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Laundry 101: How to Do Laundry Properly (Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide)

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Doing laundry may seem simple, but washing clothes the wrong way can lead to set-in stains, faded colors, shrinking, and fabric damage. This Laundry 101 guide explains how to do laundry correctly, from sorting clothes to drying them safely, so your clothes stay clean and last longer.

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How to Do Laundry: Step-by-Step:​​

 

​1. Read Clothing Care Labels Before Washing

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Laundry Care Label.jpg
Laundry Care Label.jpg

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Clothing care labels tell you exactly how an item should be washed and dried.

 

Check for:​

  • Recommended water temperature

  • Proper wash cycle

  • Safe drying method​

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Ignoring care labels is one of the most common causes of damaged clothing.

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​2. Sort Laundry the Right Way

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Sorting clothes prevents color bleeding, fabric wear, and uneven cleaning.

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Sort by:

  • Whites

  • Darks

  • Delicates and lightweight fabrics

  • Towels and bedding

  • Heavily soiled items​

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3. Treat Stains Before Washing

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Always inspect clothes for stains before putting them in the washing machine.

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Important stain tips:

  • Heat can permanently set stains

  • Treat stains before washing

  • Never dry stained clothing until the stain is fully removed

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If unsure, air dry and check the stain before using the dryer.

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4. Use the Correct Laundry Detergent

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Using the right detergent helps remove stains while protecting fabric fibers.

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Detergent tips:

  • Liquid detergent works best for grease and oil stains

  • Powder detergent is effective for dirt and mud

  • High-efficiency washers require HE detergent

  • Don’t use oxygen bleach in every load. Products like OxiClean or Vanish are effective for stains and brightening, but frequent use can weaken fabric fibers and cause colors to fade, so they should be used only when needed.

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Avoid using too much detergent—it can cause residue buildup and trap dirt.

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5. Choose the Best Wash Cycle

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Selecting the correct wash cycle improves cleaning and prevents damage.

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Common cycles:

  • Normal: Cotton, jeans, towels

  • Delicate: Lace, bras, lightweight fabrics

  • Permanent Press: Synthetic fabrics

  • Heavy Duty: Work clothes and heavy soil

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Cold water is usually the safest choice for everyday laundry.

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6. Avoid Overloading the Washing Machine

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Overloading reduces cleaning performance and increases wrinkles.

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Rule of thumb:
Leave enough space at the top of the drum to fit your hand comfortably.

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7. Dry Clothes Safely

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Dryers are one of the biggest causes of clothing damage.

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Drying best practices:

  • Shake clothes before drying. Shaking clothes before drying loosens fabric, improves airflow, reduces wrinkles, and helps clothes dry faster and more evenly.

  • Use low heat whenever possible

  • Remove clothes promptly

  • Air dry delicates and stain-prone fabrics

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Never dry clothing with visible stains—re-treat and rewash instead.

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8. Fold or Hang Clothes Immediately

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Folding or hanging clothes right away helps prevent wrinkles and odors.

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  • Hang shirts, dresses, and structured garments

  • Fold sweaters, knits, and casual wear

  • Store clothing only when fully dry

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Common Laundry Mistakes to Avoid

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  • Washing everything in hot water

  • Using too much detergent

  • Overloading the washer

  • Drying stained clothes

  • Ignoring care labels

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Final Thoughts on Doing Laundry Correctly

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Learning how to do laundry properly saves time, money, and clothing. Once you understand the basics, stain removal becomes easier and your clothes last much longer.

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For help with specific stains, fabrics, or laundry problems, explore our stain removal guides for step-by-step solutions.​

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