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Laundry Hacks for Busy Mums: Save Time & Stress Less
Short on time for laundry?
As busy mums, we totally get it.
Juggling kids, work, and household chores can make laundry feel like an endless task for busy mums.
In this article, we’re sharing some of the most efficient laundry hacks that have not only saved us time but also made our lives a bit easier.
From organising laundry with designated baskets to getting the kids involved, these tips have been game-changers for us.
We used to dread laundry day, but now it’s more manageable and sometimes even fun.
We hope these hacks will help you as much as they’ve helped us.
Short Summary
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Organising laundry with designated baskets and sorting by person can simplify the process and save time.
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Using effective stain removal techniques and maximising washing machine efficiency can help keep clothes looking fresh and clean.
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Involving kids in laundry tasks not only teaches them responsibility but also makes the chore more enjoyable for the whole family.
Topics in This Article:
Smart Laundry Organisation for Busy Mums
Creating a designated space for each family member’s laundry basket has been a game-changer for us, making the whole process smoother and less chaotic.
Organising laundry baskets in this way helps manage clean washing more efficiently, eliminating the need to sort through piles of clean laundry.
We colour-code these baskets, which not only makes sorting easier but also helps everyone take responsibility for their own clothes.
Implementing a laundry schedule with assigned days for each family member has significantly reduced the laundry pile-up and stress.
Multiple laundry hampers placed around the house keep things tidy and make managing laundry easier.
Setting alarms for laundry tasks has been a lifesaver, ensuring we never forget to move a load to the dryer.
These changes have transformed laundry day from a dreaded chore into a more manageable and even enjoyable part of our routine.
Efficient Sorting Techniques
Using several hampers labeled for different fabric types has really sped up our laundry routine and prevented those annoying colour bleeding mishaps.
Having multiple hampers also helps prevent misplaced dirty socks around the house, keeping common areas like the living room and bedroom tidy.
We’ve got hampers for lights, darks, and heavily soiled items, which makes the washing process so much smoother.
Sorting laundry by person has also been a game-changer, especially when it comes to putting everything away.
We even turned it into a fun activity with our kids, calling it the ‘Laundry Detective Game’ where they guess whose clothes are whose.
It keeps them engaged and makes the chore less tedious.
These simple changes have truly made laundry day more manageable and even a bit enjoyable.
As busy mums, finding ways to streamline chores like laundry can make a world of difference, giving us more time to focus on what really matters.
Quick Stain Removal Tips
Stains are inevitable, especially with kids around.
From grape juice spills during snack time to muddy footprints after a fun day at the park, we've seen it all.
Blotting instead of rubbing has saved many of our favourite shirts from permanent stains.
A 50-50 mixture of white vinegar and water has become our go-to homemade stain remover for various fabrics.
Liquid dish soap works wonders on grease stains from those spontaneous kitchen adventures...
...and denatured alcohol has rescued countless school uniforms from ink stains.
For stubborn sweat stains on white fabrics, a mixture of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and water has left our clothes looking fresh and clean.
The folks from Pigeon said to remove grease stains:
"Blot up excess grease with a paper towel. Pre-treat with a grease-fighting dish soap. Wash in hot water with detergent."
Maximising Washing Machine Efficiency
Filling our washing machine to three-quarters full has been a lifesaver, ensuring everything gets properly cleaned without wasting time or water.
For smaller loads, switching to quicker cycles has been a game-changer, saving precious minutes and cutting down on utility bills.
Using just the right amount of detergent has kept that annoying residue at bay, leaving our towels soft and fluffy.
We’ve also found that shorter wash cycles are perfect for lightly worn clothes that just need a quick refresh, helping us minimise water and energy use.
These small tweaks have truly transformed our laundry routine, making it a lot more efficient and even a bit enjoyable.
Chris from Nostalgic Appetite shared:
"For a range of T-shirts which have been worn but are otherwise clean, a short cycle is often enough. If in doubt, adding the pre-wash option to the short cycle still saves you about an hour.
And if I’m not mistaken, it even consumes a little less water."
Time-Saving Drying Methods
Adding a dry towel to the dryer has been a real game-changer for us, speeding up the drying process and cutting down on overall drying time.
When we air-dry clothes, we always hang them in a single layer to maximise airflow, which makes a noticeable difference.
Positioning our drying rack in a well-ventilated area has also helped expedite drying clothes, especially on busy days.
For delicate fabrics, we use the dryer on a lower heat setting to ensure they dry quickly without any damage.
Maximising airflow with clothespins and hangers has been incredibly effective for line-dried clothes.
Hanging bulkier items vertically has significantly reduced their drying time, making laundry day a lot more manageable.
These drying hacks have not only saved us time but also reduced the stress of laundry day.
Whether you’re juggling work, kids, or just trying to get through your to-do list, these tips can make a huge difference.
DIY Fabric Softeners and Fresheners
For natural alternatives to commercial fabric softeners, we mix 3 cups of baking soda, 2 cups of warm water, and 10 drops of lavender essential oil.
Using hot water helps in mixing the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring an effective homemade fabric softener.
Another option we’ve found effective is combining 1 cup of hair conditioner, 3 cups of distilled vinegar, 2 cups of water, and 10 drops of lemon verbena essential oil.
Using essential oils, baking soda, and Epsom salt as natural scent enhancers has been a game-changer for our laundry routine.
Wool dryer balls also soften fabrics without harsh chemicals, making them a great alternative to conventional dryer sheets.
These simple DIY solutions have not only saved us money but also ensured that our family’s clothes are free from unnecessary chemicals.
Plus, the fresh scents make laundry day a bit more enjoyable.
Eco-Friendly Laundry Practices
Eco-friendly laundry practices have not only benefited the environment but also saved us money.
Using cold water wash cycles has significantly cut down on our energy bills since most of the energy in laundry is spent on heating water.
Modern detergents work just as effectively at lower temperatures, so our clothes are still clean without the extra heat.
Filling the washing machine to capacity has optimised our water and energy usage, making laundry day more efficient.
Upgrading to a washing machine that suits our typical load size has further enhanced our energy efficiency.
Air-drying our laundry whenever possible has reduced our climate impact and even made our clothes last longer.
Laundry Tips for Sensitive Skin
Choosing fragrance-free laundry products has been a game-changer for our sensitive skin, helping to minimise irritation.
We’ve found that natural ingredients like baking soda from Arm & Hammer work wonders to neutralise odours without causing any skin issues.
Washing new clothes before wearing them has become a must-do step for us, as it removes any potentially irritating chemicals.
We also make sure to run an extra rinse cycle to eliminate any detergent residues that might cause irritation.
Switching to natural fabrics like cotton and bamboo has made a noticeable difference in reducing skin irritation compared to synthetic materials.
These small changes have made our laundry routine much more skin-friendly and stress-free.
Involving Kids in Laundry Day
Involving our kids in laundry tasks has been a game-changer, teaching them essential life skills while making the chore less of a headache for us.
We encourage them to place their dirty clothes in the correct basket, which promotes responsibility and helps keep our home organised.
Assigning small laundry baskets to our children has simplified sorting and helps them keep track of their clothes.
We've turned it into a fun activity with games like the Sock Match Challenge and the Laundry Race, making putting away clothes a game.
Involving our kids in these tasks has fostered their independence and taught them to manage their own laundry from a young age.
It's been a win-win for our family, transforming laundry day from a dreaded chore into a bonding experience that we all look forward to.
Erin from Mom Meets Midlife said:
"Have your toddler match the socks. See if your preschooler can hang up his shirts. Have your older child sort each person’s clothes into piles.
Have your teenager start the actual load and transfer to the dryer."
Travel-Friendly Laundry Hacks
Travelling doesn’t mean compromising on clean clothes.
As busy mums, we always pack a wash bag, a foldable silicone basin, a compact multi-clip travel clothesline, and laundry soap bars for efficient laundry on the go.
Using hotel bathrooms for quick washes by applying laundry liquid directly to clothes and rinsing as needed has been a lifesaver.
To dry clothes quickly in a hotel room, we use a towel to compress and wring out excess moisture from garments.
Packing gym clothes made of quick-drying fabrics has reduced the need for frequent washing and allowed for quicker drying times.
These simple hacks have made travelling with clean clothes so much easier and stress-free, ensuring we're always ready for the next adventure.
Maintaining Towels' Softness and Absorbency
Regular care keeps our towels soft and absorbent.
We wash our towels frequently, ideally after no more than three uses, to maintain that fresh, fluffy feeling we all love.
Using vinegar from OrganicMatters for example every six weeks has been a game-changer for keeping them rejuvenated and smelling great.
We've learned to avoid fabric softeners on towels because they leave residues that diminish absorbency and can cause irritation.
Instead, we use natural alternatives like vinegar and baking soda, which have worked wonders for maintaining towel quality.
These simple steps have made a huge difference in keeping our towels in top-notch condition.
Organising Laundry Space
Having an efficient and organised laundry space has made the process so much smoother for us busy mums.
Rotating laundry loads after meals has been a lifesaver, preventing laundry from piling up and becoming overwhelming.
By folding only essential items daily, we've reduced the time spent on laundry and maintained better organisation.
Durable and lightweight hampers have been a game-changer, making storage and transportation of laundry so much easier.
Adding shelves, hooks, and baskets has kept our laundry area tidy and well-organised, making the space more functional and pleasant to work in.
These small changes have truly transformed our laundry routine, making it more manageable and less stressful.
Final Words
In summary, these laundry hacks have truly transformed our daily routine, making the process so much more efficient and less stressful.
Organising our laundry space and getting the kids involved has been a game-changer, turning what used to be a dreaded chore into a more manageable task.
Using eco-friendly practices has not only simplified our lives but also made us feel good about our choices.
Setting alarms for laundry tasks has helped us stay on top of everything without feeling overwhelmed.
The kids absolutely love the Sock Match Challenge, and it keeps them engaged and entertained.
Implementing these hacks has made laundry day a lot more enjoyable for our entire family.
As busy mums, we know how overwhelming laundry can be.
But with these practical tips and a bit of creativity, we've managed to turn it into a more enjoyable and less stressful part of our routine.
We hope these hacks will help you as much as they’ve helped us, making laundry day something you look forward to rather than dread!
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