Perhaps, you are reading this article because you needed some pointers before you did the laundry by yourself  for the first time or you thought this would be an interesting read; in that case, I trust I will keep your attention. I consider doing laundry an art. Like any other art or craft, it's important to have the best supplies before starting your project. You should already have a washer and dryer or access to one. You can't do laundry quickly and efficiently without one, unless you want to go old school and use a washing board and tub lol! Let's look at the supplies you will need for doing your laundry:

>  Laundry detergent (powder or liquid) – I recommend liquid; also the new pods very convenient; there's no measuring, which means no mess and they leave the clothes smelling nice (I have preferred scents I like to use for my clothes.) Free tip: I have found that adding ½ to 1 cup of vinegar (apple cider or distilled) to your wash will both soften clothes and aid in eliminating odors in clothes. The amount of vinegar will depend on size of load; try ½ cup for smaller loads and 1 cup for larger ones.  

> Bleach  (Clorox, Purex, non-Chlorine); > Stain remover (e.g. Spray n Wash, etc.)

>  Fabric softener (liquid or sheets);  > Laundry bar soap (gentle treatment to lift  stubborn stains)

 Once, you make sure you've got the supplies listed above, it's time for the part most people don't like: SORTING clothes. This is really not that difficult; because you can always follow the manufacturer's directions on the detergent container or you can use the suggestions provided below:

> Sort soiled clothes by color and water temperature; > Treat any stains or spots before washing

> Check pockets on all garments for paper, tissue, or other items that should be removed

>  Turn shirts with appliqué inside out

Remembering to check all pockets and secret pouches in the pieces to be washed is very important and will prevent a lint disaster. My pet peeve is forgetting (once in a blue moon) to check the pockets, when sorting the dark clothes. Don't be surprised if you forget a couple of times; and be encouraged, because practice does make perfect! 

Once the clothes are sorted, you can get started with washing:

>  Starting with dark clothes is best especially if you will be using bleach on the lighter or white loads of clothes, it's best to wash them last. Use COLD water for dark clothes to prevent colors from bleeding (seeping) on the others. Actually, using cold water for all your wash will work. Just experiment and see what works best for you.

> Select water level based on size of load;  > Add detergent or Pod to the tub first and then clothes

>  Add softener to dispenser; > Leave lid open to make sure the water level is sufficient for the size load (or change the level) and then let it down to start cycle.

 If you use liquid softener, you might choose not want to use dryer sheets. Some people use both and I am one of those who like extra softening and lasting fragrance. You can use one sheet per load or two for thick towels and other cottons. With your clothes pre-sorted, you can add the next load to washer and so on to have a flow. You should wash your clothes in the following order: 1. dark clothes, 2. light colors (Non-chlorine beach or laundry color booster is good for light colors and warm or cold water will work just fine) and 3.whites (using Clorox, whitners, or boosters is recommended for heavily soiled items. Check the label on container for more information. You will discover your own preferences the more you do laundry and learn through use what works best-- doing a better job. 

 Always check the labelon each garment to see what the manufacturer recommends for both washing and drying and make any adjustments that are suitable. If you end up forgetting to check the pockets of the dark clothes or any load and end up with lint, because of some tissue, you can remedy that with the dryer. As those items dry, the pieces of tissue will end up on the lint filter and your clothes should be lint-free.

 You can determine the temperature you need to use by clothing type and the cycle button on your washer. Please refer to reminder below:

>   COTTON cycle (high) is used for drying: whites, towels, t-shirts, and A-shirts; PERMANENT PRESS cycle (medium) - for permanent press clothing; DELICATE cycle (low) – for most delicates and items needing less heat. Today, most dryers should have an AIR cycle, which can used to dry items without heat; this cycle is shorter than other cycles.  

>  Always evenly fill the dryer with a full of clothes to prevent overheating or under drying of clothes. Also, the liquid softener and/or dryer sheet should help minimize wrinkles.

>  Remove permanent press and delicate items as soon as they are dry. It's best to check the clothes before the cycle ends to take out clothes that are dry, to prevent shrinkage or permanent wrinkles. You can allow clothes that slightly to continue to air dry on a tubular hanger.

 After your clothes are dry, it's time for folding, which is one part of doing laundry that is not a favorite for some people.Determine which items should be hung up or folded right away to prevent wrinkles. The important thing to remember about folding is to keep it simple; it's not hard and doesn't have to be fancy, but try to go for neatness and you'll be glad later. If you have young siblings or nieces or nephews, you can let them help with rolling socks and folding smaller items such as wash clothes. While you're perfecting your art, you can also teach them and you'll all have fun!

Check the washer and dryer to make sure nothing was left, or any item can sour and you will have to rewash. One last thing before you go, please don't forget to CLEAN THE LINT FILTER after drying cottons as they produce more lint It's a good practice to check and clean the filter after your complete the laundry, so that it will be clean for future use.

 I do appreciate your time and attention and hope you found this information helpful or humorous and enjoyed reading it as much I enjoyed sharing (these tips) with you. May your laundry days be happy ones!

COPYRIGHT 2012 • Creative words • Victoria Sellers