But where do the socks go



Teaching your kids to do laundry

Teaching your kids to do laundry


There are two laundry mysteries that plague most people – one, where do those missing socks go, and two, how do bed sheets get so knotted and tangled? This summer if you’re tackling the task of teaching your kids to do laundry you might also be questioning how they managed to shrink everyone’s clothes or dye them an interesting shade. 

Teaching kids to do laundry can be quite the chore, especially when just trying to get them to put their laundry in the hamper or to put it away after it is clean can require asking multiple times. It’s a life skill that is important to learn though and starting early can help kids learn to do laundry the right way so when they’re living on their own, they are preserving their clothes and linens and aren’t spending extra money on high water or energy bills.

READ MORE: 10 house cleaning games for kids

Some of the basic tips and tricks kids need to learn about doing laundry include:

Learning to read labels. Some of the laundry lore that has been passed down from generation to generation is not necessarily correct. For example, some people have been taught by parents and grandparents that bed sheets should be washed on hot. If you check the label of most sheets however, they often say to wash on a delicate cold cycle. Create flash cards or find a laundry symbol chart online, print and post it in the laundry room to help kids learn what the different symbols on labels mean.

Understanding laundry cycles. Every washing machine and dryer has different pre-sets and buttons that have different heat settings, spin cycles, and timer settings associated with them. Show kids how turning dials on the washing machine and dryer to different settings changes what lights are lit on the machine indicating temperatures, speeds, and times. Explain that even though some settings like bedding exist, they may not be the right setting for the item being washed or dried, and that this is why it’s important to always read the label and set washer and dryer cycles accordingly.

Measuring soaps and other additives. All too often people think adding extra soap to the washing machine will result in cleaner clothes. But the opposite is true. It’s important to explain to kids that washing larger mixed loads is ideal so that there is enough laundry in the washing machine for the amount of soap being used. Excessive amounts of soap can leave a residue on clothes, sheets and towels which can make dirt and oil stick to them instead of cleaning them. Washing larger mixed loads also has the added benefit of saving water and energy.

Extend the lifespan of clothes, sheets and towels. Washing on cold and drying on low heat can help prevent clothes from shrinking. Lower heat is less harsh on fabrics and can also help sheets and towels last longer too. Most laundry detergents are formulated to work just as effectively in cold water as warm or hot. And, drying on low for longer can actually use less energy than drying on hot for a short period of time.

Other tips and tricks. Once kids have tackled laundry basics, it’s time to start learning about stains, ways to prevent wrinkles and other hacks that can make doing laundry easier. Find a stain chart online, print and hang it next to the laundry symbol chart so kids know what product to use on what type of stain for the best results. Teach kids to put small items that easily get lost inside a mesh laundry bag, so no one must hunt for missing socks again. Introduce tools like wool laundry balls and Wad-Free for Bed Sheets to help save time and solve problems like tangled bed sheets that wad up and take multiple dryer cycles to fully dry.

 



Other articles by HVP News Reporters


  • 4 ways to promote positive maternal mental health

    It's important to take good care of yourself

    The joys of raising and nurturing a baby are practically endless for new parents, yet there remain challenges to overcome. While it may be natural to focus attention and energy on caring for a new baby, it’s equally important for mothers to maintain their own mental health. read more »
  • Foot and ankle safety tips for the summer months

    7 facts you need to know

    From the beach to the backyard, taking care of your feet and ankles in summer is essential. read more »
  • Donate plasma to save lives this summer

    It's a meaningful way to give back to your community

    Plasma donation is an impactful, meaningful way to give back to your community this summer. By donating plasma, you can help people like Machelle Pecoraro. read more »
  • Reinvigorate your plant collection

    Annual Master Gardener Program Great Plant Swap and Sale

    The Annual Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County’s (CCEUC) Master Gardener “Great Plant Swap & Sale” Returns on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at the Forsyth Park Pavilion, 157 Lucas Avenue in Kingston. The proceeds benefit the Dominic Parise Master Gardener Scholarship. read more »
  • 5 garage safety tips

    Make sure everything is secure and functioning properly

    When you throw open the windows, you’ll likely be spending more time with the garage door open, too. Make access to your outdoor equipment safer with these tips to get your garage ready for the warmer months. read more »
  • 7 vegetables to grow easily in your home garden

    All you need is a little time and effort

    Growing fresh, healthy vegetables at home may not be as hard as it sounds. Novice gardeners just need good dirt, easy plants to grow, lots of sunshine and the right amount of water. read more »
  • 7 budget-friendly gardening hacks

    Tricks to help you create a cost-effective garden

    Gardening can be a simple way to beautify your yard, relieve stress and save money on your grocery bill, but like any hobby, you can get carried away buying necessary equipment. read more »
  • 2023 I Love My Parks Day Events

    Volunteer with your family to clean up a local state park

    I Love My Park Day is an annual event that brings together thousands of volunteers to enhance and celebrate New York's amazing parkland. read more »
  • Spinach and artichoke stuffed mushroom caps

    Simple, easy and delicious

    Bringing an element of elegance to your holiday celebration is easy when you start with party-pleasing ingredients, and great tasting food often starts with dairy. read more »
  • Parmesan crusted chicken

    Super easy to make

    Not only is this Parmesan Crusted Chicken dish delicious, it is super simple to make. read more »