Laundry: Washing & Drying

1. Before washing close all zippers and AGAIN check pockets as you add items one at a time to the washer.
2. Next treat any stains with stain remover or laundry detergent. I prefer the stain remover. Follow instructions on the label of your stain remover/detergent.
• For baby stains (poo, spit up, peas, etc) I do use stain remover and soak it for the maximum time allowed on the stain remover label. Then I wash the baby clothes TWICE! Because the baby's skin is so delicate and sensitive, the chemicals can cause irritation.
3. Start washer to the right settings (reg., perm. press, delicate, etc) and the correct temperature. Add detergent according to size, as soon as you turn on your washer. Your water temperature will vary for the loads you wash. I rarely use hot water, I mainly use it on undergarments, towels, and whites that need bleaching. I use cold water for everything else because it saves on the gas bill and it prevents colors from bleeding and shrinkage.

What detergent to use?  Because we have a baby in the home and my husband is ACTIVE DUTY ARMY we use ONLY one type of detergent in our home: ALL FREE & CLEAR.  It is especially formulated for the new military uniforms because it contains NO Optical Brightners and since it is free of dyes or perfumes it is safe for baby's skin.

1. Add your liquid fabric softener if needed. Use either the 'Ball' like the one made by Downy or use the fabric softener dispenser in most washing machines it will usually be in the center of the washer's "turny thingy". (I'm bad with technical terms...LOL)/
2. Add bleach IF NEEDED-read your clothing labels! The bleach dispenser is usually located in the corner under the lid. Use the correct amount according to the bleach label. Allow it to drain into the water and mix...just a minute or two.
3. Add your clothes to the washer. CLOSE THE LID!
4. It will take 30-45 minutes to wash, depending upon your load size and if you have a second rinse setting turned on.

DRYING-Read care labels first!:

1. After your clothes are washed, dry according to your clothing care labels. Some items need to lay flat to dry; some need high heat like towels; some need low-no heat; some need to be hung to dry.

DRYING IN THE DRYER:

1. Put the clothes in dryer. Add a dryer sheet to prevent static. Some people use tennis balls or a special dryer ball. I don't do this because I don't like the noise it makes and I LOVE the scents in my laundry. However, on the baby's clothes I use either NO dryer sheets or ones made for the baby (or one that have NO PERFUMES OR DYES). I cut the dryer sheets in half for the baby because his loads are not large and it makes them last longer.
2. Remove any lint from the lint trap.
3. Choose correct drying temperature. Some dryers more dry/less dry settings along with timed drying. Read you users manual for the best choice. I personally use the more dry setting according to the heat needed for my laundry.
4. Drying can take anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour. Depending upon load, size, and temperature used..
5. Once clothes are done remove from dryer fold, hang or iron (if needed).