Keep your washing pile under control with these clever tricks
Toddlers are messy creatures, plain and simple. Whether it's food, drinks, paint, or mud, they seem to find a way to get it on their clothes. And this quickly adds up to a mountain of laundry. But fear not, because we have some top tips – plus genius hacks from our favourite cleaning experts – to make your laundry routine more efficient and enjoyable.
Get ready to tackle your laundry like a pro!
1. Start with a laundry bin
A cute laundry hamper will help to keep your toddler's room looking spick and span. Not only will it give them a special spot for their dirty clothes, but it's also a great way to teach them about responsibility and organisation. Just imagine how proud they'll be when they learn to put their laundry in the hamper all by themselves!
2. Sort your laundry before washing
This may seem like a no-brainer, but sorting your laundry can save you a lot of time and hassle. ‘As well as separating darks, whites and colours, it’s best to wash delicate fabrics separately from heavier items to keep your delicates from getting damaged,’ says homecare guru Lynsey Crombie (@lynsey_queenofclean). ‘I do up zips to prevent them catching on other items, and add an egg cup of salt to the drum to prevent darks bleeding.’
3. Expand your laundry kit
If a potty training accident or ‘poonami’ has resulted in some unpleasant stains, grab a laundry sanitiser and add it to the fabric softener drawer (after clearing any excess mess and giving the clothes a good soaking). The sanitiser doesn't just eliminate germs and bacteria, it also reduces mould in the drum and drawer, and leaves your laundry smelling fresh.
4. Choose non-bio for sensitive skin
Non-bio laundry powder is a great option for parents of toddlers because it’s formulated without enzymes. Enzymes are added to some biological laundry detergents to help break down tough stains, but they can also cause skin irritation and rashes, especially for babies and toddlers whose skin is delicate.
5. Wash on cold
You can wash most laundry at 30°C or even 20°C without any issues, as modern washing powders and detergents work just as effectively at lower temperatures. Not only will this keep your tot’s adorable outfits looking new for longer, but you’ll save cash on your energy bill. According to the Energy Saving Trust, washing clothes at 30°C rather than higher temperatures will save around 40% of the energy used by your washing machine each year. Other ways to save money include washing items only when necessary – airing them on a hanger or an airer to freshen them up instead – and avoiding half loads when possible.
6. Spin twice
Repeating your washing machine’s spin cycle is an easy way to save time when doing laundry. To do this, just turn your machine’s setting to ‘spin and drain’ once your cycle has finished. By spinning twice, you can remove more moisture from your washing, cutting your drying time significantly. And as washing machines use less energy than tumble dryers, an extra spin is another simple hack to reduce energy costs.
7. Deep clean your machine
Clean laundry starts with a clean washing machine. ‘I like to try and deep clean my machine once a month (although usually it’s longer!) to preserve its performance and to remove soap scum and any bacteria,’ says cleaning ace Joanne (@cleanwithjoanne). To do this, start by cleaning the filter. ‘Open the mini hatch at the bottom of the machine, remove the cap from the drain hose, and empty any water into a dish. Then rotate the drain filter and take it out. Clean off any yucky bits, give it a good rinse, then replace the cap and filter and close the hatch,’ she says.
Joanne then takes out the dispenser drawer and gives it a thorough scrub before spraying and wiping the machine inside and out, including the drum and rim. ‘I like to finish off by running an empty cycle using a washing machine cleaner. My washing always smells so lovely and fresh afterwards,’ she says.
8. Freshen up
Deliciously scented laundry products can boost your mood. ASDA’s Tropical range is scented with essential oils and keeps your laundry fresh for seven days. Bold’s Lavender & Chamomile selection blends soothing camomile and honey with lavender and woody notes for a feeling of serenity, and is recommended by top cleaning influencer Sophie Hinch (@mrshinchhome).
9. Layer fragrance
To take the scent of your washing to the next level, add a sprinkling of scent booster to the drum. Fairy’s scent booster is dermatologically tested and endorsed by the Skin Health Alliance. Finish off by popping a scented dryer sheet into the tumble dryer to protect your washing from creasing and static cling and any loss of freshness caused by the heat. Your family’s clothes, bedding and towels will continue to deliver bursts of uplifting fragrance long after laundry day.
10. Use mesh bags
Tired of losing your tot’s tiny socks, underwear and bibs in the wash? Pop them into a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase. Not only will you prevent them from getting lost or tangled up in the rest of your laundry, but you'll also avoid the dreaded sock pairing chore.
11. Reduce humidity when drying
If you hang up wet laundry indoors or dry it over radiators, you may notice condensation building up on your windows and walls. This can trigger the growth of bacteria and mould, potentially causing respiratory problems. A dehumidifier absorbs excess moisture, neutralises musky odours, and helps to cut down on drying times.
12. Dry clothes outdoors
If you have the space, dry your clothes on a washing line or clothes airer outside. Not only will this save you money on your energy bill, but it will also give your clothes a fresh, outdoor scent. Plus, the sun can help naturally bleach out stains, whiten whites, and disinfect your clothes.
13. Tumble smarter
Have you ever noticed that your pillows seem to lose their fluffiness over time? To help restore them, toss them in the dryer with a few tennis balls. The balls will help fluff up the pillows and distribute the filling evenly.
Lynsey Crombie’s top hack for tumble drying is to scrunch silver foil into balls, then pop them into the drum. ‘This helps reduce static and drying time,’ she says.
14. Simplify your routine
Finally, streamline your laundry routine by setting a regular schedule and sticking to it. If you’re at home during the day, you could make it a habit to start a load of laundry first thing in the morning and then hang it up – or switch it over to the dryer – before lunch. By setting a routine, you'll be less likely to get overwhelmed by your laundry pile.
Next thing to work on? Putting the clean laundry away…
