Health & Fitness
Laundry For Dummies: A 7-Step List To Keep It Green & Clean
Having sent 3 kids to college I was shocked to find that 2 of my children had no clue how to do their own Wash & Fold. The more I thought about it I realized that my Mom hadn't taught me! As a matter of fact I learned how to do laundry from my dearly departed Mother in Law Arleen. She was as tough as any drill sergeant when it came to doing her and teaching me for my first business, a Coin Op Laundry. Here's a seven step program to teach your kid's.
1) Teach kids to separate clothing into different groups. The first group is by color, lights and darks with Reds in their own pile. This will prevent damages caused by colors bleeding onto each other. Girls should place all their delicates into a net bag to prevent any damage.
2) Wash sheets and towels separate from clothing
3) Instruct them to use COLD WATER for colored clothes, Warm water for whites.
4) Explain the different washer and dryer cycles . It's very important to know the difference so as to avoid ruining delicates in with a load that's being washed on an aggressive cycle.
5) Explain how much constitutes a full load and not to over-stuff washer or dryers. Teach them the proper amount of detergent to use and that more is not better only itchier!! Teach them to use a dryer sheet to reduce static and make them smell fresh.
6) To make laundry easier for kids, teach them to read care labels which are found inside every piece of clothing. Many of the symbols are self explanatory, some others may indicate dry clean only. Some items are better not washed at home and children should know the difference between those that require dry cleaning and those that don't.
7) Check and empty all pockets before loading into machine. Turn shirts with beads or glitter inside out before washing to prevent any damage to design. Clean dryer filter after every load. Remove clothing from dryer as soon as cycle is over to reduce wrinkling. Use a steam iron.
Taking proper care of your clothes is important. It helps them last longer and doing it the right way means not wasting resources. It all helps us keep Brooklyn green and clean. Visit us online and follow us on Facebook for tips and hints.