How to Wash Clothes Step by Step

Through the past 10 years here at Mama’s Laundry Talk, I’ve helped many a reader learn how to wash clothes.  In fact, a vast majority of email questions I receive revolve around the best way to wash clothes.

While I don’t think there is one best way, I do think there’s a step by step method that is easy to follow and gives great results.

I’ve used this method personally for years and years and can attest to its ease and simplicity.

Follow this method or set of guidelines, and then tweak as your situation needs.

Whether you’re a college student, a stay at home mom, a working business professional, or a widow just learning to do laundry, use these washing guidelines to help you nail down your own personal method that works for you.

How to Get Clean Clothes

Before we get to the step by step instructions, you need to know this bit of laundry wisdom.

There are three main factors involved in getting your clothes clean:

1. 1. agitation in the wash cycle
   2. detergent
   3. water temperature.

How clean your clothes are depends on each of these three aspects.

Just keep this little laundry tidbit in mind as you go through the guide.

 

How to Wash Clothes Step by Step

I’ve broken the process of how to wash clothes into a four post series, since I know that people like to read details, especially if doing your own laundry is new to you.  Putting all of it in one post just made it too long and overwhelming to read.

Of course I advise you to start at the beginning of this series, but you can certainly jump to any topic that’s more urgent in your situation.

So let’s get started! Just click to go straight to the topic you need:

→ How to Separate Clothes for Washing: Learn about sorting clothes for color or weight, and how to deal with stains while sorting.

→ How to Choose the Washing Cycle: Learn about the three main types of washing cycles, and why you would use each.  I also touch on the newer washing cycles and if they’re really needed.

→ What Temperature to Wash Clothes: Using the right temperature can have a great effect on the outcome of your laundry’s clean factor. Find out how to choose the right temperature and when to make exceptions.

→ How to Determine the Right Size for a Load of Laundry and Starting the Washer: Find out the correct size for a load of laundry, load the washer, and getting the washing machine started.

 

Do you have specific questions on how to wash clothes?  Feel free to ask in the comments!