We can all attest that laundry isn’t exactly the most exciting part of adulting. But with a few simple laundry hacks, it doesn’t have to feel like a soul-sucking all-day chore. If your current laundry routine leaves you stressed and your patience running thin, it might be time to switch things up. Lucky for you, we’ve rounded up some no-fuss tips that’ll make laundry day feel a whole lot smoother.
Use Smart Sorting Techniques
One simple laundry hack that makes the laundry process easier is sorting. Laundry sorting isn’t just about tossing whites in one pile and darks in another.
Next time you’re sorting, consider the fabric type and soil level as well. For example, differentiate jeans from lace tops. Also, don’t mix mud-caked gym gear with your work shirts. Grab a few labeled bins—”lights,” “darks,” “funky stuff”—and sorting becomes mindless. Your clothes will thank you.
Treat Stains Early Enough
You spill, you dab. That’s the rule. The longer you let a stain sit, the more it settles in like an uninvited guest. One of the easiest simple laundry hacks? Don’t wait. Keep a mixture of baking soda and water on standby or a stain remover nearby. Dab, blot, and move on. Your laundry routine will run smoother, and you won’t be stuck Googling “how to get wine out of cotton” at midnight.
Use Baking Soda to Freshen and Soften
If your clothes come out of the washer still smelling off, use baking soda. Add about half a cup, and you’re good to go. It cuts funk, softens fabrics, and makes whites pop without that overpowering chemical scent.
In addition, it plays nicely with your detergent. Honestly, this little kitchen staple is the MVP of all laundry tips and hacks. Who knew your pantry had your back like that?
Don’t Overstuff the Washing Machine
We get it. You want to finish fast, so you cram every sock, shirt, and towel into one mega-load. But hold up, overloading your washer is a rookie mistake. Clothes need room to swoosh around, or else they marinate in their own mess. Keep things roomy. Let your detergent do its thing. You’ll notice your stuff comes out fresher, and fabrics won’t wear out as fast. Less really is more here.
Invest in Mesh Laundry Bags
Ever had your bra hook tangle itself into your favorite sweater? Or played sock-match after every wash? Say no more—mesh laundry bags are here to save your sanity.
Just chuck delicates or small items in these handy bags before washing, and they stay safe, sorted, and snag-free. It’s one of those low-effort, high-reward, simple laundry hacks you’ll wonder how you lived without.
Cool It
Washing in cold water isn’t just some eco-friendly trend; it actually works. Hot water can be a bit of a drama queen, shrinking clothes, fading colors, and draining your electricity like it’s no big deal. Cold water, on the other hand, gets the job done without all the baggage. Plus, it helps extend the lifespan of your clothes. So go ahead, turn that dial down and let cold water do its thing. Your clothes (and your bill) will be better for it.
Make a Laundry Schedule
Laundry doesn’t have to feel like climbing Mount Everest every weekend. Spread it out! Set mini laundry days; maybe socks and undies on Monday and towels on Thursday. Boom, manageable.
A solid laundry routine helps you avoid last-minute panic when you realize that all your favorite clothes are dirty. And doing smaller loads more often means your clothes actually get clean. It’s one of those grown-up moves that makes life easier, one wash at a time.
Skip the Dryer
Your dryer isn’t always your friend. Sure, it’s convenient, but that heat? It’s slowly cooking your clothes. If you’ve got the space and a bit of time, air drying is the way to go—especially for your favorite pieces. Hang them on a rack or line, and they’ll keep their shape and color way longer. Also, you’ll shave a little off your power bill.
Laundry, but Make It Easy
Laundry doesn’t have to be a whole production. With these simple laundry hacks, like using baking soda, sorting smart, and laying off the dryer, you can take the drama out of wash day.
Make a few tweaks, and suddenly the pile of clothes doesn’t look quite so scary. A better laundry routine means more time for everything else and maybe even fewer mismatched socks. Maybe.
