Savvy Tips and Helpful Hints for Housekeepers to Master the Art of Laundry Care
Proper laundry is essential to practice and maintain hygiene and cleanliness. Hence, housekeepers are meticulous when doing laundry. Besides laundry already being a daunting task, it is a big challenge for housekeepers as they have to manage large volumes of laundry especially when their laundry service caters to hotels, hospitals, and other commercial settings.
Housekeepers have to master the art of laundry care to manage a variety of fabrics. Failure to follow care instructions may result in fabric damages. We have savvy tips to help you properly clean and maintain loads of laundry.
Understanding the Basics of Laundry
Following the proper laundry procedures can help you extend the life of your clothes, maintain their appearance, and ensure that they are clean and fresh. Here are some specific reasons why understanding laundry basics is important:
1. Sorting laundry by color and fabric type. This is important to prevent colors from bleeding onto other clothes and ensure that delicate fabrics are not damaged by rougher fabrics. Wash dark colors separately from lighter colors to avoid color bleeding. Similarly, you should wash delicate fabrics, such as silk or wool, separately from more durable fabrics, such as cotton or polyester.
2. Reading and following care labels. The label has all the instructions to avoid damaging the fabrics. Some clothes may need to be washed in cold water, while others can be washed in warm or hot water. Some fabrics may also require special care, such as hand-washing or dry cleaning.
3. Measuring and using the right amount of detergent. Using too much or too little detergent can affect the cleanliness of your clothes and may even damage the fabric. Excessive laundry detergent can leave residue on your clothes, while using too little can result in incomplete cleaning. By measuring and using the right amount of detergent, you can ensure that your clothes are clean and fresh without damaging the fabric.
4. Pre-treating stains before washing. As soon as you notice a stain, you should treat it immediately to prevent it from setting into the fabric. However, commercial stain removers may be harsh to your fabric, that’s why apply the remover to an unnoticeable part of the clothes, before applying it to the area.
Some housekeepers use natural stain removers.
*White vinegar: White vinegar can be used to remove stains caused by coffee, tea, wine, and sweat. Simply mix equal parts white vinegar and water and apply it directly onto the stain before washing.
*Baking soda: Baking soda can be used to remove stains caused by grease, oil, and other substances. Mix a small amount of baking soda with water to make a paste and apply it directly onto the stain before washing.
*Lemon juice: Lemon juice can be used to remove stains caused by ink, rust, and other substances. Apply lemon juice directly onto the stain and let it sit for a few minutes before washing.
5. Dry and iron the clothes the proper way. There are several methods for drying clothes, including air-drying, using a dryer, and using a clothesline. The method you choose will depend on your personal preference, the type of fabric, and the weather. Here are a few tips for choosing the right drying method:
*Air-drying is a gentle way to dry clothes and can be a good option for delicate fabrics. Hang clothes on a drying rack or clothesline, and avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading.
*Using a dryer can be a convenient way to dry clothes quickly. Use the appropriate setting for the type of fabric and avoid over-drying, which can lead to shrinkage.
*Drying on a clothesline is a traditional way to dry clothes and can be a good option on sunny days. Be sure to secure the clothesline tightly to prevent clothes from falling off.
For housekeepers, mastering the art of laundry care can lead to a more efficient and effective laundry routine, resulting in better care for the clothes and linens they are responsible for. Proper laundry care can also help to extend the life of the clothes and linens, resulting in cost savings for the household or business they work for.
