We have an ongoing debate amongst ourselves every holiday season - is this the "most wonderful time of the year," OR "the most chaotic time of year?" And the answer is usually the same - BOTH! Between holiday shopping, party hosting, meal prepping and dress-up week at school, the holiday season can be a mess - both literally and figuratively. That said, it doesn't have to be. In fact, we've got 5 laundry tips guaranteed to save you time this holiday season so you and the family can enjoy all the festivities without the stress.
Holiday Laundry Tips #1: Stock Up!
If your family is anything like ours, you'll be doing an incredible amount of laundry over the next month - likely above and beyond your usual amount. Rather than add laundry detergent and dryer sheets to your list during peak holiday gift shopping, go ahead and stock your laundry room shelves (or laundry basket if you'll be doing your laundry at the local laundromat) with everything you need for the season.
Holiday Laundry Tips #2: Pre-Sort
If you aren't already pre-sorting your laundry, the holiday season is a great time to start. We like to keep at least two labelled hampers in every bedroom (whites and darks - and a third for towels if you like to separate beyond that). Ask that all family members pre-sort their laundry as a "gift" to you over the holidays. With any luck, this gift will turn into habitual pre-sorting all year long. Pre-sorting will help you do laundry in a much more organized fashion and better protect the fabrics in each hamper.
Holiday Laundry Tips #3: Keep a Stain-Stick Handy
While stains can occur at any time, we find that cupcake frosting, and cocktail sauce stains are much more likely to occur during the holiday season. As such, while you're stocking up on laundry supplies, make sure that you grab a few stain removal pens and keep one handy at all times. Toss one in your purse or your glove compartment or the "junk drawer" in the kitchen. Doing so will instantly prevent stains from occurring so you can better enjoy holiday party season.
Holiday Laundry Tips #4: Avoid Ironing
You've got enough on your plate this December without worrying over ironing. In fact, we fully think you should avoid ironing all together this holiday season. For one, festive attire that includes sequins, silk, fur and other fancy fabrics is better served with a steamer (or dry cleaned). Also, you can avoid ironing most days by simply lightly drying your garments. Here's what we do:
Wash clothes per wash instructions. Hang dry anything you want. Dry items that should be dried. Wash the next load (items that can be dried). Place dry items that have been hanging out to dry in with freshly washed (and wet) clothes. Dry clothing for 25 minutes on low heat settings. While this approach doesn't completely remove all wrinkles, it often is enough to avoid the iron.
Holiday Laundry Tips #5: Treat Stains Immediately
While it can be tempting to throw your holiday garments and tablecloths into a pile to deal with later, we find that waiting until after the holidays (specifically, your holiday party) often turns a minor problem into major work.
We understand that party hosting is exhausting, but it's important to treat stains early. Stains that are left overnight require a lot more scrubbing. As such, if one of the kiddos spills gravy or your sister-in-law spills a glass of wine all over your new tablecloth, stop what you're doing and treat the stain. If necessary, ask your guests to take over the dishes while you scrub. You'll appreciate the effort the next morning when you want to sleep in.
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