Delicates
- Friday: Towels and linens
- Saturday: Catch-up day for any missed loads or specialty items
Step 6: Allocate Time Slots
- Assign specific times for starting and switching loads. This helps in managing the time effectively. If mornings are busy, consider evenings or vice versa. Check your city’s high- and off-peak times if you want to do laundry and save money.
4. Implement and Adjust
Step 7: Test the Schedule
- Follow your new laundry schedule for a few weeks. Make note of what works and what doesn’t. Are certain days too busy? Do some loads need more frequency?
Step 8: Make Adjustments
- Adjust the schedule based on your observations. Flexibility is key to finding a routine that fits your lifestyle.
5. How Often to Wash Common Items
Understanding how often to wash certain items can help you maintain hygiene and prolong the life of your garments and linens. Here are guidelines for some common items:
Photography, Annie Spratt, Unsplash.com
Clothing
- Every Wear: Underwear, socks, workout clothes.
- Every 1-2 Wears: Bras (hand wash recommended), leggings and tights.
- Every 3-4 Wears: Jeans, sweaters (if worn with an undershirt), pyjamas.
- Every 5-7 Wears: Jackets and coats (unless visibly dirty).
Household Items
- Towels: After 3-4 uses (or once a week)
- Bed Sheets: Weekly
- Pillowcases: Weekly (more frequently if you have acne-prone skin)
- Blankets: Every 2-3 months (or more frequently if used often)
- Comforters: Every 3-6 months, depending on use
- Kitchen Towels: After each use (or at least once a week if used infrequently)
Specialty Items
- Sports Uniforms: After each use
- Swimwear: After each use (rinse in cold water immediately after use)
- Heavy-duty Workwear: After each use or weekly, depending on the level of dirt and grime
6. Tips for Maintaining the Schedule
Tip 1: Use Reminders
- Set reminders on your phone or use a wall calendar to keep track of laundry days.
Tip 2: Delegate Tasks
- Involve family members in the process. Assign specific tasks like sorting, folding or putting away laundry.
Tip 3: Invest in Organizational Tools
- Baskets for sorting, a folding station and a dedicated laundry area can make the process smoother.
Tip 4: Keep Supplies Stocked
- Ensure you have enough detergent, fabric softener and other laundry supplies. Running out of supplies can disrupt your schedule.
Tip 5: Stay Consistent
- Consistency is crucial for making any schedule work. Try to stick to your plan as closely as possible. And be thankful you gave yourself an extra catch-up day!
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