What do you need to do your laundry?
Keep it simple. You don't need a cupboard full of ten different bottles of detergent and chemicals. Focus on the essentials:
- Detergent: Look for a detergent with enzymes for better stain and odour removal.
- Oxygen Whitener: Ideal for whites and to freshen up musty-smelling towels.
- Washing basket: A basket with handles is essential, especially if you use shared machines.
- Mesh laundry bag: Especially useful for delicate laundry, or for socks and underwear (see tips!).
- Stain spray: Be ready for when stains are inevitable!
- Optional: Wool dryer balls (an eco-friendly alternative to fabric softener).
Doing laundry: step by step
1. Sort your laundry
Don't think too complicated, but at least separate the following categories:
- Light & Dark: The most essential separation to avoid discolouration.
- Towels & sheets: These should have their own charge.
- Sportswear: These clothes (often synthetic) need a separate wash.
2. Check the labels
This is the most important step to prevent shrinkage.
- If the label says cold wash, flat dry or no heat, follow those instructions.
- If in doubt, cold washing and low temperature in the dryer are the safest bet.
3. Use the right amount of detergent
- More is not better! Follow the recommended amount on your detergent's label.
- Skip fabric softener. It builds up in the fibres of your clothes and over time can actually cause things to smell.
4. Speed counts
Do not leave wet laundry. Move laundry to the dryer immediately to avoid mould, mildew and strange odours.
Fold and store: Remove clothes from the dryer as soon as they are done. Fold and put them away immediately before they crease.
How often to wash:
Item | How often to wash? |
Towels | After 1-2 uses |
Sheets | Every 1-2 weeks |
Sportswear | After each wear |
Daily wear | If it smells or looks dirty |
Jeans | After 3-5 wears |
Underwear & socks | After each wear |
Extra washing tips from TRIXXO
- Socks in the bag: Keep a mesh laundry bag in your laundry basket for socks and underwear. Throw the whole bag in the washing machine without sorting them.
- Always empty your pockets: Lip balm in the dryer is a disaster. Make a habit of emptying all pockets before the laundry goes into the machine.
- Don't overload: Don't overfill the washer or dryer. Your clothes need space to get clean as well as dry properly.
- Muffy odours? Add a scoop of oxygen bleach or baking soda (baking soda) to your laundry for extra odour removal.
No time or inclination to do your laundry yourself?
Washing and ironing are time-consuming household tasks. TRIXXO is happy to take over the care of your housework. Our domestic helpers are experts at keeping your home clean and fresh, including washing and ironing your clothes. This leaves you with more time to enjoy student life, family life or just your well-earned rest!