Is your laundry well-organized at home? Organizing your washing machine and knowing how to use it correctly to get the most out of it not only helps you save water and energy but also contributes to better preserving your clothes. But how do you use a washing machine correctly? We all do laundry at home, but we probably do it in different ways, and not all of them are correct. That's why today we're sharing some key tips and a simple step-by-step guide with you.
Sort clothes
What kind of laundry do you want to do? The first step before doing a load of laundry is to take a look at your laundry basket and sort the clothes inside. It's common to do this by color as well as by fabric composition. Some items, like sweaters, woolens, or sportswear, will need delicate or specific cycles for better results. Reading the labels will help, although you probably already know most of your clothes well enough to know what they look like without having to check them.
By color, you should classify the clothes into two groups: colored clothes and white clothes . Colored clothes are those in shades of red, green, blue, etc., whether dark or bright. White clothes, on the other hand, don't have to be limited to just white unless you're going to use bleach or other whitening agents. Clothes in very light colors that have already been washed can be included in this group, as well as underwear, always in a mesh bag or net.
Put the clothes in the washing machine
Have you decided what kind of clothes you want to wash? Ideally, turn your garments inside out so zippers and buttons are less exposed, and use laundry bags for smaller or delicate items to ensure they don't get snagged or damaged. If you're washing dark clothes and are worried about color bleeding, use color-catching sheets to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
You also can't put everything you want in the washing machine. Your washing machine has a maximum load capacity that you must respect if you don't want its lifespan to be reduced due to the weight. Take advantage of the maximum capacity to save water and energy, but don't exceed it. And if you only have a few clothes, wait until you have more or use a half-load program.
Add detergent and fabric softener
Detergent is essential; how else can we get rid of the dirt on our clothes? Most washing machines have three compartments in their detergent drawer, and the middle one is usually for powdered or liquid detergent, whether it's a commercial brand or your own homemade laundry soap . You should put the correct amount of detergent in this compartment, always following the manufacturer's recommendations and using the measuring cap to avoid adding too much.
It's common to find a separate drawer to the left of the main detergent compartment for pre-wash detergent , which is recommended for heavily soiled clothes. The third drawer, usually marked with a flower symbol, is for fabric softener.
And what about fabric softener? In principle, fabric softener isn't necessary , and in fact, it's highly discouraged when washing sportswear, wool, linen, silk, or organic cotton. Did you know you can use a good splash of white vinegar instead? It's also ideal for removing bad odors from clothes.
Choose the washing program
Choosing the right washing program is key to running a washing machine correctly. Not only will you take better care of your clothes, but you will ensure that they come out sparkling, avoiding unnecessary expenses. And to know which program is the most suitable, there is nothing like having read the garment labels and having done a good classification.
Want to know how to wash dark clothes in a washing machine ? Lightly soiled clothes are best washed on short cycles with cold water, as this is gentler on fabrics. A quick, general cycle may be sufficient for these types of garments and will prevent color bleeding.
Lightly soiled clothes made of delicate fabrics are also best washed on short cycles with cold water. Washing machines usually have specific programs for delicates or wool garments . So try to wash all your sweaters together, as these programs are especially gentle on them and prevent shrinkage.
Reserve long wash cycles with hot water ( over 40°C) for heavily soiled items or those washed infrequently, such as bedding. Hot water removes even the most stubborn dirt, but you'll need to make sure your clothes can withstand those temperatures.