Laundry is a universal chore that often feels time-consuming and complex. However, a few hacks can make your laundry routine more efficient and effective, keeping your clothes fresh and clean with minimal effort.

Firstly, sort your laundry not just by color, but also by fabric type. This prevents delicate materials from being damaged by heavier, tougher fabrics during the wash and spin cycles. Your clothes will last longer and look better.

Next, try adding a half-cup of baking soda or white vinegar to your wash. Both are natural fabric softeners that can make your clothes feel softer. Vinegar can also act as a deodorizer, neutralizing any foul odors.

To keep your dark clothes from fading, turn them inside out before washing. This reduces the abrasion they experience during washing, which can lead to color fade.

If you want to reduce drying time, consider adding a dry towel to your dryer for the first 15 minutes of the cycle. The towel will absorb excess moisture, speeding up the drying process.

Another helpful hack is to immediately hang or fold clothes once they are dried. This helps to prevent wrinkles. For stubborn wrinkles, try tossing the item back in the dryer with a damp washcloth for about 15 minutes. The steam can help smooth out the wrinkles.

Lastly, regularly clean your washing machine and dryer. Over time, these appliances can accumulate soap residue, lint, and other debris, which can affect their efficiency and the cleanliness of your clothes. Running an empty hot water cycle with vinegar in your washing machine can help clean it, while vacuuming out the lint trap of your dryer can improve its performance.

With these hacks in your laundry routine, you can maintain the freshness and cleanliness of your clothes and possibly even extend their lifespan, all while saving time and effort on this necessary household task.

This article was generated by Open AI with human guidance and editing along the way.