Project Organize: Do One Load of Laundry

Updated on February 14, 2024

Do One Load of Laundry. Create a laundry routine of doing one load per day to avoid getting behind on laundry again!

We are still talking about the basics of getting organized.

I firmly believe in having systems in place before jumping into decluttering and organizing. You need to have a flow to your day and be on top of basic tasks before adding something else.

Project Organize: The Basics

For the rest of this week, we are going to get to ground zero with our houses and have a clean slate to work with, so to speak. We will quickly start building routines to keep our house in at least a semi-state of clean.

Do One Load of Laundry per Day

If you are single or have a small family, you may be able to stay on top of all the laundry by doing it a few times a week or even have one day scheduled for doing all the laundry.

Smaller loads allow your washer to work more efficiently. Instead of packing the washer and dryer with clothes, doing smaller loads allows your washer to agitate the clothes better, and you will find your clothes cleaner. Most newer washers adjust the water level and time needed for washing based on the load size.

However, if you have kids or many people in your home, I suggest doing at least one load of laundry per day.

There are two main ways to accomplish this.

1. Do a specific type of laundry each day. This is the method I do. Every person has their own laundry basket, and I do one person’s laundry from start to finish on their day. I also have days scheduled to wash towels, linens, and rags. Extra items that need to be laundered get scattered throughout the day, as needed.
2. Gather all the dirty laundry and do one load. For this method, you will gather up all the dirty laundry every morning (or in the evening if that works better) and complete a load of laundry with the items you have gathered up.

Your chosen method and whatever works best for your family are up to you. I do laundry every day, Monday through Friday, and only do laundry on the weekends, as needed.

My Laundry Routine

• Monday – Sheets and Bedding
• Tuesday – Towels
• Wednesday – Our laundry (clothes for me and my husband)
• Thursday – Kids laundry (usually they do it themselves)
• Friday – Rags and/or Small Rugs

Most days, I do two loads of laundry from start to finish, but by doing this, I rarely have to do laundry on the weekends. Everyone always has clean clothes to wear, and we don’t have piles of laundry sitting out.

I don’t often sort my clothes by whites and darks and throw everything together in one load. Most newer fabrics are colorfast, and this doesn’t cause a problem. However, if you are worried about mixing colors, add a color catcher sheet with your load.

How to Do Laundry

1. Gather one load of laundry. Sort by color or type of items. Check pockets, zip everything, and pre-treat stains.
2. Wash clothes. Use the recommended settings for your clothes and washing machine.
3. Dry clothes. Use the recommended settings for your clothes and dryer. Hang delicate items to dry.
4. Fold and/or hang clothes.
5. Put clothes away.

Yes. I am getting down to basics. Don’t stop at step three or four. I want you to do one complete load of laundry from start to finish. Do not leave your couch or bed looking like this.

Helpful Laundry Tips:

• Use vinegar instead of fabric softener. Fill the softener dispenser with vinegar or add ~1 cup to the rinse cycle.
• Add 1/2 cup Borax to boost your detergent’s efficacy. Alternatively, you can add OxiClean to help with stains.
• Add 1/2 cup baking soda to the wash to deodorize smelly clothes or workout gear.
• Use a mesh bag to keep small items together, like socks or smaller baby clothes. You can also use mesh bags for delicate items like bras and underwear.
• Use dryer balls instead of dryer sheets.
• Clean your washer and dryer regularly.
• Download this stain removal chart from Martha Stewart and hang it in your laundry room.

Project Organize Daily Checklist

Each day, we will build on the previous day until we have all our basic daily routines on auto-pilot.

1. Use your planner and master list
2. Do chores from the cleaning routine you chose
3. Stop multitasking
4. Do the dishes
5. Complete one load of laundry per day
6. Daily pick up
7. Make the beds
8. Quick vacuum or sweep the floor
9. Sort the mail and papers

This post is part of Project Organize: The Basics. Together, we will work on setting up basic systems in our homes to conquer overwhelmed and busy schedules.

These are the basics we need to do daily that will set up the foundation for success. This will allow us the space to tackle the larger decluttering projects with ease.

You may also like:

• How to Clean Front Load Washer
• How to Clean Washer and Dryer
• Laundry Room Labels