Cut Your Laundry Time in Half With These 9 Simple Tips

In a busy household, the laundry basket never seems to stay empty for long. There are the kids' uniforms, the delicate blouses that can’t go in with the towels, and sheets that somehow always need washing. To get out of this endless spin cycle, many of us end up sacrificing our evenings or weekends just to keep up. And even then, it still feels like we’re behind.

If that sounds like your weekly routine, don’t worry – there are smarter ways to stay on top of it all. Let’s jump into a few time-saving laundry hacks that can lighten your load (literally) and give you back some much-needed breathing room.

1) Sort Your Laundry as You Go

If you're waiting until laundry day to separate whites from darks, or towels from delicates, you're adding unnecessary steps to an already tedious process. Instead, get ahead by sorting as you go. It makes your laundry process smoother and helps prevent fabric damage from improper mixing. Whether you do your own washing or rely on a laundry delivery service, this one habit sets you up for success.

Some helpful tips when sorting laundry:

• Use separate bins or hampers labeled for whites, colors, and towels.
• Keep a small mesh bag hanging nearby for socks and delicates.
• Consider a sectioned laundry sorter cart if space allows.
• Teach everyone in the home to drop their items in the right spot.
• For apartment dwellers, slim stackable baskets work just as well.

2) Use Mesh Bags for Small or Delicate Items

You’re not the only one who’s had laundry disasters. Missing socks, bleeding color, or tangled delicates happen to the best of us. Small and fragile items are more likely to stretch, tangle, or get damaged during the wash and dry cycles.

Mesh laundry bags help protect those pieces without needing a separate cycle or handwashing. They're a simple addition that improves results without adding time. Plus, they keep your laundry more organized from start to finish.

What to place in your mesh bags:

• Bras, lace items, or padded lingerie
• Socks (especially pairs that always disappear)
• Hosiery, tights, or thin underlayers
• Reusable masks, cloth pads, or handkerchiefs
• Delicate tops or sheer fabric pieces

3) Wash Full Loads, But Don’t Overstuff

Washing small loads wastes time, energy, water, and detergent. On the other hand, overloading your washer keeps clothes from getting fully clean and slows the drying process. The key is to aim for full but not jam-packed loads.

A properly filled washing machine works more efficiently and finishes cycles faster. It also reduces how many loads you have to do each week, whether you’re handling laundry yourself or using a wash and fold pickup and delivery service.

Here's how to properly load the washing machine:

• Fill the drum about three-quarters full, leaving space at the top for movement.
• Clothes should move freely when the machine runs, not be pressed tightly together.
• In top-loaders, make sure clothes are evenly distributed to avoid imbalance.
• In front-loaders, a hand's width of space at the top is ideal.

4) Choose the Right Wash Cycle Every Time

Each cycle on your washing machine is designed for different fabric types and soil levels. Using the right setting helps your machine clean better and finish faster. It also preserves the quality of your clothing, so you don’t have to replace garments prematurely. Whether you're using your own washer or trusting a laundry service that delivers, knowing the difference matters.

Quick reference guide for common wash cycles:

• Normal/Regular: Best for everyday items like shirts, socks, and jeans.
• Heavy Duty: Ideal for towels, linens, or very dirty clothes.
• Delicates/Gentle: Perfect for lace, silk, or anything labeled “hand wash.”
• Quick Wash: Use for lightly soiled clothes when you're short on time.
• Cold Wash: Preserves dark colors and prevents shrinking in most fabrics.

5) Use a Fast-Dissolving Detergent or Laundry Pod

Measuring liquid detergent, dealing with clumps, or dealing with leftover powder slows everything down. Using fast-dissolving pods or high-efficiency liquids keeps the process clean and quick. They're especially helpful in low-temperature washes, which are better for colorful or delicate clothing. Fast-dissolving options also help prevent buildup in your machine and on your clothes. This means fewer issues, better cleaning, and less hassle.

Just remember:

• Pods: Convenient, pre-measured, and great for everyday loads.
• HE Liquid: Best for pre-treating stains and washing delicates.
• Avoid Powders: These may not fully dissolve in cooler water and can leave residue.

6) Shake Out Clothes Before Putting Them in the Dryer

Clumped-up clothes trap moisture, take longer to dry, and come out wrinkled. Taking a few seconds to shake out each item before tossing it in the dryer helps air circulate better. This simple action speeds up the drying time and makes folding easier. It also reduces wrinkles, which means less time ironing or steaming later. If you’re folding laundry on a tight schedule or prepping for the week, this step makes a noticeable difference.

The items you should be shaking include:

• Shirts and dresses: Prevents stuck seams and speeds up drying.
• Pants and trousers: Avoid twisted legs and reduce wrinkling.
• Socks and undergarments: Helps small items dry evenly and faster.
• Linen and bedding: Prevents balled-up sheets from staying damp.

7) Clean the Lint Trap Before Every Dry Cycle

A full lint trap restricts airflow and makes your dryer less effective. That means clothes take longer to dry, your utility bill goes up, and you risk damaging fabrics from prolonged heat exposure. Cleaning the lint trap takes less than a minute and makes a huge difference in efficiency. It's also a key fire safety step that every laundry doer should follow. Whether you're doing loads at home or preparing for pickup, it’s a must.

How to quickly clear the lint trap:

• Step 1: Before starting the dryer, pull out the lint screen.
• Step 2: Remove all visible lint using your hand or a soft brush.
• Step 3: Wipe down the screen every few loads to clear detergent buildup.
• Step 4: Once a month, wash it with mild soap and warm water dry thoroughly.

8) Set a Timer to Stay on Track

It’s easy to forget you’re doing laundry until you hear the machine beep or until the clothes have been sitting too long. Setting a timer helps you stay on track and avoid letting wet clothes sit and smell or letting dry clothes wrinkle.

Timers also help you plan your day more efficiently, so you can return just in time to switch loads or fold while items are still warm. It’s one of the easiest habits to adopt that saves both time and stress.

Here are some tips you'll love:

• Use your phone’s built-in alarm or timer app for each cycle.
• Smart speakers (like Alexa or Google Home) can set voice-activated reminders.
• Many modern washers and dryers have built-in timers or app alerts.
• If you're using a pickup and drop-off laundry service, set reminders for delivery windows so you’re not caught off guard.

9) Use a Wash & Fold or Pickup and Delivery Service

If laundry consistently eats up your time or energy, the fastest way to cut it in half or eliminate it entirely is to outsource it. Wash & fold services, especially those that offer laundry pickup & delivery, can completely remove laundry routine from your weekly to-do list. Professionals handle the sorting, washing, drying, and folding so you can focus on your life, not your laundry.

It’s ideal for busy professionals, parents, or anyone juggling work, events, or travel. And in cities like Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, or Washington, these services are widely available and reliable.

What to expect from a laundry pickup and delivery service:

• Clothes are sorted by color and fabric for proper washing.
• Eco-friendly, high-efficiency detergent is typically used.
• Items are dried, folded, and packaged neatly, often same-day or next-day.
• Optional add-ons include stain removal, ironing, or dry cleaning.
• Online scheduling and recurring service options save even more time.

Want to Cut Laundry Time in Half, or Even More?  Schedule Your Wash & Fold Pickup Today with Sterling Cleaners!

No time for laundry this week? You don’t need it. Whether you’re buried in meetings, managing a household, or simply tired of the never-ending wash–dry–fold cycle, Sterling Cleaners is here to take over your laundry routine for good. Our professional wash and fold laundry service in Washington, D.C., is designed for busy families, professionals, and business owners who want reliable, high-quality care without the hassle.

With nearly 90 years of trusted garment care, we bring unmatched reliability and attention to detail to every load. We follow CDC, OSHA, ALM, and DLI guidelines and use EPA-registered sanitizers to ensure your laundry is not only fresh but truly safe.

There are no hidden fees with any of our services, even if you opt for our dry cleaning, alterations, or leather cleaning.

Schedule your first FREE pickup today with Sterling Cleaners:

📞 Call us at 202-759-5460

📧 Email: info@sterlingcleaner.com