Doing laundry might seem straightforward, but mastering the basics can mean the difference between clothes that last for years and garments that fade, shrink, or fall apart after just a few washes. Whether you're moving out of home for the first time, taking over household duties, or simply wanting to improve your laundry results, this comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about caring for your clothes properly.
In Australia, where we contend with everything from red dust stains to beach sand and harsh UV exposure, understanding proper laundry care is particularly important. Our unique conditions—hard water in many regions, intense sunshine, and active outdoor lifestyles—require specific approaches to keep clothes looking their best.
Understanding Your Washing Machine
Before you even sort your first load, take time to understand your washing machine. Modern machines, whether front-loaders or top-loaders, come with numerous settings designed for different fabric types and soil levels. Reading your machine's manual might seem tedious, but it's the first step to achieving consistently good results.
Front-load washing machines typically use less water and are gentler on clothes, but they require high-efficiency (HE) detergent. Using regular detergent in a front-loader can cause excessive sudsing and poor cleaning results.
Key settings to understand include water temperature (hot, warm, cold), spin speed, and cycle type. Most everyday clothing can be washed on a normal cycle with cold water. Hot water should be reserved for heavily soiled items, towels, and bedding, as it can cause colours to fade and certain fabrics to shrink.
The Art of Sorting Laundry
Proper sorting is perhaps the most crucial step in the laundry process, yet it's often rushed or ignored entirely. Taking an extra few minutes to sort correctly prevents colour bleeding, fabric damage, and ensures each load receives appropriate treatment.
Sort by Colour
The classic rule of separating whites, lights, and darks exists for good reason. Dark or brightly coloured garments, especially when new, can release dye during washing. This dye transfer can permanently stain lighter items. Create three piles:
- Whites: Pure white items that can tolerate bleach if needed
- Lights: Pastels, light greys, and items with white backgrounds
- Darks: Black, navy, dark colours, and bright colours like red
Sort by Fabric Type
Beyond colour, consider fabric weight and type. Heavy items like jeans and towels should be washed separately from delicate items like underwear and lightweight tops. Heavy items can damage delicates during the spin cycle, and they also require different water temperatures and agitation levels.
Sort by Soil Level
Heavily soiled work clothes or sports gear shouldn't be washed with lightly worn office attire. Mixing soil levels can result in dirt redistributing onto cleaner items. Pre-treat heavily stained items before adding them to the wash.
- Always check pockets before washing—tissues, coins, and lip balm can ruin an entire load
- Turn dark items inside out to prevent fading
- Close zippers and fasten hooks to prevent snagging
- Empty and tie drawstring bags to prevent tangling
Choosing the Right Detergent
With countless detergent options available—liquids, powders, pods, and eco-friendly alternatives—choosing the right one can be overwhelming. The good news is that for most everyday laundry, any quality detergent will work well. However, certain situations call for specific products.
Powder detergents are generally more effective on mud and outdoor stains common in Australian households. They're also more affordable per wash. Liquid detergents excel at pre-treating stains and dissolve more readily in cold water. Pods offer convenience but cost more per load.
For families with sensitive skin, look for fragrance-free formulas labelled as hypoallergenic. If you use greywater for gardening, choose plant-based detergents that are greywater safe—these are formulated without sodium and phosphates that can harm plants.
Loading Your Machine Correctly
Overloading is one of the most common laundry mistakes. When the drum is too full, clothes can't move freely, resulting in poor cleaning and excessive wear. As a general rule, you should be able to fit your hand comfortably between the clothes and the top of the drum.
Conversely, underloading wastes water and energy. Try to run full loads when possible, but don't compensate by cramming in extra items. For best results, fill the drum about three-quarters full.
Washing with cold water can reduce energy consumption by up to 90% compared to hot water washes. Modern detergents are formulated to work effectively in cold water, so you're not sacrificing cleaning power.
Drying Your Clothes
Australia's abundant sunshine makes line drying the most economical and environmentally friendly option for most of the year. Hanging clothes outside also naturally whitens whites and kills bacteria through UV exposure. However, the harsh Australian sun can fade colours, so turn dark and bright items inside out or dry them in the shade.
When using a dryer, don't over-dry clothes. Over-drying causes shrinkage, increases static, and wastes energy. Remove items while slightly damp and hang them to finish drying naturally. This also reduces wrinkles and the need for ironing.
Dryer Settings Guide
- High heat: Towels, sheets, and durable cotton items
- Medium heat: Everyday clothing, permanent press items
- Low heat: Delicates, synthetics, and items prone to shrinking
- Air dry/no heat: Very delicate items, rubber-backed mats
Folding and Storage
Proper folding and storage preserve your clothes between wears. Fold items promptly after drying to prevent wrinkles from setting. Store folded items in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which can cause fading over time.
Hang items that wrinkle easily, such as dress shirts and blouses. Use appropriate hangers—wire hangers can distort shoulder shapes, while padded or wooden hangers maintain garment structure.
Storing clothes in plastic bags or containers can trap moisture and lead to mildew, especially in humid climates like Queensland. Use breathable cotton garment bags for long-term storage instead.
Building Good Laundry Habits
Consistency is key to maintaining a manageable laundry routine. Rather than letting laundry pile up until you're overwhelmed, establish a regular schedule. Many households find that doing one load per day keeps things under control without dedicating entire days to laundry.
Create a laundry station with all necessary supplies within reach: detergent, stain remover, mesh bags for delicates, and a bin for items needing special treatment. This organisation saves time and ensures you always have what you need.
Finally, remember that laundry care is a skill that improves with practice. Pay attention to how your clothes respond to different treatments, and adjust your approach accordingly. With time, you'll develop intuition for what works best for your wardrobe and lifestyle.