Whether or not you like it, you have to set aside time each week for laundry because if you don’t, you might spend an entire weekend tackling an overwhelming mountain of socks, T-shirts, and towels. You don’t have to do this, of course, if you have a smart system in place. With some proactive planning, you can break down laundry into smaller, manageable loads throughout the week and avoid the dreaded all-day laundry marathon.
In this guide, we show you how to create a laundry routine that fits effortlessly into your schedule!
1. Set a Laundry Schedule That Works for Your Household
A good laundry routine starts with a schedule that fits your life. The mistake many people make? Waiting until they run out of clean clothes before tackling a massive pile of laundry all at once. Instead, plan smaller, manageable laundry sessions throughout the week.
- For small households – One or two dedicated laundry days per week may be enough.
- For large families – Divide laundry by category (e.g., towels and linens on Monday, children’s clothing on Wednesday) to avoid getting overwhelmed.
- For busy individuals – Multi-task laundry while doing other household chores, working from home, or relaxing in the evening.
Find a routine that feels realistic for you—and stick to it. If you’re in a hurry, a quick wash cycle can help cut down on time without compromising cleanliness.
2. Sort Your Laundry the Right Way Before Wash Day
Sorting isn’t just about separating whites from colors. A good sorting system saves time, prevents fabric damage, and ensures clothes come out fresh and clean.
Here’s a simple way to sort effectively:
- By color – Keep whites, lights, and darks separate to avoid color bleeding.
- By fabric type – Wash heavy towels and delicate textile fabrics separately for best results.
- By soil level – Muddy clothes or sweaty gym wear need a different wash cycle than lightly worn shirts.
Pro tip: Have separate hampers for each category, so sorting is done before laundry day even starts. If, for instance, you have leather garments, always check the care label—many require professional dry cleaning instead of a traditional wash.
3. Use the Right Baskets to Keep Laundry Organized
Laundry baskets come in different styles and purposes. The right basket setup can cut down on mess, speed up laundry day, and keep everything in order.
Types of baskets to consider:
- Multi-section hampers – Let family members pre-sort their own laundry before wash day.
- Collapsible baskets – Great for small spaces or keeping laundry stations clutter free.
- Stackable bins – Perfect for separating clean, folded clothes by family member or category.
- Mesh baskets – Ideal for transporting laundry between rooms while allowing airflow to prevent odors.
The goal is to have a place for everything so laundry moves efficiently from one step to the next.
4. Tackle Small Loads Instead of Letting Laundry Pile Up
Waiting until you have an overflowing hamper before doing laundry is a recipe for stress and burnout. Instead, washing smaller loads more frequently keeps laundry manageable and prevents last-minute emergencies.
- Aim for at least 2-3 loads per week to keep things under control.
- Use quick wash cycles for lightly worn clothes to save time.
- Don’t wait for a full load—modern washers adjust water levels, so even small loads are efficient.
If your washing machine has a quick wash setting, use it for smaller loads throughout the week. This method keeps laundry manageable and prevents the dreaded weekend laundry marathon.
5. Master the Art of Efficient Folding and Storing
Laundry isn’t finished until it’s put away. The longer clean clothes sit in a basket, the more likely they are to wrinkle, get misplaced, or end up in a cluttered pile.
Here’s how to speed up folding and make storing clothes easier:
- Fold straight from the dryer – Prevent wrinkles before they set.
- Use the “file folding” method – Stack clothes vertically in drawers for easy access.
- Sort by category – Keep together shirts, pants, sweaters, and socks for quick grab-and-go mornings.
Give each family member their own basket – No more mixed up clothing or lost socks.
6. Teach Your Family to Help with Laundry (Even the Children!)
Laundry shouldn’t be a one-person job. Everyone in the household should pitch in, and yes, that includes children! Teaching basic laundry tasks not only lightens your load but also builds good habits.
Ways to get everyone involved:
- Young children (3-6 years old) – Can help match socks and put folded clothes in drawers.
- Older children (7-12 years old) – Can sort laundry, load the washer, and fold basic items.
- Teens and adults – Should know how to wash their own clothes and put them away.
Give everyone their own laundry basket and make them responsible for keeping it under control. It’s a gamechanger for maintaining an organized system.
7. Streamline Ironing and Wrinkle Prevention for a Faster Routine
Folding and putting away clothes is where most people get stuck. Clean laundry often sits in baskets for days, getting wrinkled and making more work for you later. The trick? Have a folding system that’s simple and easy to maintain.
Try these folding hacks:
- Fold straight from the dryer – Warm clothes are easier to fold and wrinkle less.
- Use a flat surface – Folding on a table or bed speeds up the process.
- Roll instead of fold – Rolling is great for T-shirts and saves space in drawers.
- Hang items immediately – Dress shirts and blouses should go straight on hangers.
Once folded, put away laundry immediately—don’t let it sit in baskets where it can wrinkle and get mixed up again. For delicate textiles like linen or cashmere, steaming is often a better option than traditional ironing.
Simplify Your Week — Schedule a FREE Laundry Pickup and Delivery Service with Fox Cleaners Today!
No matter how busy your week gets, laundry still has to get done—but that doesn’t mean you have to do it. Let Fox Cleaners take care of it for you! As a full-service garment care provider operating since 1947, we’ve built a reputation for customer-focused service and high quality care. Whether you need everyday laundry service, dry cleaning, or expert garment finishing, our team ensures your clothes come back looking their best—fresh, clean, and ready to wear.
Serving customers throughout Ohio and beyond, Fox Cleaners operates multiple retail stores and delivery routes to make laundry effortless. Visit our website to find the location nearest you or to find out if we serve your area.
Have questions? Send us an email at info@thefoxcleaners.com, and we’ll be happy to help!
