Load management: 20 hacks that make doing laundry easier

It seems counterintuitive, but most washing machine manufacturers recommend regular cleaning to remove dirt and oils that are left behind after doing laundry. To clean your machine, fill the drum with hot water and one cup of bleach, then allow it to sit for an hour while all the gunk dissolves. Alternatively, invest in washer cleaning tablets like Affresh. 

Most washing machines today are "high efficiency," which means that they're able to knock out a load with less soap. Most are intended to be used with only a tablespoon or two of detergent, and any more than that could be causing build-up on your clothing. Check your owner's manual for more specifics on how much detergent your machine needs. 

Dryer sheets smell nice, sure, but they're costly and aren't recyclable. Dryer balls, often made of wool, can be used repeatedly and even soaked in a couple of drops of essential oil (lavender and lemon are good choices) to add a little extra oomph to your linens. 

Many people think that washing in hot water helps get clothes cleaner, but that isn't really the case. Hot water can fade clothing more quickly, and even cause it to wear out sooner. Laundry detergents are engineered to work effectively in cold water, and skipping out on the hot cycle can help reduce your energy usage. 

The idea of DIY laundry detergent is certainly appealing — it's cheap and can be made in bulk — but it might not actually be the best idea in the long term. Most DIY "detergents" don't actually contain any detergent and aren't strong enough to really strip tough stains from clothing. They may also leave behind gunky build-up. 

Stripping, a process that involves soaking laundry with powerful cleansing agents like washing soda and Borax, can make a significant impact on the cleanliness of your clothing, especially items that are worn frequently. 

For folks who buy large, gallon-sized containers of detergent, it's tough to figure out what to do with the cup full of detergent residue. The simplest solution? Just toss the cup in with your laundry to maximize the amount of detergent in each load and prevent messes. Don't forget to take it out before swapping to the dryer, though. 

Over time, the duct that connects your dryer to the wall can get packed with lint, resulting in a real fire hazard. A few times a year, use a vacuum — or consider calling out a professional duct cleaning service — to make sure that your ducts are clean. 

It seems like a no-brainer, but too many folks learn the hard way that checking pockets is an essential step. Items left behind in pockets, like coins and nails, can get trapped in washing machines and dryers alike, causing damage that results in costly repairs. 

Sometimes, the way that your dryer opens just doesn't make sense for your space. Fortunately, that often has an easy fix. Most dryer doors can be swapped to open on the opposite side, which can make unloading much easier. 

Finding out that the shirt you need to wear to work is still damp when you're running late is a real bummer, but it's easier to get it dry quickly faster than you think. Toss a few (clean, dry) towels into the dryer alongside your garment to absorb excess moisture and speed along the process. 

Ever left a load of towels in the washer too long? If so, you're all too familiar with the musty, sour smell that results. Instead of letting that smell linger, add a cup of vinegar to the wash and run again. The vinegar does an impressive job of removing those smells and won't leave behind any odor. 

Oil stains can be some of the most challenging to remove from garments, but a readily available household item can often be the fix. Rub a few drops of dish soap, preferably Dawn, into the spot, then throw it into the wash like usual. It may take a few tries, but dish soap is surprisingly effective at removing oil stains. 

Front-loading washing machines can trap hidden water, which results in mildew and unpleasant smells. The easiest way to ward that off is simple: when the machine isn't in use, keep the door open so that the washer can dry out completely. 

For garments that aren't appropriate for the dryer, a drying rack is the best — and most convenient — solution. Find a rack that is collapsible and can be easily tucked away when not in use. 

Everyone knows about those mysterious missing socks, which are actually pretty easy to corral. Use mesh bags to keep pairs together, and keep delicate items like lingerie from tangling during the wash cycle. 

Corralling laundry is the definition of tough, but divided hampers make it at least a little easier to keep things organized. Store a hamper in your bathroom or laundry room, and label each section to make sure that the towels end up together, and so do the baby's clothes. 

That cotton tee that fits just right might shrink in the dryer, so it's probably best to keep it away from the heat altogether. Immediately after removing from the washing machine, hang tees on a drying rack or in the closet, then steam away wrinkles with a fabric steamer or quick trip through the dryer on "air dry" or "no heat." An old-fashioned outdoor clothesline is also a great option. 

Dog beds, blankets, and other pet accessories can get smelly, and a surprising ingredient can help make them fresh again: vodka. The alcohol in this high-proof spirit will kill bacteria that cause odors. 

Accidentally toss your wool sweater in the dryer? No sweat. Get it damp again, then spritz it with a fabric softener or baby shampoo to help relax the fibers before stretching it out to its original shape.