Continued from cover. Quick and Dirty: A Laundry How To Guide
Step 1: Some apartment buildings have coined-operated machines, so be sure you have an ample supply of quarters before you get started. Other facilities require the use of a smart card, which you add money to by using a specific machine.You should also have a bottle of detergent, bleach and a stain remover if you have spots to treat.
Separate your clothes into whites, colors and delicates (silk, satin, etc.). If you don’t have too many delicates, you can always hand- wash them.You create these piles so that you can wash like colors together. Don’t put a light pink skirt in with a dark blue sweater or you’ll have a light purple skirt. Try to wash similar fabrics together. This makes the biggest difference in the dryer cycle. It takes much less time to dry a cotton t-shirt than a pair of jeans. If your dryer works on a timer, loads with lighter-weight fabrics will be done quicker. Be sure to close zippers and clean out pockets as you sort.
Check your clothing’s label for washing
directions. Even though most of these labels are accurate, some clothing manufacturers may indicate “dry clean only” when you really can machine or hand wash them. Some of your delicates may fall into the dry clean category.
Step 2: If you have heavy stains, use a pre-treater to help lift them. Depending on the stain, you may apply the pre-treater up to 24 hours before washing.Watch out for pre-treaters with bleach, as they will discolor darks and brights.
Use the recommended amount of detergent listed on the bottle, making use of the bottle cup as a measuring device. Now it’s time to choose the water. Follow the directions on your clothing, but in general you should use
cold water to protect colors and darks, and warm water for
more durable fabrics and for
whites. Hot water uses the most energy and should be used only when absolutely
needed. If you want your whites whiter, use bleach after the water has entered the machine and don’t pour it directly onto clothing.
If you like the smell of fabric softener, or plan to line or rack dry your clothing, use this liquid in the wash cycle. Make sure to only use the amount indicated on the bottle for your size load or you may end up with white residue on dark clothing.
Step 3: When the cycle ends (in 30-45 minutes) read labels to check which items
can go into the dryer. Sweaters, bras and any delicate or ornate items (e.g., a glittery blouse) should be laid out on a rack to dry. If you didn’t use a liquid fabric softener, use a dryer sheet to prevent static. Be sure the lint trap is empty before you begin, as many people forget to empty it. A full lint trap will prevent your clothing from drying properly, as the air will not circulate.
Step 4: Fold your clothing and put it away. Clothing left lying in the basket will get wrinkly and collect dust. If you remove your clothing from the dryer when it is still warm you will save yourself from too much ironing, although you can’t prevent all wrinkles.
About this section: This editorial was produced by The Washington Post special sections department in conjunction with
Apartments.com and did not involve the editorial department of this newspaper.
This editorial was contributed by
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THE WASHINGTON POST/READY TO RENT/SEPTEMBER 26, 2010
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