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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Most of us are guilty of keeping everything in one place just because it’s easier than dealing with the switch. But that habit leaves you frustrated every time you reach into your closet for a summer tee and pull out a heavy sweater, or when you dig past shorts and tank tops just to find a winter coat.
So if your closet looks cramped year round, chances are it’s not your current wardrobe that’s the problem; it’s those out-of-season garments crowding it. But with a few clever storage strategies, you can keep your seasonal items out of the way but easy to grab when the time comes. Here’s how to make that swap without the stress.
One of the easiest ways to instantly create space is to think vertically. Instead of cramming items into already-packed drawers or hanging everything on bulky hangers, try space-saving tools that help you stack and hang up, not out.
Here’s what works well:
These vertical solutions let you keep things off the floor and out of the way, which is ideal in small spaces like apartments.
Vacuum-sealed bags are airtight storage bags that use suction to remove excess air, compressing clothing and bulky items to save space and protect them from dust, moisture, and pests. They are one of the most effective tools to reduce bulk, especially when it comes to heavy, padded items. But while they’re great for saving space, they aren’t ideal for everything.
Use them for:
Avoid them for:
The key is to use vacuum bags sparingly and only for items that won’t lose their shape when compressed. Thick items like puffer jackets, down comforters, and casual knitwear are ideal candidates, while structured pieces or natural fibers like wool and linen can become permanently creased or damaged.
That space under your bed? It’s a storage goldmine if you use it right. Flat storage bins or zippered fabric containers are ideal for items you don’t need to access for several months. For extra protection, choose containers with a tight seal to keep out dust, moisture, and pests, especially if you store items like wool sweaters or dry cleaned seasonal jackets.
Best items to store under the bed:
To keep things fresh, toss in a few cedar blocks or lavender sachets, and always store items after they’ve been laundered or dry cleaned.
This one’s non-negotiable: Never store clothing that hasn’t been cleaned. Even if it looks clean, sweat, oils, or perfumes left behind can attract moths, set stains permanently, or cause unpleasant odors over time.
Do these before storage:
Out-of-season accessories take up space, and they deserve just as much care as your clothing. If carelessly tossed into drawers or bins, accessories can become tangled, warped, or discolored.
How to store them correctly:
These methods work well in urban apartments or homes without a dedicated accessories closet. In these compact living spaces, smart accessory storage not only saves space but also keeps items like belts, bags, and shoes organized and easy to grab.
If space is especially tight or you just don’t want to deal with storing expensive or delicate garments, consider off-site seasonal storage. Many professional dry cleaning services offer storage options for garments that have been professionally cleaned.
What these services offer:
We all know spring isn’t always spring, and fall doesn’t always feel like fall. That’s why having a “transition bin” is one of the smartest ways for unpredictable climates. A transition bin is a small, easily accessible storage container that holds a few versatile, in-between-season pieces like a light jacket, sweater, or scarf, so you're always prepared for unexpected weather shifts.
Here’s how to use it:
Before you box up those winter sweaters or vacuum-seal your summer linens, give every piece a fresh start at Sterling Cleaners because stains and lingering odors only get harder to remove after months in storage. Our premium Wash and Fold Laundry Service deep cleans fabrics, neutralizes hidden grime, and returns everything neatly folded.
We’ve been the cleaning partner of choice for high-profile clients like the Citi Open, the Reagan Federal Building (TCMA), the Japanese Embassy, Catholic University, the Mayflower Hotel, Ringling Brothers Circus, Disney on Ice, and numerous federal agencies. That same quality and reliability are ready for your wardrobe, too.
Make space in your closet the smart way! Schedule a pickup with Sterling Cleaners today and let our team handle your laundry routine. When next season rolls around, your clothes will be ready to wear - no ironing, rewashing, or other unpleasant surprises.
Routines exist because they bring structure and efficiency to everyday life. Whether it’s how you start your morning or how you tackle chores, the habits you stick to are meant to make things easier. But when it comes to laundry, staying with the same old routine might actually cost you more time, effort, and even money than necessary.
If your laundry routine leaves you frustrated with musty smells, stubborn stains, or faded colors, it’s definitely time for a change. In this guide, we explore seven simple upgrades you can make to transform your weekly wash from a dreaded task into a well-organized routine.
Getting your detergent measurement right hugely affects the overall effectiveness of your laundry routine. Using too little detergent can leave your clothes less than spotless, while using too much can cause residue buildup and can even damage fabrics over time. Here’s a straightforward guide to ensure you measure correctly every time.
Every detergent brand includes recommended usage amounts on the label, typically based on load size and soil level. Follow these guidelines as a starting point, but be aware they often suggest more than necessary.
If you have a high-efficiency washer, use HE specific detergent and reduce the amount by half compared to standard washers. These machines use less water, so excess detergent won’t rinse out properly, leading to buildup and mildew smells.
Eyeballing detergent leads to overuse. Always use the cap, scoop, or measuring cup provided to get an accurate dose. If using pods, one is usually enough unless washing a heavily soiled, extra-large load.
If your clothes feel stiff, smell musty, or have soap suds left behind, you’re using too much detergent. Run an extra rinse cycle and adjust your detergent usage next time.
Regularly cleaning your washing machine is an easy but powerful upgrade to your laundry routine. It keeps your clothes cleaner, extends your machine’s lifespan, and prevents unpleasant odors in your laundry room.
Hot water has long been associated with deep cleaning, but when it comes to preserving your clothes, cold water is often the better choice. High temperatures can weaken fibers, cause colors to fade, and lead to shrinkage—especially for delicate or synthetic fabrics. Switching to cold water not only extends the life of your clothing but also saves energy and lowers your utility bill.
White vinegar is one of the simplest, most effective ways to naturally soften clothes, eliminate odors, and break down detergent buildup—all without harsh chemicals. Unlike commercial fabric softeners, which can leave a waxy coating on fabrics and even reduce absorbency in towels, vinegar works to keep your laundry feeling fresh, clean, and breathable.
Dryer balls are typically made of wool, plastic, or rubber and are designed to tumble with your laundry, creating separation between clothes. This allows hot air to circulate more efficiently, preventing clothes from clumping together and reducing overall drying time. Wool dryer balls also absorb moisture, further cutting down on drying time while naturally softening fabrics.
Waiting until laundry day to deal with stains increases the chances of permanent discoloration or damage. The best way to keep your clothes looking fresh is to act fast with the right stain removal method based on the type of stain.
As soon as you spot a stain, blot the area with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb excess liquid. Rubbing forces the stain deeper into the fabric, making removal much harder.
Give your stain remover at least 10-15 minutes to work before tossing the item into the washer. For tougher stains, let it sit for up to an hour.
Never dry stained clothes unless you’re 100% sure the stain is gone—heat will set the stain permanently. If the stain is still visible after washing, repeat the pretreatment and wash again before drying.
Mesh laundry bags extend the life of your delicate items, prevent stretching or tearing, and even make sorting easier. For a small investment, they save you from costly replacements and unnecessary fabric damage.
Here’s a breakdown of the best types and how to use them:
Simple changes—like using the right detergent, sorting clothes more effectively, or upgrading your drying techniques—can make a huge difference in how fresh and long lasting your clothes stay. But the biggest laundry upgrade? Let the professionals handle it for you!
With the Wash and Fold Laundry Service at Sterling Cleaners, you’ll never have to waste time at the laundromat again. Enjoy fresh, clean clothes delivered straight to your door, handled with the same expert care we’ve provided since 1936. As the largest family-owned dry cleaning and laundry service in the Washington, D.C. area, Sterling Cleaners has built a reputation for fast, reliable, and professional garment care. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is why generations have trusted us with their most important clothing and household textiles.
Call us today at (202) 785-1444 or email us at info@sterlingcleaner.com for spotless results and stress-free laundry!