Laundry 101: A Professional's 5-Step Guide to the Perfect Wash

Laundry day doesn't have to be a mystery. While it might seem like there are a million different settings and products, getting a perfect, professional-level clean every time really just comes down to a simple, repeatable process.

As a family that's been in the laundry business here in Rochester for over 40 years, we've learned a thing or two about getting it right. Today, we're sharing our simple, 5-step guide to take the guesswork out of your laundry routine.

Step 1: The Sort & Pre-Treat

This is the most important step for protecting your clothes. Sorting your laundry isn't just an old wives' tale; it's the golden rule of garment care.

• Sort by Color: Separate your laundry into three piles: Whites, Colors, and Darks. This prevents a stray red sock from turning your white shirts pink and stops dark dyes from dulling your brights.

• Pre-Treat Stains: Before you load the machine, give any stained items a quick once-over. Applying a small amount of stain remover directly to a spot gives it a head start and dramatically increases the chances of it coming out completely in the wash.

Step 2: Load the Washer & Set the Temperature

Don't overload the machine! Your clothes need room to tumble freely to get clean. Once loaded, choose your water temperature. Here’s a simple guide:

• HOT: Best for sturdy whites, bedding, and towels. Hot water is excellent for killing germs and removing heavy grime.

• WARM: The go-to setting for most colored fabrics and everyday clothes. It provides a great clean without being too harsh on dyes.

• COLD: The hero for dark colors (like jeans) and delicate fabrics. It's the gentlest on clothes, prevents fading, and is the most energy-efficient choice.

Step 3: Add Detergents & Start

Less is often more when it comes to detergents. Using too much soap can leave a residue on your clothes.

• Soap: Add the recommended amount for your load size.

• Fabric Softener: If you use it, add it to the designated dispenser. (Pro-Tip: Avoid using softener on towels, as it can reduce their absorbency over time!)

• Bleach: Use this primarily for your "whites" load with hot or cold water to get maximum brightening power.

Step 4: The Move to the Dryer (A Crucial Step!)

• This is a pro tip that will save your clothes. Before you move everything to the dryer, quickly sort through the wet clothes and pull out all your delicates, dri-fit, and athletic wear (anything with spandex/elastic). Hang these items to air dry. The high heat of a dryer can damage the elastic fibers in these garments, causing them to lose their shape and stretch.

Step 5: The Final Fold

• As you take each item out of the dryer, give it a good, sharp shake. This will release a surprising number of wrinkles and make folding much easier. Fold items neatly and stack similar items (like t-shirts or jeans) together in piles. This will make putting everything away a breeze.

• The Easiest Step of All? Of course, if you'd rather skip all five steps, our professional Wash & Fold service is always here for you. We handle everything from the sorting to the folding, so you can enjoy fresh, clean laundry without any of the work.