Living Alone Guide Part 6: Complete Laundry Guide

Ever had a favorite item shrink?

When I first started living alone, I washed a white t-shirt with jeans and it turned blue. I also put a sweater in the dryer and it shrunk to child size...

So I've compiled this guide: Laundry basics to not ruin your clothes. Know these and you won't make mistakes.

1. Sorting Basics

Sort by Color

• Whites/lights: Wash separately
• Darks: Black, navy, dark colors together
• Potentially bleeding items: New clothes, bright colors - wash alone first time

If sorting feels like too much, at least separate whites. They pick up color the easiest.

Sort by Fabric

• Regular clothes: Cotton, polyester - OK together
• Knits/wool: Hand wash or delicate cycle
• Underwear/socks: Use a mesh laundry bag
• Jeans: Turn inside out, wash alone or with darks

2. Using the Washing Machine

Detergent Amount

More detergent doesn't mean cleaner!

• Liquid detergent: One cap (as directed)
• Pod/capsule: One is enough
• Too much: Doesn't rinse out, leaves residue on clothes

Water Temperature

• Cold: Most clothes OK, prevents color bleeding
• Warm (30°C/86°F): Heavily soiled items
• Hot (40°C+ / 104°F+): White cotton, towels, underwear

When in doubt, use cold water. It's the safest option.

Wash Cycles

• Normal: Regular clothes
• Delicate/Hand wash: Knits, delicate items
• Quick: Lightly soiled, need fast
• Heavy duty: Workout clothes, work clothes

3. Important Warnings

Items That Shrink

• Sweaters/knits: Never use dryer, dry flat
• Wool/cashmere: Hand wash or wool cycle, no dryer
• Rayon: May shrink when washed, dry clean instead

Items That Bleed

• New jeans: Wash alone first 2-3 times
• Bright colors: Red, blue - careful on first wash
• Printed items: Turn inside out

Delicate Items

• Bras: Must use mesh bag, hand wash is best
• Hosiery: Mesh bag required
• Embellished clothes: Turn inside out, use mesh bag

4. Drying Methods

Air Drying

• Sweaters: Never hang, dry flat (prevents stretching)
• Shirts: Hang on hangers
• Pants: Hang upside down by waistband
• Underwear: Avoid direct sunlight (causes fading)

Using a Dryer

• OK: Towels, underwear, cotton t-shirts
• Caution: Jeans (may shrink, use low heat)
• Never: Knits, wool, rayon, silk

If you have a dryer, use it for towels. They come out so fluffy!

5. Stain Removal

By Stain Type

• Coffee/drinks: Rinse immediately with cold water, apply detergent, rub gently
• Grease: Apply dish soap, rub gently, then wash
• Ink: Dab with rubbing alcohol
• Blood: Always use cold water! Hot water sets the stain
• Sweat stains: Make baking soda paste, apply, wait 30 min, wash

Stain Removal Rules

• The sooner the better
• Blot, don't rub
• Work from outside in (prevents spreading)

6. Washing Frequency

• Underwear/socks: Change daily, wash every 2-3 days
• T-shirts: Wash after 1-2 wears
• Jeans: Wash after 3-5 wears (too often wears them out)
• Sweaters: Wash after 5-6 wears
• Outerwear: 1-2 times per season
• Towels: After 3-4 uses
• Bedding: Every 2 weeks

7. Fixing Mistakes

If Colors Bled

• Rewash before drying
• Soak in oxygen bleach (30 min - 1 hour)
• If it doesn't come out... consider it tie-dye

If It Shrunk

• Soak in lukewarm water with fabric softener for 30 min
• Gently stretch while drying
• If it shrunk a lot... recovery is difficult

8. Laundry Checklist

Before Washing

• ☐ Check pockets (tissues, coins, etc.)
• ☐ Sort by color
• ☐ Check care labels
• ☐ Close zippers
• ☐ Turn items inside out as needed

When Drying

• ☐ Lay sweaters flat
• ☐ Dry in shade (avoid direct sunlight)
• ☐ Ensure good ventilation

Wrapping Up

Laundry isn't hard once you get the hang of it, but doing it wrong can ruin expensive clothes. Building the habit of sorting might be annoying at first, but your clothes will last longer.

Next up: Simple Recipes. Survival cooking for people who can't cook!