Sort Your Colours.
Separate darks from lights and delicate fabrics from more durable garments. When in doubt use cold water, especially for dark clothes to avoid shrinking, fading, and bleeding of dyes. Using cold water saves energy and resources too. For heavily soiled whites or light colours, however, warm or hot water may be the best bet.
Pretreat Stains.
The sooner you address splotches and spills, the more successful you’ll be getting them out. Keep Tide Ultra Stain Release Liquid with your laundry supplies to dab dirt, grease and other spills away before they set. Just make sure stains are gone (rewashing may be necessary) before putting clothing in the dryer, as the heat will set the stain and make it harder to remove.
Make Sure there's Nothing to Destroy Your Clothes in the Wash.
- Close zippers, hooks and snaps
- Fasten any Velcro
- Undo all buttons
- Empty pockets
- Unbunch socks
- Unroll cuffs on pants and shorts
- Tie sashes and bows
- Put delicates – lingerie or fine knitwear – in a mesh bag
Place a Laundry Pac in the Drum
Premeasured, all-in-one laundry detergents, like Tide PODS, save time and are super easy to use (no spillage, no schlepping). All you have to do is place one in with the load, and voilà! You have liquid laundry detergent, stain remover, and brightener in one convenient package.
Establish a Laundry Routine.
Washing clothes doesn't have to be a monumental task. If you add laundry to your weekly to-do list, it’ll be much easier to keep the chore manageable. Try do your wash during off-peak hours (generally early in the morning and late at night) so you can get in and out quicker. Plus you might get some studying done while you wait—and then have more time to play later.