4. I always fold laundry on my bed. If I put the clean laundry on my bed then I have to fold it before I can go to sleep that night. I also feel like our bed gives me plenty of room to make nice piles for every room in the house (a Kensington pile, a kitchen towel pile, a bathroom towel pile, etc.) and this way, when it’s time to put things up, my clothes are folded and sorted according to room.
5. I keep two laundry baskets in the house now that we have a two story home. I keep one basket upstairs and one basket downstairs in the laundry room. I’ve decided that the bane of my existence is running up and down the stairs, so with two laundry baskets, I can gather laundry faster and easier and not have to run up and down those stairs quite so frequently.
6. I ask my kids to help me fold clothes some days…and they love it! My kids love matching socks, folding easy clothes like pjs, kitchen towels, etc. We get the chance to talk about numbers, colors, sorting, chores…it’s a great little time for us.
7. Only buy clothes that are wash, dry and wear.
When I married Andrew, I promised to love and cherish him in sickness and in health…I did not promise to iron his clothes. Ever.
I’m going to go ahead and blame this one on my mama…you see, my mom is quite fantastic. She cooks, she bakes, she tends to her massive yard and garden, she is an interior designer (so, her home is fabulous!), she throws elaborate parties, she’s pretty darn perfect. But in all my 32 years, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen her iron anything. She doesn’t iron, she didn’t teach me to iron, and so, I just don’t iron. Ever. Like in the fact that we don’t even own an iron kind of way.
I remember clearly being 22, newly married, and Andrew explaining to me that his shirts had to be washed, then hung dry for fear of shrinking and then ironed. And I’m pretty sure I started thinking that an annulment was in our new future. I looked at him and said that the top priority of our marriage was now going to be figuring out how to get his entire wardrobe switched over to wash, dry and wear clothes…cause this new wife of his wasn’t going to iron.
So, that’s my tip. Be mindful of the clothes you buy for your family. If they look like the kind of clothes that are going to be high-maintenance in the cleaning department, you might want to reconsider. I have enough high-maintenance problems in my life without my laundry adding to it.
Here are a few examples of some things I like that washes, drys and wears beautifully…
These 3/4 sleeve Loft tees wash, dry and wear great too! Just be mindful of what you’re buying…sometimes, high-maintenance is good…but I think more often than not, it’s a big old pain.
And if you do have something (like Andrew’s dress shirts for work) that require a little TLC, find a good and convenient dry cleaner to help you with that. Sometimes, it’s worth the few extra dollars to have someone else mess with cleaning and ironing more formal or complicated clothes than spending the time (and often aggravation) doing it yourself.
Dishes
And quickly, we’ll talk about doing the dishes. I have two rules for dishes.
1. Use your dishwasher!
My mother-in-law actually taught me this trick. Growing up, my parents would hand wash everything but plates, cups and silverware (your basic everyday stuff). Pots, pans, big bowls, etc., my parents hand washed. Well, then I met my mother-in-law and I noticed that she cooked and baked up a storm and then threw everything into the dishwasher. This might mean that on a busy cooking day, she ran her dishwasher twice, but oh golly, you didn’t see her fussing with hand washing and drying dishes. She just threw everything into the dishwasher, hit the button and moved on. Sure, later she had to unload the dishwasher but at least the mess of hand washing was behind her.
So…I started using this method. I started actually using my dishwasher more often…and my life became so much easier! If you think I’m lying, just try it. I promise, you’ll feel like you have it more together and you’ll be less stressed about cleaning up the kitchen.
My other rule is this…
2. Run your dishwasher every night before bed. Period.
We run our dishwasher every night and then empty it every morning to avoid that awkward moment during the day when you have a bunch of dirty dishes but a full dishwasher. Let me explain…
Dishwasher empty in the morning…
Breakfast dishes go in.
Lunch/miscellaneous day dishes go in
Dinner dishes go in
Run before bed.
No problems.
Dishwasher 1/2 empty, 1/2 full in the morning…
Breakfast dishes go in
Lunch/miscellaneous day dishes go in
Dinner dishes…uh oh…there is no room for the dinner dishes and you just finished eating dinner! Now what? You have to run the dishwasher and wait for it to finish before cleaning up after dinner…your kitchen stays messy, your sink is full…not fun mommy moments.
Just try it. Always run it at night, empty it in the morning and then your empty dishwasher is waiting on you and not the other way around.
That’s it. I just did an entire post about laundry and dishes. I have nothing left to say about the subject :). I hope you found at least one tip that you can put into practice. And if you have one I didn’t think of, please comment below!! We could all use some more tips that simplify our life.
And Sheaffer…if you’re still with us (and not shopping at Gap.com), I don’t ever want to hear you say again that you had to re-wash clothes 3 times because you kept forgetting to move them from your washer to your dryer. Move ’em girlfriend! 🙂
Next week…Organizing and saving your kids’ clothes once they outgrow them…I have a few thoughts on that (and it’s not to save everything!).
And I’m simplifying things over at my foodie blog…
Love you all!
XOXO
Find me on Instagram @mixandmatchmama
Carmen says
This is exactly the method I use for laundry/dishes…works a treat, and you are generally on top of both chores! #loveorganisation 🙂
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
I laughed throughout this post! Just to be clear, as I type this, there are wet clothes in the washer (from late last night) and a load in the dryer that now needs to be fluffed….for the 2nd time. Lots of good tips friend. Now let's see if I can apply them!
Amy Flemister says
This was a great post!! Very good and useful tips. Thanks Shay!! Poor Sheaffer, she can't catch a break! 🙂 Hope you have a great day.
Slightly Askew Designs says
Random laundry tip from my house: We don't have dirty clothes baskets in our rooms… everyone knows that dirty laundry gets put directly into the washer. This way when the washer is full I just run it. I was finding that when I went around and gathered everyone's stuff I had at least two-three loads. This prevents a backload of laundry for me and seems to keep it manageable. I was EVERYONE's laundry (yes… even the baby… even when she was a newborn) on cold with the same scent free dye free detergent and the same free and clear dryer sheets. So easy!
Anonymous says
We are a family of six, so I do so much laundry I feel it's a full time job! Two great products are shout color catchers and purex crystals. My teenage sons play football and baseball and their laundry is so sweaty and stinky I throw it all in together with a color catcher. It helps the colored laundry to not bleed onto the lighter stuff. I wash all six sets of sheets every Sunday night and add a capful of purex crystals. It makes sheets and towels smell wonderful! Well, until my boys sleep in them a few nights;)
JenniferW says
Great tips! What kind of pots and pans do you use that they can be washed in the dishwasher? Now you have me wondering if I can throw mine in there!
Dana Helton says
Great tips! The only tip I have is similar to what has already been mentioned. Since I work outside the home, I have found that switching out the laundry in the morning before work (working while I work) and then when I get home or before bed keeps us up. However, even when I pile the laundry on my bed for folding I still don't do it! I just tuck my little feet right in. the hubs doesn't like that too much . . . Clean clothes on the bed DAY 2!
Mix and Match Mama says
I put everything from my Rachael Ray cookware to my Le Creuset in the dishwasher. Everything washes perfectly!
Mary says
I use the delay wash feature on my washer, so load the washer at night or in the morning before going to work at school, set the timer for 7 hours later, go to bed or work, get up, and move clothes to the dryer. That way the clothes don't sit in the washer wet overnight. I have a front load washer and they need to be left open after using or everything gets smelly. We are also pretty careful to pull out dress clothes as soon as they are dry and hang them up right away to help with wrinkling. If it something that I don't want to dry–some jeans, cotton shirts, etc, I will put in the dryer for a few minutes to get out wrinkles, and then hang on a drying rack. I do have a few shirts to iron occasionally, but not many. We have a hall closet upstairs by the bedrooms with 2 laundry baskets. I have my family "trained" to sort darks in one and lights/whites into the other, so that saves some time also. Now if only my laundry room was big enough to have a cabinet or shelves to have laundry basket storage to put each person's clean/folded laundry…"sigh" …
Nicole says
I'm with Sheaffer, I rewash laundry all the time. So forgetful when it comes to laundry.
And I do run my dishwasher every night. I love my dishwasher. In fact I've asked for a new one for my anniversary!! lol
Amy says
Great post! Thank you!
Ashley says
Do you wash and dry your Loft shirts? Every.single.time I put one in the dryer, even for a few minutes it gets those little holes around the waistline 🙁
Charla Liedahl says
I don't iron either, like ever. My hubby wears suits and dress shirts every day and HE does his own shirts. Praise the LORD! He's so picky about them that the dry cleaner can't even "get them right." However, Downey wrinkle release spray is THE BEST for non-ironers like us! Spray, tug and smooth fabric and you're done! If you haven't tried it you MUST!
Anonymous says
Thanks for the tips Shay. I am looking forward to next weeks post about kids clothes. I also hope that you will talk a little bit about what you do with your kids toys. I have a hard time getting rid of anything so my house is being overtaken by kids clothes and toys. I wish I were more organized and not so sentimental about my son's clothes. I keep everything. Help!
Jaren says
Laundry…my least favorite thing to do! I think I make it difficult, and that is probably why I don't like it. I am so particular about what I wash with what and what detergent I use on what that I over-complicate it. I am with Sheaffer on having to run the dryer a few extra cycles because I forgot about it and hate that everything gets wrinkled. So basically it is my own fault that laundry is an even bigger chore than it should be! I do follow you on folding while watching TV (Pioneer Woman) because I feel so guilty just sitting watching TV.
Anonymous says
I also don't iron, I hate it and make sure that i buy clothes that rarely require it. I told my husband before we were married that I don't iron and was not about to start. He does a fantastic job ironing. Shay i have implemented your run the dishwasher at night tip and it definitely helps!
MrsPacman
Lynn {A Taste of Country} says
I'm with you on the ironing & constantly running up & down stairs! Who wants to do that?? Is your new house going to be two stories or single level? These are great tips, but I don't let my appliances run very often if I'm not home. Some of my parents' friends have come home to a flooded house before because their washer malfunctioned while they were gone.
Liz/happymommy says
I laughed so hard at this post and nodded my head throughout the whole laundry part because currently I have clothes in the wash machine from Monday morning that now need to be rewashed and clothes in the dryer from Sunday night that have been fluffed 4 times so I could take them out and they are still there…oh vey!
Also, I do NOT iron EVER….why, isn't that what the "freshen up" button is for on the dryer?? Even if I have one thing that is wrinkled and I need to wear it, throw it in the dryer with a small damp towel and "fluff" it and there you have it…good to go!!!
Anonymous says
Hi Shay,
Great tips! Going to try your dishwasher tips! I also watched my mom hand wash a lot of dishes, so I tend to do that too. I also only run it when it is full, and so many times if it is not empty in the morning I fill it with the daily dishes and then don't have room for the dinner dishes. My tip for laundry is to buy "wrinkle resistant" or "no iron" shirts for work from LL Bean and Coldwater Creek. They are button down with long sleeves or 3/4 sleeves. I pull them out of the dryer and hang them on a hanger, done. You mentioned that you like to be productive, do you have any tips for not getting sidetracked by the computer? Thanks and have a great day! Cathy
Christine says
Good post Shay! My favorite laundry tip EVER from years ago is one I still use today–fold the clothes as you take them out of the dryer and put them into the laundry basket. Then all you have to do is deliver them to the right room. I fold my hubby's clothes this way and then I take them and hang them in his closet. (Cause I rarely iron either!)
Anonymous says
Good tips, but I'm with someone else who mentioned not running appliances when they aren't home. I've done the dishwasher, and come home to a puddle of water on the hardwood floors because something broke. I've heard about dryers starting fires and washers coming unhooked from the hose to the wall sending water everywhere!
Aggies says
I always set a timer when I put clothes in the washer so that I can remember that I put them in there…helps me out bc otherwise, I end up rewashing! Great tips!
Aggies says
I always set a timer when I put clothes in the washer so that I can remember that I put them in there…helps me out bc otherwise, I end up rewashing! Great tips!
Alice says
Who needs an iron when you can just throw them in the dryer to get the wrinkles out? At least that is what I do. My grandpa built me a clothesline in my backyard and I actually enjoy hanging clothes out on the line. It makes me feel old-fashioned and I love the way my sheets smell after drying outside.
I also run the dishwasher every night. I still handwash a few things because my dishwasher is dumb (or maybe it is user error) and has melted a few of my items. Boo!
Sara and Steve says
We have to hang dry all my husbands shirts because he is so tall and they shrink if dried. What shirts have you found for Andrew that can go in the dryer???
Also, I always use fabric softener in my wash cycle. If you use the pods, do you not have to use fabric softener as well??
Sara and Steve says
We always have to hang dry my husbands shirts because he is so tall and they will shrink if dried. What shirts have you found for Andrew that can be dried??
Also, I always use fabric softener in my wash cycle. If you use the pods, do you not have to use fabric softener as well??
Elaine~ Honey Pie Accessories says
When we had to buy a washer and dryer a few years ago, we bought a washer with a delayed start. Best feature ever! Now, I can put a load in the washer and set the timer to start the load about an hour before I wake up. Then, when I wake up, I just have to put the m in the dryer, and not have to think about how they could've mildewed over night and now they might smell. I can also start a load in the morning, and then set the timer to start before I get home. And, I totally agree about running the dishwasher at night, however, since I work I don't have time to unload it, so typically it's started before we leave for the day and then unloaded while dinner cooks.
{Hi Sugarplum!} says
Such great tips…I'm on a pretty good routine with my laundry, and trying to train my kids to help with all of it. I wash everything too, but how do you not have to iron your colorful cotton shorts?!? Mine come out of the dryer with the cuffs rolled up
Karen says
Shay…
While I appreciate the time saving tips, my first thought was of the faces of your sweet babies. Please don't run appliances like the dishwasher or the clothes dryer at night when you are asleep. Or when you are away from the house. They are such a fire hazard.
I read of one such fire on Young House Love and it was sobering, to say the least. Especially since I was also guilty of turning on the dryer or the dishwasher and then going to bed.
Here is a link to the homeowner's blog – http://happilyhomeafter.blogspot.com/p/fire-safety.html
My family's home burned down when I was 7 and it's a terrifying experience. Especially for a child.
I hope you are not offended by my comments. I love your blog and would not want to see anything happen to your or your family.
Kindest regards…
~Karen
Kelly Stamps says
I follow pretty much all of your points. I love the pods too. It's all I use.
And our moms both hand wash so much stuff. I think I drive them nuts because I refuse to hand wash unless it's some kind of crystal platter. I put EVERYTHING in the dishwasher. Guess what – it works great! 🙂
sloandefyinggravity says
I'm desperately trying to get on a laundry schedule. I used to be able to wait a month before doing laundry (lots of underwear and I hung up most of my work clothes) but now that I'm married (3 months is), Ryan will look at me and say he's out of boxers. Um, wish you had told me that you were getting low a few days ago! So my new schedule is darks and towels one Monday, whites and sheets the next. I'm hoping that will keep me on top of it, at least!
Melissa at HOUSEography says
I never understand why people with a dishwasher hand wash anything! Makes no sense – it's better for the environment and for your dishwasher to use it!
Amy says
My laundry tip is that I keep 3 laundry baskets in our master bedroom closet (only one in the kids room) so I can sort as I go. While I am not concerned about bleeding, I will not wash jeans with my delicates, etc. and won't wash towels with clothes since you can't use softener on towels.
Also, my husband is nutso about not having appliances running while we are not in the house or awake (same thing with Christmas lights). While I generally follow the same rules as you, to abide by his no unsurpervised appliances rule, I typically start a load of laundry when I get home from work. Flip it out and then by the time I am ready to sit down after my child is in bed I can fold laundry. Everything is put away before the next day begins. Same with dishes. I run it after dinner and empty it after the kids are asleep. I go to bed knowing that I'm ready to face the next day.
Anonymous says
A great post to read on my laundry day! But, I just want to caution you (and from telling others to do the same) against running your dishwasher, washer and dryer at night or while you are away from home. Saving an hour is not worth the risk of a flood from faulty hoses while you are out, or worse a house fire in the middle of the night. My dad's been in the insurance business for almost his entire life, and this is one of his top rules to live by to avoid home disasters from household appliances. Run the dishwasher right after dinner, run a load of laundry during the day while you are home. There are such simple changes you can make to ensure the safety of your home and most importantly the safety of your children's lives.
Jennifer says
I have a serious problem. I iron everything! Like you (except opposity) my mom ironed everything growing up and then taught my sister and I to iron our stuff too. A couple of years ago I finally allowed myself to stop ironing my boys play clothes. PLAY CLOTHES!! I am learning to simplify in some areas but for the most part, I just keep ironing it all. Call me crazy! 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
Of course I appreciate your love and concern about my laundry and dish washing habits, but I think I'll keep to my routine. Thanks for the comments though!
Laurie S says
Hi Shay – love your laundry and dishes tips and methodologies. My laundry tip is: I use two laundry baskets – one for dirty clothes and one for clean clothes… it's bacteria from dirty socks, underwear, etc that I don't want on my clean stuff! And every once in a while I wipe down the clean basket with a Clorox or Lysol wet wipe…
One Crazy Blessed Mama/Boozer Bunch says
Glad I'm not the only one that doesn't iron 🙂
Jenna {Real Simple Girl} says
I love so many things about this post! I, too, hate ironing and refuse to do it. I don't even know why I own an iron. I could not live without my dishwasher. And I can't wait to try those Tide pods!!
Anonymous says
A few more tips:
– I never buy red clothes for the kids — no sense doing extra loads
– I find my 2 & 4 year olds love folding too – if we fold into outfit packages (shirt, shorts/pants, underware, shirt) all together it makes it a fun and creative task at the same time
– I have a big bin for clean towels. Towels get thrown there and using unfolded, clean towels doesn't bother us.
The Cantelmo Family says
Love your tips!! I pretty much do the same thing. I can not relax if things are left undone. Actually the first time in a long time I have dishes in my sink but I'm just going to let it be because we had way too much going on today!
I have four kids and a hubby who travels all week long. I do not buy anything that is too hard to wash. I do my laundry at least twice per day, I use pods as well, and I fold laundry throughout the day. We also don't iron. If I want something ironed I put it back in the dryer!!! Lol.
I run my dishwasher every evening and usually one time during the day if necessary. But we are a family of 6! My ADD/OCD requires me to do multiple things at once, so I'll be feeding the baby, packing lunches, making breakfast and emptying the dishwasher.
My house is never perfect but I have learned (ESP with the fourth baby born) I have to do these jobs everyday throughout the day or life comes to a hault and I get overwhelmed.
I do have to say that now that my hubby travels during the week I've had him start doing his own laundry on the weekends. I felt bad setting that boundary at first but if he gets to sleep in a hotel every night…he can do his own laundry!!! Lol!
Margaret Hemmig says
Yep, I'm another who never runs the dryer at night or when I'm not home. Someone in my neighborhood put a load of clothes in the dryer and then walked his son to the bus stop. He came home to a house up in flames and an injured older child. It's not worth the risk to save a few extra minutes. I am guilty of running the dishwasher at night although a fireman will tell you not to run any appliances while you are out of the house or sleeping.
Margaret Hemmig says
Yep, I'm another who never runs the dryer at night or when I'm not home. Someone in my neighborhood put a load of clothes in the dryer and then walked his son to the bus stop. He came home to a house up in flames and an injured older child. It's not worth the risk to save a few extra minutes. I am guilty of running the dishwasher at night although a fireman will tell you not to run any appliances while you are out of the house or sleeping.
Angie says
Ha Ha- I'm into pods too. I use the Tide & Cascade. Much less messy than liquid stuff 🙂
Allison says
Love these tips! Are any of your pots and pans nonstick? I always want to stick mine in the dishwasher but I get nervous about those for some reason! Thanks!
Anonymous says
hi shay,
i am sitting here laughing hysterically because your post about laundry and dishes has caused so much controversy! my advice to fellow readers: it is laundry and dishes people ! if you read a blog and you do not agree with the blogger, just keep on reading something else until you find something you do agree with! definitely i think one thing shay and sheaffer have passed on to us are the wedges! now that is an important topic that i do not think anyone can find fault with terry from pa
kelly says
Controversy?? Really?!
I fail to see controversy in these comments. Maybe you missed the part where Shay invited her readers to share their tips – that's all the readers are doing. Nothing more. Nothing less. 😉
allisonwest says
Just started reading your blog! Cute post about some of the not-so-glamorous chores that fill up the day.
Than,
Thanks for sharing!
Shelli says
I do not iron either… I can't blame it on my mother because she is a freako about ironing. I did not get that gene! I have three words for you that will change. your. life. Downy Wrinkle Release! You're welcome! 🙂
jen says
I LOVE these tips and already do quite a few of them. The dishwasher at night/evening is now a must! 🙂 Please say you have cleaning products/routine in the lineup for later;) I have a good routine but always tweak it and love your tips. One more thing I'm wondering is the specific brands (no-iron) that Andrew likes for work. Thanks for all the tips and inspiration!! Hugs…
Jenna says
hey shay – I've told a million of my friends about your tips. Seriously, you're helping me stay on top of things. I'm also thinking you should do a post on something you're not good at – HA! Because you're coming up looking pretty perfect from my view and I keep telling myself – get it together!!! But in all seriousness, I talked to my Dad who has sold insurance for over 35 years. In all of those years, he has never had a claim for a house fire due to a dryer running. And he has seen IT ALL. My parents simply reminded me to read my manual to check out often I need to clean out the lint (using a fox tail brush). My mom did say the only times she has heard of fires due to dryers is for people who never clean out the top part of the lint trap (no brush needed). And I'm guessing you are one of those people who cleans it out every load! HA! 🙂 Anyways, he has seen a few random claims regarding dishwashers, but he didn't seem overly concerned about it because they are SO rare. Just wanted to throw my two cents in and thank you (on behalf of women in my corner!) for sharing these tips to help us streamline our busy mom lives!
derrickandjenna@hotmail.com
Alyson says
Great post! Would love to read about your household cleaning routines as well! Love your blog:)
Kelly Kitchens says
I've thought about this SEVERAL times and I can't wrap my head around 2 loads of laundry a DAY just to keep up. Even with 4 people, two pairs of clothes per person per day…please explain! It's not like you wash sheets or towels every day, right???
Mix and Match Mama says
Now that we have moved, we have a High Efficiency washer and I'm typically only doing one load (back when I wrote this post, we had our original washer and it wasn't very big). We wash two sets of workout clothes (which can include hoodies and such) plus Andrew's work stuff, my day stuff, kids' clothes for the day plus any extracurricular clothes (tennis, dance, baseball) and pajamas (I like clean pjs). Plus, I wash lots of towels (washcloths, hand towels, dish towels and bath towels). I like to keep towels clean to avoid germs. Bath towels not every single day but the other towels, yes.
Nicole says
Hey Shay! I love the tips! Really. And I typically follow all of them. Wondering how you sort your loads of laundry? Do you combine everyone's? Sort by color? Type of clothing? I'm guilty of sorting loads more by family member rather than color – but I'm really curious what you do 🙂 Thanks!! Looking forward to your reply!