I believe that I speak for most when I say modern Moms are all about efficiency—time savers are huge because typically, we are professional multitaskers with a mile long to-do list. Let’s face it, if there was a job at the circus that could show off all of our juggling skills, we’d draw in crowds by the millions!
We are the pancake making, boo-boo kissing, dish washing, high-heel marching, bread-winning, grocery shopping, car fixing, storybook reading, taxi driving, budget crunching queens of the world…or at least of the house.
We are busy and know that although they may be tiny right now, we are grooming our children into the superstars that they will one day become. Time is our most valuable possession, and like all moms, I know that saving a few minutes on my daily tasks frees me up to do what I love most…play with my kiddo (and squeeze in a nap)!
If laundry is as time consuming at your home as it is at mine, keep these tips in mind for getting the job done quickly, overcoming common snafus and making your clothes look new longer.
- Create a streamlined system that works with your schedule to prevent the bottleneck effect. One load per day, 30 minutes per day, or three times a week—whatever you choose, sticking with your system will make washing clothes feel like less of a chore.
- Oh no, I’m out of dryer sheets! Eliminate static cling using aluminum foil instead AND save some extra money. Use two-to-three sheets of aluminum foil (approximately one foot long each) and ball them up together. Toss into your dryer along with your clothes and you’re set! The best part? You can use the same ball for up to a year.
- In a hurry? Dry clothes faster by throwing in a clean, dry towel with your wet clothes to absorb the excess moisture and get back to business.
- Un-shrink shrunken clothes. That’s right, there is still hope for your favorite cotton tee that accidentally got thrown in the dryer last week. Fox News Magazine suggests soaking the garment in a solution of water and three tablespoons of conditioner for approximately five minutes. Then, lay on a clean towel and carefully stretch back to its original size.
- Stop the sweat stains before they start. Iron baby powder into the under arms of white shirts to prevent oils from seeping into the threads, keeping them white and fresh.
- Fight common stains by mixing 2 parts hydrogen peroxide, 1 part Dawn Original dish soap in a liquid spray bottle. Spray on clothing 30 minutes before washing. You might have to retreat old stains or extra tough ones (red dirt, anyone?) but overall, this is an impressive and inexpensive DIY stain remover!
Be sure to tell us your go-to laundry tips in the comments below!
