How to do laundry for the first time

Every step

1. 1

   Sort clothes by color and fabric

   Divide your laundry into at least three piles: white/light, dark, and delicate fabrics. For example, place a white t-shirt and socks in one pile, blue jeans in another, and a silk blouse with delicates. This prevents color bleeding and fabric damage.

   CHECKPOINT · Three separate piles of laundry
2. 2

   Read care labels before treating stains

   Check each label before choosing a wash method. Keep dry-clean-only and do-not-wash items out of a machine load. Test a suitable stain treatment on an inconspicuous area and follow its instructions. Do not mix cleaning products. Sort by color, fabric, and permitted wash conditions rather than assuming that all delicate clothes can use the same cycle.

   CHECKPOINT · Every item in the load allows the selected wash method.
3. 3

   Measure detergent from its own instructions

   Use the dose on the detergent package for your load size, soil level, water conditions, and machine type. Use detergent suitable for a high-efficiency machine when required. One capful is not a universal dose. Add it through the dispenser or drum only as the product and machine instructions specify.

   CHECKPOINT · The detergent type and measured dose match the product and washer instructions.
4. 4

   Choose settings permitted for every item

   Use a water temperature and cycle allowed by the most restrictive care label in the load. If one garment requires hand washing or professional cleaning, remove it. Do not assume silk is machine washable. Leave room for clothes to move and follow the washer’s load limit rather than pressing the drum full.

   CHECKPOINT · The load fits the machine and all items permit the selected settings.
5. 5

   Choose the drying method from the labels

   Remove washed clothes promptly and check that stains are gone before applying heat. Use the dryer only for items whose labels allow tumble drying, at the permitted heat. Clean the lint screen as the dryer instructions require. Air-dry items in the position their labels specify, such as flat drying rather than hanging a garment that may stretch.

   CHECKPOINT · Each garment is drying by an allowed method and the lint screen is clear.
6. 6

   Remove and fold promptly

   Take items out as soon as dry to prevent wrinkles. For instance, fold cotton shirts and pair socks right away. Hang delicate items on hangers if air-dried. Avoid leaving clothes in the washer overnight, as they may develop a musty odor.

   CHECKPOINT · Clothes folded or hung up