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| WHY do I buy toys for the kids when they just want to play in the hamper? |
Over the last zillion years of marriage, I've learned that I have to adjust my expectations...of myself and others. Laundry is one of those battles that's not worth fighting! Here are some tips for how to win the laundry wars at your house.
- Wear stuff (jeans especially) a couple of times before washing. This helps cut down on the volume of laundry, and saves on water and detergent too.
- Make your own laundry detergent and freshen your clothes without weird chemicals. You're already washing in cold water, right? Good.
- Put baby socks, nursing pads, and other small items in a lingerie bag before washing. It'll keep the dryer from eating them, and they'll be easy to put away.
- We have a laundry basket in each bedroom. Little Peanut's diaper-blowout clothes are automatically quarantined this way, and can be washed in hot water with an extra rinse.
- Jackjack has one type of sock, so it's easy for him to pick a matching pair. If they get un-repairable holes (yes, I really do darn his socks) then I can repurpose or chuck the holey one without worrying about looking for its mate.
- Ditch the dryer sheets! Your clothes will get just as soft from the tumbling action of the dryer. If you miss the scent, put a few drops of essential oil onto a fabric scrap or piece of old t-shirt and toss in the dryer. I like lavender, lemon, or orange for a little zing.
- Moms, take a deep breath...are you ready for this one? Wash and fold the kids' clothes exactly as they're put into the laundry basket. If they're inside out, wash and fold them that way. It saves tons of time on folding and is one less thing to nag them about. Save your nagging for more critical issues.
- Stains and spills don't happen in the laundry room, they happen where life happens! Keep your favorite stain remover (I like Dreft) under the kitchen sink or in the bathroom.
My Mom always nagged me about taking off my clothes inside out, and now the boyfriend laughs about it! I have learned to just fold clothes the way the come out of the dryer - it really does save a lot of time. Great tips here, thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI <3 using a lingerie bag for my little one's socks. They don't get caught in the lip of the washer (front loader) and they're always with the mate. Our lingerie bag hangs on a little hook by the door of the laundry room and once the socks are taken off the little feet, they go right to the bag. They never see the laundry bin/hamper. Because, trust me, if they do see the laundry bin/hamper, they may never be seen again. I don't know why. It's just what happens. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas, thanks :)
ReplyDelete