Washing a load of laundry seems like a simple task. Most ages 14 and above should easily be able to wash a load of laundry without assistance. For some individuals who are just moving out on their own for the first time, might need some guidance. I am here to help you learn how to easily wash a load of laundry if you are a first timer.

Supplies

Supplies you will need are a washing machine, laundry detergent, and dirty laundry!

Step 1:

Begin by sorting the dark colored items from the light colored items, while tossing all the white colored items into a different pile. Separating the items will keep them from transferring color to one another. For example, a nice white dress would be ruined if a dark pair of jeans were to be washed with it. Reminder, all towels may be washed together in their own load.

Step 2:

Next, choose a pile of items to put into the washer. Be sure not to pack the washer too full, leave space so the items have room to move around. If the washer is too full, the items will not be washed properly. Some items could still be dirty or some may still be soapy when the wash cycle is done.

Step 3:

After the washer is loaded, using the measuring cup for laundry detergent fill the cup to the specified line based on how many items are in your washer. If the washer is half full of items, fill the cup a little under half way, but if the washer is full of items fill the cup 3/4 full. Once the cup is filled, pour the detergent into the washing machine. Depending on what type of washing machine is being used, two different ways to put the detergent in the washer are possible. Front load washers have a pull out dispenser that the detergent gets poured into. If it is a top load washer, the detergent can be poured right in with the items.

Step 4:

Now you are ready to choose a water temperature and cycle on the machine. For clothing such as jeans and T-shirts, choose the “normal” cycle and use cold/cold water. For undergarments and delicate items, choose the “delicate” cycle and use cold/cold water. Using anything but cold water for these items could help increase the risk of items shrinking while in the dryer. For towels, it is suggested to use hot/ cold or warm/ warm water to help sanitize the towels while using “normal” cycle.

Step 5:

Once the detergent has been added to the washing machine and a cycle has been selected, it is time to push start! A typical load of laundry takes about an hour to run its cycle. This is a good time to get items gathered for the next load.

Step 6: Completed!

Finally, the washing machine cycle has completed. Now the items can be taken out of the washer and put into the dryer. Repeating the steps above, a new load of laundry can be started.