Washing and Drying Clothes — For a 6-Year-Old

Washer: the washing machine gives clothes a bath with water and soap. Dryer: the dryer blows warm air to make clothes dry. Always ask an adult to help you.

Before you start

1. Ask an adult to be with you the whole time.
2. Gather the clothes you want to wash.
3. Check pockets and remove toys, tissues, or coins. (Tissues make a big mess!)
4. Sort clothes a little: put very dirty clothes together and keep whites and colors separate if your adult says so.

Using the washing machine (with an adult)

1. Put the clothes into the drum. Don’t pack it too full — clothes need room to move.
2. Let the adult add the detergent (the soap for clothes).
3. Close the lid or door.
4. The adult chooses the right setting and presses the start button.
5. Wait until the machine stops. When it is finished, take the clothes out.

Using the dryer (with an adult)

1. Ask the adult to move the wet clothes from the washer to the dryer.
2. The adult cleans the lint trap (this keeps things safe).
3. Put the clothes in the dryer — not too many at once.
4. The adult picks the right heat and starts the dryer.
5. When the dryer stops, take the clothes out and fold them or hang them up.

Simple jobs you can do

• Help sort clothes by color or who they belong to.
• Check pockets for toys (with an adult nearby).
• Help fold small items like socks and washcloths.
• Put clean clothes in a basket.

Important safety rules

• Never climb into the washer or dryer — they are not a place to play.
• Never put your hands inside while the machine is running.
• Always have an adult help with buttons, detergent, and the lint trap.

You did great learning! With an adult's help you can do many jobs and be a laundry helper.