Laundry is has always one of my least favorite chores. I don't have a washer or dryer at home so the laundry must be carried across the yard to the laundry facilities at our apartment complex or it must be done at a laundry mat. In any case, it is always my goal to get it done and put away as soon as possible. The advantage of using the facilities on the premise is that I can get 3 loads of laundry done at a time making it possible for me to complete it all in an hour and a half. I like that a lot. Unfortunately, since the whole laundry process is such a chore to me, I have never enjoyed the art and leisure of well--doing it right. I sort clothes by weight and color--heavy jeans and towel in one load, light colored clothes in another load, and colored lightweights in the third. I have learned that I am guilty of several laundry crimes.
- I plead guilty to not spot-checking my clothes before washing
- I plead guilty to overcrowding the washers and dryers (well it saves me time and money...)
- I plead guilty to not folding my clothes while they are hot-I scoop them out of the wash and stuff them all into the basket-then I dump them on our bed until I get inspired to fold them and put them away-sometime before bed
- I plead guilty to not pressing our clothes--well except for my husband's shirt for church
- I plead guilty to donating a stained garment to Goodwill because I don't care enough about it to work at the stain-hey I probably purchased it from Goodwill for a dollar anyway
- I plead guilty to mixing whites with coloreds resulting in dingy whites
- I plead guilty colored items with bleach spots on them.
- I plead guilty to using only one setting on the washers--very hot water, heavy load, and large load--I figure it washes better--not paying attention to my fading colors and twisted dress clothes.
- I am guilty of rarely reading labels on clothing and having accidents of shrunken and damaged articles as a result.
I fully admit to being a lazy, and uncaring laundress. Now that my confession is on the ironing board and my audience is thoroughly shocked. I would also like to point out that I actually know better. I know how to take care of linens and clothing. There are young men in college dorms who take more care of their laundry than I do. I am bitterly ashamed and resolve to improve my habits.
In one of my favorite books on housekeeping: Mrs. Dunwoody's Excellent Instructions for Homekeeping, the author, Miriam Lukken describes in great detail all the considerations a good homemaker takes in doing her laundry.
1. Check all articles of soiled clothing for needed mending. It is best to mend before washing because washing only makes rips shred more.
2. Turn all clothing inside out--this allows the garments to be cleaned thoroughly where it touches skin and keep the outside better protected from tumbling and rubbing against other articles of clothing.
3. Zip up zippers, hook hooks, check pockets, and stick the Velcro on objects together
4. Separate articles into the following categories:
A. Household cottons and linens (tablecloths, sheets)
B. Heavy household linens (towels, washcloths, blankets)
C. Rugs
D. Heavy white clothing
E. Thin white clothing
F. Light colored articles
G. Dark colored articles
H. Articles that are seriously soiled (or new dark colors that
might stain other articles)
I. Jeans
J. Hosiery
K. Silky fabrics usually women's undergarments
L. Separate lint attracting objects from objects that create lint
(corduroy and sweatshirts)
5. Spot check articles of clothing and pre-treat stains
Natural Satin Removers
Natural Satin Removers
- Hydrogen peroxide (test on fabric first)
- Vinegar-removes tough stains
- Cold water soak-removes chocolate
- Lemon juice-removes berry and juice stains
- Spit on blood stains to remove them-crazy but it really works
- Mix equal portions of rubbing alcohol and vinegar-soak to remove grass stains
- mix egg yolk with a little water to remove coffee stains
- sponge milk on ink stains
(add 1/2c. vinegar to washing machine for a natural laundry
softener)
7. Choose the correct water temperature for the type of clothes being washed
hot-pre-shrunk whites
warm-pre-shrunk sturdy fabrics
cold-colors and delicates
8. Choose the desired cycle for the type of load being washed
A. Gentle-delicates
B. Normal-Most types of wash
C. Heavy Duty-jeans and towels
9. Choose water level for wash-full, medium, or small load-water should be enough to cover all the items in the machine
10. Start the washer and let it fill 1/4 of the way with the detergent in the water
11. Add clothes piece by piece-distributing evenly around the machine (top loading machines only)
12.After the machine is done-put clothes in dryer piece by piece-untwisting and uncrumpling the items-add dryer or lint sheets if desired-hang dry delicates-do not dry in a dryer
13. Remove the lint from the dryer tray and set the dryer on the necessary heat and time
A. High heat for sturdy cottons like-towels and denim
B. Medium heat for general fabrics
C. Low heat for dry able delicates
14. Once clothes are dry remove and fold.
15. Cottons and linens will need pressing.
TIPS:
- Sun will bleach colors-so don't leave colored items out on a line any longer than necessary
- Soak cottons overnight in a salt water solution to prevent them from fading
- Hang pants by the legs to dry so the wight of the top will take out the wrinkles as they dry
- Boil dingy whites in lemon water. Lemon acts as a natural bleach.
- Starched clothing is quickly going out of style, but for those suborn folk who like crisp shirts, home starch can easily be made-
1/3 c. cold water
1 qt. boiling water
1/2 t. lard or white wax
Mix the cornstarch in the cold water then add to the qt of boiling water and then add lard or wax. Boil 20 minutes. Rub starch of wet or dry articles.
No comments:
Post a Comment