Doing laundry can be a straightforward process when you follow these general steps. Keep in mind that some washing machines may have specific features or settings, so it's essential to refer to your machine's manual for any unique instructions.
Sort the laundry: Separate your laundry into different piles based on color and fabric type. Common sorting categories are whites, lights, darks, delicates, and heavily soiled items.
Check garment labels: Before washing, check the care labels on your clothing to ensure you follow the proper washing instructions and water temperature recommendations.
Pre-treat stains (optional): If you have any stained items, consider pre-treating the stains using stain removers or other pre-treatment methods, depending on the type of stain.
Load the washing machine: Open the washing machine and load the sorted laundry into the drum. Avoid overloading the machine, as it can impact cleaning efficiency and may cause excessive wear on the machine.
Add detergent: Pour the appropriate amount of laundry detergent into the detergent dispenser or directly into the drum. Refer to the detergent's instructions for the correct amount based on the load size and level of soiling.
Set the water temperature and cycle: Choose the appropriate water temperature for your laundry load (hot, warm, or cold) based on the garment care labels and the type of stains present. Select the desired wash cycle that best suits your laundry load (e.g., normal, delicate, heavy-duty, etc.).
Start the washing machine: Close the washing machine door securely and start the wash cycle.
Transfer clothes to the dryer (if using a dryer): Once the washing cycle is complete, promptly transfer the clothes to the dryer. Be sure to clean the lint trap in the dryer before starting a new drying cycle.
Select the appropriate drying settings: Depending on the fabrics and garment care instructions, choose the correct drying settings on your dryer (e.g., regular, delicate, low heat, air dry, etc.).
Start the dryer: Close the dryer door and start the drying cycle.
Remove and fold the dry clothes: Once the drying cycle is complete, promptly remove the clothes from the dryer to prevent wrinkles. Fold or hang the garments as needed.
Clean the washing machine and dryer: After completing your laundry tasks, it's a good practice to clean the washing machine and dryer regularly to maintain their efficiency and prevent any potential issues.
These steps provide a general guide for doing laundry, but it's essential to refer to the specific instructions and guidelines from your washing machine and dryer manuals to ensure optimal performance and care for your appliances and clothing.