Laundry is one of those never-ending household tasks that can easily eat up hours of your week. Whether you're juggling a busy work schedule, managing a household, or simply trying to squeeze more free time into your day, finding ways to streamline your laundry routine can be a game-changer.

Here are 11 laundry tips that’ll save you time and help you get through your laundry pile more efficiently.

(If you are just too strapped for time, try out our wash, dry & fold laundry service near Downtown Long Beach for even more convenience!)

1. Sort As You Go

One of the biggest time-savers in laundry is sorting your clothes as you go. Instead of waiting until laundry day to separate whites, darks, and delicates, use a divided laundry hamper with multiple compartments. As you undress, drop each item into the appropriate section. This simple habit will save you the hassle of sorting later, allowing you to start a load of laundry immediately.

2. Invest in Mesh Laundry Bags

Mesh laundry bags are a small investment that can save you big time in the long run. Use them for washing delicate items, such as lingerie, socks, and baby clothes. Not only do they protect your garments from getting tangled or damaged, but they also keep small items together, so you don't waste time hunting for missing socks or other tiny pieces.

3. Pre-Treat Stains Immediately

Instead of waiting until laundry day to deal with stains, tackle them as soon as they happen. Keep a stain remover or a mixture of water and detergent in a spray bottle near your laundry basket. This quick action will prevent stains from setting, making them easier to remove during the wash cycle and saving you from having to rewash stained items.

4. Use Larger Loads Wisely

While overloading your washing machine can reduce its effectiveness, washing full loads can save you time and energy. Instead of doing multiple small loads, wait until you have a full load of laundry. This not only cuts down on the number of loads you need to do but also helps you conserve water and electricity.

5. Simplify Your Detergent Choices

Instead of using multiple products like separate detergent, fabric softener, and stain remover, consider switching to a multi-purpose laundry detergent. These products are designed to clean, soften, and remove stains in one step, reducing the number of products you need to handle and the time spent measuring and pouring each one.

6. Set a Timer

Setting a timer on your phone or using a kitchen timer can help you stay on top of your laundry. Many people forget about their laundry once it's in the washer or dryer, which can lead to wrinkles setting in and extra time spent ironing or rewashing. By setting a timer, you’ll be reminded to transfer or remove clothes promptly, keeping the process moving smoothly.

7. Use Dryer Balls

Dryer balls are a simple yet effective way to reduce drying time. These balls, usually made of wool or plastic, help separate clothes in the dryer, allowing hot air to circulate more efficiently. They can cut drying time by up to 25%, which not only saves you time but also reduces energy consumption.

8. Fold Clothes Immediately

It’s tempting to leave clean laundry in the basket or on the bed, but this often leads to wrinkles and more time spent ironing later. Get into the habit of folding clothes as soon as they come out of the dryer. This will prevent wrinkles from setting in and save you from the dreaded chore of ironing.

9. Use the Right Water Temperature

Using the right water temperature can make a big difference in your laundry routine. Cold water is great for most clothes and helps prevent shrinking and fading, while hot water is ideal for items like towels and bed linens that need a deeper clean. By using the correct temperature, you can avoid the need to rewash items, saving time and energy.

10. Keep a Laundry Schedule

Instead of waiting until you’re overwhelmed with laundry, create a weekly laundry schedule. For example, dedicate certain days to specific types of laundry, such as towels on Tuesdays and bed linens on Fridays. This approach breaks down the task into manageable chunks, preventing laundry from piling up and becoming a daunting chore.

11. Declutter Your Wardrobe

The more clothes you have, the more laundry you have to do. Regularly decluttering your wardrobe can reduce the amount of laundry you need to tackle each week. Keep only the clothes you love and wear regularly, and donate or recycle the rest. With fewer clothes to wash, fold, and put away, you'll find that laundry day becomes a much quicker process.

Conclusion

By incorporating these 11 laundry tips into your routine, you can save time, reduce stress, and make laundry day a more manageable part of your week. From sorting clothes as you go to setting a timer and using dryer balls, these small changes can add up to significant time savings.

Remember, the key to an efficient laundry routine (outside of using your favorite wash and fold service) is consistency and simplicity, so start with a few tips that work for you and build from there. Before you know it, you'll be breezing through laundry with time to spare!