Christmas Laundry Gift: How-to Laundry Books

{Make sure you stop by tomorrow for Day 5 of Laundry Gifts.  Hint: You can download them.  And they’re super cute.}

Earlier this week, I posted some fabulous children’s books which centered around the exciting theme of laundry. (There really are some good reads on that list.)

But some of us need hard copy how-to help in the actual task of laundry.  Until I finish my in-the-works Laundry Manual, you’ll have to make do with one of these. 😉

The Best Laundry Book on the Market

Hands down, the best go-to resource about laundry is Home Comforts: The Art and Science of Keeping House by Cheryl Mendelson.  I’ve read it cover to cover.

Twice.

There are ample sections on laundry as well as a million other household tasks.  I have a beloved well-worn copy that I will someday pass on to one of my children.

Put this on your Christmas List today.

Per Amazon:

Mendelson’s well-researched book includes meticulous sections on food (for example, which foods belong in the fridge versus the pantry, food storage times, picking the freshest fruits and vegetables, and keeping your kitchen and food sanitary) as well as laundry (caring for various fabrics, how to read–and read between the lines of–clothing care labels, and removing stains). Mendelson covers a lot of ground, and as she herself points out, readers shouldn’t feel required to do everything mentioned in the book–simply pick the activities that seem appropriate for your particular home. This is a comprehensive reference book that should serve homemakers well and induce a greater appreciation for the effort and specialized knowledge that go into keeping house.

 

Other Household Laundry Manuals

Martha Stewart’s Homekeeping Handbook:

I also own this book on housekeeping, which contains a section on laundry as well.  The laundry section in this book isn’t nearly as comprehensive as Home Comforts.  While it is helpful to the beginner, I didn’t find that it offered much for the whys behind laundry.

Per Amazon:

Martha Stewart’s Homekeeping Handbook is a pretty and practical package for everyone: “all mothers and daughters, fathers and sons who have a room, an apartment, or a home to care for.” Stewart’s exhaustive handbook features a handy “how to use this book” introduction; a room by room guide with weekly, monthly, and seasonal checklists; tips for cleaning, creating a comfortable and safe home, and moving; and a guide for identifying and caring for materials in your home.

 

Betty’s Book of Laundry Secrets by Betty Faust

I do not own this book, so I can’t write a personal review.  However, judging from the reviews on Amazon, this book is possibly a little dated.  It doesn’t review oxygen bleach, liquid detergent or how to manage front-loaders.

It does cover how to fold clothes and how to appropriately sort clothes prior to washing, which are two must-knows.

Per Amazon:

Betty is a lifesaver when it comes to laundry. She believes that simple products, such as a bar of Ivory soap and a scrub brush, and low-tech approaches, such as soaking a stain before you wash, are the secrets to getting clothes clean and keep them looking new.

 

Talking Dirty Laundry with the Queen of Clean by Linda Cobb

I haven’t read this book, but the reviews on Amazon are stellar!  I’d love to take a look through it and learn a few things.

Per Amazon:

Each short chapter concerns a specific topic, starting with the care and cleaning of the washing and drying machines themselves. A short section on line drying is included here as well; never again will you ponder the proper way to hang hand-washed slacks. Most of the chapters are devoted to various types of special problems, such as colors that ran, stain and odor removal, and cleaning large items like bedspreads and lampshades.

 

 

Laundry: Hints and Tips by Cindy Harris

Per Amazon:

Laundry in our grandmothers’ day conjures up romantic images of sweet smelling soap suds, bright laundry blowing in the breeze, and an iron warming by the fire. Although the tasks of washing, drying, and ironing are less arduous than they once were, they are still dreaded by many – much less enjoyed. However, Cindy Harris’ invaluable book shows how, with little effort, you can turn your home into a tactile heaven and transform the laundry routine from a chore into a pleasure.

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Are you following along with 5 Days of Christmas?  There’s a wide variety of Christmas topics – a little something for everyone!

A Slob Comes Clean – Getting Your Home Company Ready
Feels Like Home – Christmas Traditions
Somewhat Crunchy – Christmas with Dairy Allergies
Spell Outloud – Children’s Books
Mama’s Learning Corner – Children’s Crafts
Many Little Blessings – Edible Gifts
Sunflower Schoolhouse – Decorations
An Oregon Cottage – Christmas Cookies
Catholic Icing – Wishing Jesus Happy Birthday
The Traveling Praters – Traveling
The Homeschool Classroom – Gifts Kids Can Make

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