Essential laundry tips that every uni student should know

9 Essential laundry tips that every uni student should know!

1. The Laundry D-Day

I have a helpful laundry tip for you. Instead of doing laundry whenever you have a moment, try designating a specific day for it.

This way, you can manage your laundry chores more efficiently, save time, and even cut down on expenses by making fewer trips to the washing machine.

Plus, having a regular laundry day gives you the perfect opportunity to multitask! You can catch up on your favourite book or finish your schoolwork while waiting for your laundry to be done.

Give it a try and let me know how it works out for you!

2. Sort Your Laundry Carefully

Though it may seem tempting to toss all your clothes into the washing machine at once, it's crucial to separate them by colour groups: whites, light, and darks.

This practice prevents darker colours from bleeding into lighter fabrics, preserving the quality and appearance of your clothing.

Sorting your laundry ensures that your favourite white t-shirt will remain vibrant and free from accidental colour transfers that could turn it pink.

3. Pay Attention to Care Labels

While it may feel tedious, taking the time to read and understand care labels is essential. Following the recommended washing instructions will prevent common issues such as shrinkage or damage to your garments.

For clothing items with specific care instructions, such as "hand wash only," it's worth knowing if you can safely wash them in a machine.

Familiarize yourself with laundry symbols to decipher care instructions correctly, allowing you to handle your favourite outfits with confidence.

4. Treat Stains Immediately

University life can be full of spills and mishaps that stain your clothes. To tackle stains effectively, it's crucial to act quickly.

Apply a small amount of liquid detergent on a clean cloth and gently dab at the stained area, or use a stain remover as needed.

Remember, the longer stains sit untreated, the more difficult they become to remove during laundry.

It's also helpful to familiarize yourself with specific stain removal techniques, such as promptly removing oil stains or blood stains.

5. Avoid Overloading the Washing Machine

While we all want to minimize time spent on laundry, overfilling the washing machine is a common mistake to avoid.

Overloading hinders the thorough cleaning of your clothes and can disrupt the spin cycle, resulting in wet and dirty items even after completing a cycle.

On the other hand, underfilling the machine leads to wasted detergent and can leave a sticky residue on your clothing.

Fill the machine to its recommended capacity to achieve optimum efficiency, allowing it to handle the load effectively.

6. Turn Clothes Inside Out

As a university student, staying fashionable is often a priority. To preserve the quality and appearance of your clothing, especially those with graphics or printed logos, always turn them inside out before washing.

This simple step can help minimize fading or damage caused by frequent washing. Your trendy t-shirts will retain their vibrant colours for longer, ensuring you're always dressed to impress on campus.

7. Consider 'Pod' Detergents

Trade in large bottles of liquid detergent for convenient pod detergents. Using pods eliminates the risk of messy spills, a common issue for college students.

The premeasured pod or gel tablet detergents are mess-free, safe to use, and offer the precise amount needed for each load.

They are also compact and easy to store, making them ideal for dorm rooms with limited space.

If you prefer liquid detergent, ensure you measure it carefully and refer to the label for the recommended quantity to achieve optimal laundry results.

8. Wash at Lower Temperatures

In addition to following care labels, washing your clothes at or below 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) is recommended.

Washing at lower temperatures effectively cleans your garments while reducing the risk of fading or shrinking.

This approach saves on energy costs and benefits the environment by conserving resources.

9. Unload and Air Out Your Laundry Promptly

It's tempting to leave your laundry unattended once it's finished, allowing it to sit in the washer or dryer for extended periods.

However, unloading your laundry promptly prevents unpleasant odours from developing and ensures your clothes can air out quickly.

Hanging damp clothes to dry immediately is the best way to prevent lingering smells. If outdoor drying isn't possible, use a well-ventilated area and a clothes horse or rack.

Additionally, folding and putting away your clothes while they are still warm will help prevent wrinkles, saving you time in the long run.

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Mastering the art of doing laundry is an essential skill for every university student in the UK.
By implementing these 9 laundry tips, you'll be well-prepared to tackle your laundry efficiently and effectively.
Remember to establish a dedicated laundry day, sort your laundry carefully, follow care labels, treat stains promptly, avoid overloading the washing machine, turn clothes inside out, consider 'pod' detergents, wash at lower temperatures, and unload your laundry promptly for fresh-smelling, wrinkle-free clothes.