Tips for Washing and Ironing Your Clothes at Home

Do you dread laundry day? Don't let washing and ironing clothing be a chore. With these 12 tips, you can easily master the art of making clothes look better than they did when they were new. From fabric care to temperature settings, learn how to keep your garments looking their best.

Read the Care Labels on Your Clothes

Before you begin washing and ironing your clothes, take the time to read the care label. Care labels give important information about how to wash and dry your articles of clothing without causing damage. Always follow the instructions on the label for best results! For example, many items are only safe to be washed in cold water and need a delicate cycle setting when using a machine.

Sort Laundry by Colour and Fabric Type

One of the most important laundry tips is to separate your clothing into lights and darks; this will prevent dye transfer. Denim jeans, towels, t-shirts, and sweatshirts should be separated from your other garments like dress shirts and blouses. Consult the care label for additional information on how to wash specific garments. It is important to avoid washing different fabrics together that can cause damage during the cleaning process (e.g., do not wash a delicate blouse with a pair of jeans).

Remove Stains Before Washing

Stains should always be treated before laundering due to the fact that they can often become permanently set during the wash cycle. For greasy stains, pre-treat with a liquid dish soap and lukewarm water, then gently rub with a soft brush to help break up the stain before putting it in the washing machine. For tough, non-greasy stains, try soaking your garment in a solution of vinegar and cold water, followed by spot treatment and pretreatment with laundry detergent or a product designed for stain removal.

Choose Temperatures, Times and Detergents Wisely

Deciding on the best temperature, wash cycle time, and detergent is essential to keeping your clothes looking their best. Delicate fabrics should be washed on a short cycle in cold water with a mild detergent. Heavily soiled items should be washed with hot water and a strong detergent. Darker colors should always be washed separately from lighter items, as this will help avoid color transfers. Always follow the directions on your laundry product labels for optimal results.