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.

1) Use the Right Amount of Detergent

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.

How to Use the Right Amount of Detergent

01 — Check the Detergent Label

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.

02 — Measure According to Load Size

• Small Load (Half a Machine Load) → Use half the recommended amount.
• Medium Load (Three-quarters Full) → Use three-quarters of the recommended amount.
• Large Load (Full Machine Drum) → Use the full recommended dose, but avoid over pouring.

03 — Adjust for High-efficiency (HE) Washers

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.

04 — Factor in Soil Level

• Lightly soiled clothes (worn once, no visible stains) → Use less detergent than the standard recommendation.
• Moderately soiled clothes (workout gear, children’s play clothes) → Stick to the recommended amount.
• Heavily soiled clothes (mud, grease, sweat buildup) → Increase detergent slightly, but avoid doubling the dose. A presoak is often more effective than overloading on soap.

05 — Use a Measuring Cup or Cap

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.

06 — Watch for Signs of Overuse

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.

2) Clean Your Washing Machine Regularly

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.

How to Clean Your Washing Machine the Right Way

For Front-load Washers:

• Wipe the Door Seal – The rubber gasket around the door traps moisture and detergent residue, leading to mildew. Wipe it down with a damp cloth and a mix of equal parts water and white vinegar.
• Run a Cleaning Cycle – Pour two cups of white vinegar into the detergent dispenser and run the washer on the hottest, longest cycle. This helps break down buildup and kills bacteria.
• Scrub the Dispenser Drawers – Remove the detergent and fabric softener dispensers, rinse them under warm water, and scrub away any residue with a brush or sponge.
• Run a Second Cycle (Optional) – To remove loosened residue and lingering odors, run another cycle with ½ cup of baking soda directly in the drum.
• Leave the Door Open – Always keep the washer door slightly open between cycles to allow airflow and prevent mold growth.

For Top-load Washers:

• Fill with Hot Water – Set your machine to the largest load setting with hot water.
• Add Vinegar and Baking Soda – Pour four cups of white vinegar into the water, let the machine agitate for a minute, then add one cup of baking soda.
• Pause and Soak – Let the mixture sit for an hour to break down residue and kill bacteria.
• Run a Full Cycle – After soaking, let the machine complete the wash cycle.
• Scrub the Agitator and Lid – Use a sponge or brush to clean the inside of the drum, agitator (if applicable), and the lid where grime can accumulate.
• Wipe Down and Dry – After the cycle finishes, wipe the drum and detergent dispensers, then leave the lid open to dry.

How Often Should You Clean Your Washer?

• Once a month for households that do frequent loads or use fabric softener often.
• Every three months for lighter laundry use.
• Immediately if you notice musty odors or detergent buildup.

3) Wash Clothes in Cold Water to Preserve Fabrics

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.

How to Wash Clothes in Cold Water the Right Way

• Sort Clothes Properly – Separate your laundry by fabric type and color, just as you would for a hot wash. Cold water is best for delicates, darks, synthetic fabrics, and lightly soiled items.
• Choose the Right Detergent – Look for detergents specifically formulated for cold water, as they are designed to dissolve efficiently at lower temperatures.
• Adjust Your Machine Settings – Set your washer to cold (60–80°F or 15–27°C) and use the proper cycle for your fabric type. A gentle cycle works well for delicates, while a normal cycle is fine for most everyday clothing.
• Pretreat Stains When Needed – Cold water is great for preserving fabrics, but tough stains like oil or grease may require pretreatment before washing. Apply a stain remover or liquid detergent directly to the stain and let it sit for 10–15 minutes before washing.
• Don’t Overload the Washer – Proper water circulation is key for effective cleaning. Overfilling the drum can prevent detergent from even distribution, leading to less-than-clean results.

When to Use Warm or Hot Water Instead

• Heavily soiled clothes (work uniforms, towels, or items exposed to grease) may need warm or hot water to break down tough stains.
• Bedding, linens, and bath towels should be washed in hot water occasionally to eliminate bacteria and allergens.

4) Add Vinegar to Your Rinse Cycle for Softer, Odor-free Clothes

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.

How to Use Vinegar in Your Rinse Cycle

• Measure the Right Amount – Add ½ to 1 cup of distilled white vinegar to the fabric softener compartment of your washing machine. If your washer doesn’t have one, pour the vinegar in manually during the rinse cycle.
• Run a Normal Rinse Cycle – Vinegar works best when used in place of fabric softener, helping to remove soap residue, balance pH levels, and naturally soften fibers.
• Pair It with Essential Oils (Optional) – If you prefer a light fragrance, add a few drops of essential oil (like lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus) to the vinegar before adding it to your machine.
• Use It on the Right Fabrics – Vinegar is safe for cotton, polyester, and most everyday fabrics, but avoid using it on delicate materials like silk or rayon.
• Skip the Dryer Sheets – Vinegar does the job of a fabric softener without coating fabrics in synthetic chemicals, meaning you won’t need dryer sheets to keep clothes soft and static free.

5) Dry Clothes More Efficiently by Using Dryer Balls

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.

How to Use Dryer Balls for the Best Results

• Use the Right Amount – For small loads, toss in 2-3 dryer balls. For larger loads, use 4-6 balls to maximize airflow.
• Choose Wool for Extra Benefits – Wool dryer balls absorb moisture and help clothes dry even faster. Plus, they’re all natural and reusable for hundreds of loads.
• Avoid Overloading the Dryer – Clothes need space to tumble freely. Overstuffing the dryer prevents proper airflow, reducing the effectiveness of dryer balls.
• Add Essential Oils for a Fresh Scent – If you miss the fragrance of dryer sheets, add a few drops of essential oil (like lavender or citrus) to your wool dryer balls before tossing them in.
• Store Them Properly – Keep dryer balls in a dry, well-ventilated area between uses to prevent odors and maintain their effectiveness.

6) Pretreat Stains Immediately for Better Results

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.

How to Pretreat Stains the Right Way

01 — Identify the Stain Type

• Oily stains (butter, salad dressing, makeup): Need dish soap or a degreasing agent.
• Protein stains (blood, sweat, dairy): Require cold water and an enzyme-based cleaner.
• Tannin stains (coffee, wine, tea): React best to white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide.
• Dye stains (fruit juice, ink, mustard): Need rubbing alcohol or oxygen-based bleach.

02 — Blot, Don’t Rub

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.

03 — Apply a Targeted Stain Remover

• For grease stains: Apply a drop of dish soap, rub it in gently, and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
• For coffee, tea, or juice stains: Dab with white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide before rinsing.
• For ink stains: Use rubbing alcohol or hairspray on a cotton swab and blot repeatedly.
• For blood stains: Rinse with cold water and apply hydrogen peroxide before washing.

04 — Let It Sit Before Washing

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.

05 — Wash in the Correct Water Temperature

• Cold water: Best for blood, sweat, and protein stains.
• Warm water: Ideal for oil-based stains.
• Hot water: Works best for white fabrics and stubborn stains (if the fabric allows).

06 — Check Before Drying

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.

7) Invest in Mesh Laundry Bags for Delicates

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:

• Fine Mesh Bags – Best for ultra-delicate fabrics like silk, lace, and hosiery. The tightly woven mesh prevents snagging while still allowing detergent and water to circulate.
• Coarse Mesh Bags – Ideal for thicker materials like sweaters, sports bras, and activewear. These allow more water flow while still providing protection.
• Small Individual Bags – Perfect for socks, underwear, and baby clothes. They keep small items together so they don’t get lost or tangled during washing.
• Jumbo Mesh Bags – Designed for bulkier delicates like knit sweaters, lightweight jackets, or multiple items at once.
• Zippered vs. Drawstring Closure – Zippers keep garments securely enclosed and prevent them from slipping out. Drawstrings work well for bulkier loads but should be tied tightly to avoid opening mid wash.

Upgrade Your Laundry Routine Today — Sign Up for the Wash and Fold Laundry Service at Sterling Cleaners!

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!