Laundry lessons: Do wash-day chores get a bad rap?

Housework doesn’t always have to be hellish. In fact, some tasks, such as laundry, are an easy and satisfying way for the family to enjoy everyday comfort. As a bonus, your family may even find the repetitive rhythm — folding and sorting, folding and sorting – have a meditative quality that helps with the dizzying effects of a digital world. New — and revamped old-school technologies — mean there’s less drudgery than ever, and there are simple ways to involve the whole family. In any instance, a few tried-and-true tricks help get the laundry work load done more quickly, and maybe even with a little fun.

Front loaders may have had their moment, as consumers discover next generation top load technology, which is now often as energy efficient as front loaders. Users — especially those of a certain age — like that there’s less bending; everyone likes that adding a forgotten t-shirt or dropped sock isn’t a hassle. Interior size matters too: the Whirlpool whirlpool.ca model shown above has a capacity of six cubic feet, make washing family-sized loads and bulky seasonal items like duvets and winter gear less onerous.

If you grapple frequently with stains (parents of young kids, we’re looking at you), insist on a machine with presoak, steam clean and deep wash features. Keep a box of stain-fighting solutions within easy reach of the machine, and if you come across a real stubborn spot, consult this chart http://www.instituteoffabricscience.org/stain-assist/.

Always use the correct cycle for fabric types. Consider having a dedicated basket for delicates, so that silk blouses don’t accidentally get thrown into a heavy duty cycle suitable for denim. Use steam and gentle wash features for summer silks and delicate winter woolens before packing both in tissue-lined storage boxes. Be aware that cardboard will offer less protection against damp and bugs than plastic or fabric storage pieces, (easy to find affordable options at places like HomeSense homesense.ca, and add cedar chips or lavender to deter moths.

Remember that bath and bed linens will last longer and feel nicer if you don’t overdo the detergent, and that soapy residual on clothing can irritate skin. So pay attention to amounts or choose a machine with precision dispensing. In winter, remind family member not to share towels if colds and flu hit the household. Changing linens — even just pillowcases — for anyone in the family who’s sick automatically gets you Angel of Mercy status.

Adding to these laundry lessons, weekly laundry chores and seasonal changeovers can be more fun if you do the work together while watching a movie, or if everyone take turns at creating a laundry “play list”? Here’s one to get you started when it’s your turn — Carrie Underwood’s Dirty Laundry

photos: Whirlpool www.whirlpool.ca