What you’ll learn
How to sort clothes, load the washer, choose settings, add detergent, dry clothes, and fold them — all in easy steps you can follow.
1) Gather your clothes
- Empty pockets (coins, tissues, zippers closed).
- Separate clothes by color: whites, lights, darks.
- Check labels for special care (hand wash, dry clean, etc.).
2) Sort by color and fabric
- Whites together, lights together, darks together.
- Put towels and soft fabrics in a separate pile if needed.
3) Check stains
- Treat stains with a stain remover or a bit of detergent before washing.
4) Load the washing machine
- Place clothes loosely in the drum — don’t overfill.
- Keep socks with their pair so they don’t get lost.
5) Add detergent
- Use the right amount of detergent for the size of the load (check the label on the detergent).
- Pour or scoop into the correct compartment as shown in your washer manual.
6) Choose the right wash settings
- Normal or Everyday cycle for everyday clothes.
- Water temperature: Cold for bright colors and delicate fabrics; Warm for most loads; Hot for whites and very dirty items (not for delicate fabrics).
- Neutral or gentle spin for delicate fabrics.
7) Start the washer
- Close the door or lid securely and press Start.
8) Drying tips
- After washing, move clothes to a dryer or air-dry if needed.
- Check care labels: some clothes are air-dry only or need low heat.
- Clean the lint filter in the dryer before drying.
9) Folding and putting away
- Shake out clothes, fold or hang them neatly.
- Put outfits together for the week to stay organized.
10) Safety and reminders
- Ask for help if you’re unsure about settings or detergent amounts.
- Never mix cleaning products; use the right products for laundry only.
- Keep detergents and cleaners out of reach of younger siblings.
With practice, doing laundry becomes quick and easy. You’ve got this!