Family Laundry System
Having a Family Laundry System can do more than keep everyone in clean clothes, it can also give you a boost in the productivity department. Clothes need to be cleaned all the time, especially if you live on a farm or homestead. Outside chores can do a number on what we wear.
Having a routine for washing them can simplify this chore and turn it into just another routine part of your day.
A good Family Laundry System can be a game-changer for simple living—it makes daily chores easier to manage and takes a lot of stress off your plate.
Laundry—it’s the chore that never seems to end, no matter how big your household is. Between the piles of clothes coming from every corner of the house, it’s easy for the laundry room to feel more like a bustling hotel than an important part of your home.
What’s the answer?
It’s as simple as mapping out a system so you can turn this time-consuming chore into a quick and efficient task that runs smoothly every time.
Setting up a Family Laundry System
If you think about it, a system is just a bunch of connected parts working together to make something happen. That’s exactly what laundry is—a series of steps that all come together to complete the job.
Step 1: Time Saving Shortcuts
A clear laundry routine is the backbone of an efficient system. It allows you to list out a set of tasks that are done in the same order, helping you to be more efficient in the laundry room.
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Skip the Sorting-For Your Kids
These days, most kids’ clothes won’t bleed colors, so you can wash a load per child and save tons of time. Plus, washing by the person keeps everything organized—no more missing clothes ending up in the wrong room.
Bonus tip: use labeled hampers or baskets so there’s no confusion about whose clothes belong where when it’s time to fold.
Presort the Rest
Set up a simple system to separate whites, darks, and delicates ahead of laundry day. Labeled bins or bags work great for this and make sorting and carrying clothes much easier on the back.
Bonus tip: Invest in a hamper with built-in compartments. Once a section fills up, you can toss it in the wash right away and stay ahead of the pile.
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Step 2. Build a Laundry Routine That Works for Your Family
Figure out when and how often laundry needs to get done. Maybe you prefer tackling it daily to stay ahead, or perhaps you’re more of a “knock it all out in one big marathon session” kind of person.
Daily Routine
Doing a load every morning can help you stay on top of the pile. Here’s how to keep it simple:
- First thing in the morning, grab the dry clothes from the dryer and fold them.
- Move the wet load into the dryer and get it going.
- Toss a new load into the washer to keep things moving.
- Finally, put away the folded clothes or set them outside the door of the family member where they belong.
Daily washing is how we did our clothes for years and it worked great for our busy family of six.
Weekly Routine
If doing laundry daily doesn’t work with your schedule, consider designating one day each week for laundry. Here’s how it could look:
- Separate and sort clothes into piles according to color and fabric type.
- Start with the whites, using a bleach alternative if needed.
- Move on to darks, adding in any necessary stain removers.
- Finish up with delicates or hand-wash items.
Weekly washing is good for smaller families, allowing you to get it all done in one day.
Step 3. Share the Laundry Load
Laundry shouldn’t fall on one person, especially when you’ve got a family.
- Teens are ready to manage their own laundry from start to finish. Give them their own laundry day, so they aren’t in your way when you need the machines.
- Grade schoolers can take on sorting and folding. Have them drop off their dirty laundry on laundry day, and once it’s clean, they can deliver it back to their rooms and put it away.
- Younger ones can help carry laundry and fold simple items like towels or match socks.
By assigning tasks that match everyone’s abilities, the whole family gets involved, and you are teaching your kids to be responsible, something their future spouses will thank you for!
Step 4. Make Things Easier With These Laundry Hacks
Here are some helpful tips that can simplify your laundry routine:
Use Mesh Bags for Delicate Items
Invest in mesh bags designed specifically for delicate clothing items like lingerie or sweaters. This will prevent them from getting damaged or tangled in the wash.
Dry Clothes Even in Tight Spaces
If you don’t have a dedicated laundry room or the weather doesn’t permit, invest in a foldable drying rack that you can easily store away when not in use. You can also line dry clothes on hangers or shower rods.
Step 5: Master the Art of Stain Removal
Stains—whether from ketchup, grass, or markers—are inevitable. But they don’t have to be permanent. Keep a few tricks up your sleeve for tackling them:
- Grease Stains: Dab some dish soap directly onto the stain and gently rub it in before washing.
- Grass Stains: Create a paste with water and baking soda, apply it to the stain, then scrub with an old toothbrush before tossing the clothes in the wash.
- Ink Stains: Use rubbing alcohol, hair spray, or hand sanitizer on the spot before laundering it as usual.
- Blood Stains: Rinse in cold water, sprinkle with salt if it’s fresh, or apply hydrogen peroxide for older stains.
Bonus tip: Always check the stain before moving clothes into the dryer. Heat can set the stain, making it harder to remove.
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Step 6: Try These Easy DIY Laundry Recipes
Not only are DIY laundry products budget-friendly, but they’re also great for avoiding harsh chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin. Give these recipes a try:
DIY Laundry Detergent
You’ll need:
- 1 cup washing soda
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1 bar of grated unscented soap (like Castile or Fels-Naptha)
Mix all ingredients together and store them in an airtight container. Use 1-2 tablespoons per load. This detergent works well with both standard and HE washing machines.
DIY Fabric Softener
You’ll need:
- 2 cups white vinegar
- 10-15 drops of essential oil (lavender, lemon, or your favorite scent)
Combine the ingredients in a jar or bottle. During the rinse cycle, pour ¼ cup into your washer. The vinegar naturally softens clothes, and the essential oils leave a light, fresh scent.
Stain Remover Spray
You’ll need:
- 2 parts hydrogen peroxide
- 1 part dish soap (preferably one that cuts through grease)
Mix the ingredients together and spray directly onto stains, then let it sit for at least an hour before washing. This recipe is perfect for tough stains like chocolate, wine, or even tomato sauce.
A family laundry system can do wonders for keeping your household running smoothly. With a set schedule, proper tools, and a few DIY tricks up your sleeve, you’ll see the piles shrink faster than you thought possible.
Plus, teaching everyone to chip in can be a game-changer. Laundry may never be fun, but with a simple system in place, it can definitely be easier—and a lot less stressful.
