Every Load (30 seconds)

  • Sort smart: towels / whites / delicates / darks.
  • Check labels: if it says cold, believe it.
  • Measure detergent: too much causes residue and stiffness.
  • Skip the dryer on stains: heat sets what you can’t see yet.

Weekly (10 minutes)

  • Wipe the washer gasket and leave the door cracked to dry.
  • Clean the lint trap (dryer efficiency = airflow).
  • Run a towel refresh load if towels feel stiff (extra rinse).

Monthly (20 minutes)

  • Washer clean cycle (hot + proper cleaner) to reduce odors.
  • Inspect hoses for bulging/cracks.
  • Vacuum behind dryer (lint buildup is a fire risk).

Quick-Fix Stains (pin this)

  • Grass: cold rinse → detergent pre-treat → wash → air-dry.
  • Ink: blot → rubbing alcohol dab → blot → rinse → wash.
  • Coffee: flush cold → detergent pre-treat → wash → no dryer until clear.
The Hack Box

Pro Hack: Keep a spray bottle with water + a drop of detergent in the laundry room for immediate pre-treating.