How to Do Laundry

• STEP 1: Check each tag. If it says "dry clean only," DO NOT attempt to wash it. Take it to the dry cleaners. If it says "hand wash," DO NOT put it in the washing machine. If it says "line dry," "hang to dry," "drip dry," "dry flat," or "lay flat to dry," then STOP after washing instructions and dry it as directed on the tag.
• STEP 2: Separating machine-washable clothing: Separate into three piles - darks, whites, and coloreds. Darks should be all dark and bright clothing - black, purple, dark blue, red, hot pink, etc. - anything that might fade or bleed. Whites should be white clothing. If you're not using bleach, light greys can be added to this pile. You also might want to consider adding very light-colored blue jeans to this pile if you aren't bleaching. Coloreds should be anything that doesn't fit into either of the other groups - mostly pastels (light blue, pink, yellow, green, grey, etc.)
• STEP 3: Washing: Set the water temperature (Darks are cold water, whites are hot water, and coloreds are warm water. Some washing machines say hot/cold, warm/cold, and cold/cold because the rinse water is cold on all cycles.) Then set the wash cycle (Most washing machines require the knob to be pushed in and turned clockwise, then pulled back out.) Just set it to wash. If there are choices, use permanent press or regular unless you're washing something that says delicate cycle on the tag (then use delicate or short cycle). Add detergent (following the directions on the package) as the tub fills. Add bleach only after the tub begins to agitate, being sure to pour it in the water and not directly onto your clothes. If you are using liquid fabric softener, add it at the beginning of the rinse cycle. As with the bleach, however, be sure to pour it in the water and not onto your clothes.
• STEP 4: Drying: After the washing machine is finished, take the clothes out and put everything that is able to be tumble-dried into the dryer. If you are using fabric softener sheets, add one along with the clothes. (It isn't necessary to use both liquid and sheets.) Pull out the lint filter if there is one (usually located in the door or on the top). Scrape the lint off and throw the lint away. Put the filter back in the proper slot. Turn the knob to the desired amount of time, on permanent press for anything that doesn't say delicate cycle, and push the button to start the dryer.
  If an item of clothing says lay flat to dry, spread it out completely and let it dry. If it says to drip dry, hang to dry, or line dry, hang it on a clothesline, drying rack, or hanger (not metal, or it will rust).
• HANDWASHING: Add a mild detergent such as Woolite to a sinkful of warm or cold water (follow the instructions on the detergent bottle.) Add the garment and squeeze gently to allow the detergent to pass through it. Rinse thoroughly and press the excess water out. Do not wring. If necessary, roll in a towel and squeeze to remove additional water. Dry as directed.