Laundry is one of those eternal chores. However, as tedious as it might be on occasion, take the time to care for your clothes properly before tossing them into a washing machine to maintain their integrity. The following guide looks at some preliminary steps to take to preserve the look and feel of your favorite garments.

What to Do Before Putting Laundry in the Washing Machine

1. Check the Care Instructions

Before you do anything else, make sure that your clothes are safe to clean in the washing machine. Some garments may be labeled “dry clean only” and can lose their integrity if treated otherwise.

Other clothes that feature special details, like embellishments, delicate buttons, trim, and silk lining, will likely come with specific care instructions as well. Some machines have handwash settings for delicate items, but you should always further protect those garments by placing them in a mesh bag prior to washing.

2. Separate Laundry by Type

Sorting items by color will protect your lighter garments from developing stains that are impossible to remove.

Additionally, separate those items that are especially dirty or stained so that you can pre-treat them with a stain remover as needed. Make sure to avoid placing items that may generate lint, like towels and blankets, inside with your clothes.

3. Prepare All Clothes Properly

Before loading the washing machine, make sure there’s nothing left behind in your pockets.

Pull zippers up completely, fasten all open hooks, and secure buttons snugly to preserve your clothing’s desired shape. Keep drawstrings securely taut so that they don’t come off in the machine.

To ensure that the full length of your pants legs are cleaned, unroll the cuffs. Un-ball socks, too.

Why worry about doing hefty loads of laundry at home? Visit City Laundry in Lincoln, NE. The laundromat offers coin-operated washers to help you handle any size load with ease. They’re open every day of the year from early in the morning until midnight, so you’ll always find a convenient time to take care of your washing and drying needs. To find out more about the laundry service, visit them online, or give them a call at (402) 483-2113 to speak with a representative.