Laundry doesn’t have to be a mystery. Whether you’re tired of shrinking shirts or mixing socks with towels, it’s time to learn how to do laundry the right way. This beginner-friendly guide will walk you through everything from sorting to drying — so your clothes stay clean, fresh, and damage-free.
How to Do Laundry the Right Way: A Simple Guide for Beginners
Learning to do laundry the right way is one of those life skills that pays off every single week. No more shrinking sweaters, fading jeans, or turning white socks pink. Once you know the basics, you’ll wonder how you ever messed it up in the first place.
This guide covers everything you need — from sorting and washing to drying and folding — all in simple steps.
🧺 Why You Need to Do Laundry the Right Way
Doing laundry wrong doesn’t just make clothes look bad — it can ruin your favorite outfits or shorten their lifespan. Washing smart helps:
- Prevent color fading
- Avoid shrinking or stretching
- Save money on replacements
- Keep fabrics soft and fresh
- Make your wardrobe last longer
🧼 What You’ll Need to Do Laundry
Before you begin, make sure you have:
- Dirty clothes sorted by color and fabric
- Laundry detergent (liquid, pods, or powder)
- Stain remover (optional)
- Dryer sheets or fabric softener (optional)
- Washer and dryer access
🔢 Step-by-Step: How to Do Laundry the Right Way
✅ Step 1: Sort Your Laundry
Sorting is key! Don’t just throw everything in one load.
- Whites: T-shirts, socks, underwear
- Darks: Jeans, dark T-shirts, hoodies
- Colors: Bright clothes like reds, blues, greens
- Delicates: Lingerie, silk, athletic wear
👉 Bonus Tip: Check labels — especially for new clothes or items with special care instructions.
✅ Step 2: Pre-Treat Stains
For food, sweat, or oil stains:
- Apply a stain remover or a dab of detergent directly
- Gently rub with your fingers or a soft brush
- Let sit for 5–10 minutes before washing
✅ Step 3: Choose the Right Settings
Set your washer based on the load:
- Cold water: Best for darks, colors, and delicates
- Warm water: Great for everyday loads
- Hot water: Use for whites and heavily soiled items
Wash cycle options:
- Normal: Everyday clothes
- Delicate: Light fabrics and undergarments
- Heavy Duty: Towels or jeans
✅ Step 4: Add Detergent the Right Way
- Follow the instructions on the bottle
- Too much soap = residue on clothes
- For pods, toss them in before the clothes
✅ Step 5: Load the Washer
Don’t overload it! Clothes need space to move around for a proper clean.
👉 Leave a hand’s width between clothes and the top of the drum.
✅ Step 6: Dry Carefully
- Tumble dry low for delicates and shrink-prone clothes
- High heat is okay for towels or heavy cottons
- Hang dry anything delicate or likely to shrink
Don’t forget to clean the lint trap before every cycle!
✅ Step 7: Fold and Store Promptly
- Fold your clothes right after drying to prevent wrinkles
- Hang items like shirts, dresses, and trousers
- Store clean laundry in dry, cool spaces
🧠 Pro Tips for Laundry Success
- Don’t mix towels and T-shirts — towels create lint
- Zip zippers and unbutton shirts before washing
- Wash jeans inside out to preserve color
- Use mesh bags for socks and underwear
🚫 Common Laundry Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too much detergent
- Ignoring fabric care labels
- Overloading the washer or dryer
- Drying everything on high heat
- Letting wet clothes sit too long (hello, mildew!)
Final Thoughts
When you know how to do laundry the right way, you save time, money, and frustration. Your clothes stay vibrant, your whites stay white, and laundry day becomes just another simple part of adulting done right.
Whether you’re doing your first load or just want to step up your game — this guide has you covered.
🔗 Explore More From Dozario
How should I sort my laundry?
Sort clothes by color and fabric type: whites, darks, colors, and delicates. Always check care labels for special instructions.
Do I need to pre-treat stains?
Yes! Apply stain remover or a small amount of detergent directly to the stain and let it sit for 5–10 minutes before washing.
What water temperature should I use?
Cold water: Darks, colors, delicates
Warm water: Everyday clothes
Hot water: Whites and heavily soiled items
How much detergent should I use?
Follow the instructions on the detergent packaging. Using too much can leave residue on your clothes.
Can I overload the washing machine?
No. Leave enough space for clothes to move freely—about a hand’s width from the top of the drum.
Should all clothes be tumble-dried?
No. Use low heat for delicates, high heat for towels or heavy cotton, and hang dry anything likely to shrink.
How can I prevent color fading?
Wash darks and bright colors inside out, in cold water, and avoid mixing with whites.
8. How do I keep fabrics soft and fresh?
Use fabric softener or dryer sheets if desired, and avoid over-drying clothes.
What common mistakes should I avoid in laundry?
Avoid overloading the washer, using too much detergent, ignoring fabric labels, and leaving wet clothes sitting too long.
How can I make laundry easier long-term?
Zip zippers, use mesh bags for socks and underwear, fold clothes promptly, and clean the lint trap regularly.
