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.