What is it about laundry that makes it feel like you can never get the best of it, get ahead. At least that's the way
I feel! That's the one part I look forward to in sending my teenager off to Nana and Papa's for the summer. My laundry load seems to lighten by half. Or maybe that's wishful thinking...
I'd love to have closets full of neatly folded and ironed linens, a beautiful, clean, magazine-like laundry room. Instead of dreaming, I'm going to work really, really hard at keeping on top of it all this summer and beyond! I know it can be done and I'm sure there are plenty of women out there who do it. And I'm going to find some lovely baskets and splurge on some laundry products that will encourage me to keep it up!
Does anyone out there have any tips that would be helpful to me?? Or do you do something to make doing laundry a little more pleasant? If so, please comment! I'd love hearing from you.
I'm off to fold that pile that multiplies like bunnies...
18 comments:
That second pic is awesome - can I buy that somewhere? I'd love to know where you found that picture...I've been looking for a laundry rack.
Thanks so much!
Jennie (jguico@gmail.com)
You're so right, its all about buying products that you ENJOY using, it's so motivating. I shop at my local co-op for natural, delicious smelling products.
laundry- ugh! Did you see Martha's laundry room pictured in Living a few issues back? I swear it was the size of my kitchen and dining room combined.
I'll be eagerly watching your comments for helpful tips as well.
Sorry, I don't have any secrets to share. I can't believe all the laundry I have and it's just my daughter and me! I can't imagine adding 2 kids and a husband...I feel your pain. I try to do mine all on one day and get it over with, otherwise I feel like I'm always washing!
Jennie,
The laundry rack picture is in the book that's in the first picture. I was thinking the same thing - I want a laundry rack like that for delicates and small linens.
Anita
Do you have the book that you show in the picture? I looked it up,a dn it looks like it could inspire anyone to want to do laundry properly!!!
Those pics are lovely. That is also my DREAM, to be launcry organized. It is my BIGGEST nightmare! I would love to buy all new linens, wouldn't that be fun. To open a closet and see everything color cordinated and organized. It seems after 25 years of marriage, nothing matches and is all worn out. Keep us updated on your progress. I can use your laundry inspiration!
Ele
Wow...I just happened upon your precious site through another site...I love this...as for your questions on laundry...geez...that has always been my weak spot...I, like you... would love to have things freshly laundered and put away (my fairy tale world)...only thing I can tell you is I have raised 2 children and loved one husband for over 30 years...and I am just NOW getting a grip on laundry...I think, it's mainly b/c my youngest (a son) has gone on to college, graduated, married and now doing his own laundry or his lovely bride is tackling this task)...he was the one who was ALWAYS changing clothes, dirtying up every piece he put on OR decided it was easier to throw into the hamper than re-fold and put away! However, having the right equipement in your laundry area helps...and if it cost a little to get you were you want to be...I say money well spent (this can be done on the "cheap" by hitting garage sales and such)...folding tables are great....and if your are limited on space...maybe hubby or a friend can build the kind that folds down from your wall...those work great for small spaces...I'm all about visually pleasing areas and fabulous scents...I have discoverd "Mrs. Myers" soap products and they do smell devine...but a bit pricey...one thing I did do... I painted an old bucket (maybe holds 2 gallons or less) with ecru paint...antiqued it...and then painted the words in a cool script "Wash 5 cents (used the symbol)and I have it sitting on my dryer on top of a vintage hand towel from my grandmother filled w/powdered laundry detergent, I also use an old scoop w/small tattered ribbon tied on to it to scoop the detergent....it helps the room stay fresh smelling at all times...it's amazing how quickly the scent permeates the room...if you use liquid soap I'm sure you could device something else...but I like this way b/c of the smell...good luck to you...maybe w/the kiddies gone for a bit...you can play catch up! Laundry to me is like going to the grocery store..."a task that keeps coming back!!"...ugghhhh! Good luck!
I just discovered your nice blog. When my children hit middle school each one received a laundry basket for their closets. They were in charge of washing sheets and their own laundry. You'd be amazed how much more careful they were about changing clothes several times a day. I took so much time sorting and ironing when they were young... I have to admit they shoved everything in without sorting and they looked just fine ha ha. I believe in impowering children ha ha.
To me, there is something so satisfying about getting the laundry organized. I'm one of the few people I know, who enjoys ironing.
My biggest problem is time. It's hard to work full time and get everything done.
~Elaine~ from SoCal
Elaine,
I agree with you about the satisfaction in organizing the laundry. There is something peaceful and calming to me when I fold. Lots of time for me to think and plan because I don't have to put a lot of thought in the task at hand. Ironing is my weak point, but I love the folding and putting away. I just can never seem to keep up with it.
I just found your blog and have thoroughly enjoyed reading it! No hints on laundry though, sorry! lol
Carol
http://ourreddoor.blogspot.com
I have to admit that I like the task of doing laundry. Putting it away is a whole other story!! For me, pretty jars filled with my laundry supplies makes it a bit more enjoyable. Oh, and my Cath Kidston ironing board cover helps too!
This summer I want to paint my laundry room. However, I think that has been on my "to-do" list for the past two summers!!
Ohh, so fun to have found your blog!
Here's what works for me and makes me love doing laundry even after 28 years of marriage and three kids!
I do not and will not do laundry every day or so. I will wait till I have a ton of loads and that is what i do all that day. Then I have no expectations of being interrupted... i know that my goal is to do it all till another week or two goes by and I do it again!
I would hate laundry if I was doing it more than once a week.
Hope that helps!
I do laundry several times a week and try to put it away as soon as it comes out of the dryer, no ironing and then it doesn't pile up. Then it is not an all day event and I can do fun stuff too. When we have gone on vacation and I have TONS to do, I set up a good movie to watch as I fold. Hope that helps.
I know this is a late post, but I have been playing catch up with your wonderful site. I am inspired beyond belief. I have tackled laundry as my summer life changer. Instead of mountains of laundry I am committed to doing one load each evening, whatever looks largest, lights, darks, or towels. My laundry is an addition to my home, a moved salvaged porch from my beloved gramma's two story home. It's all we could save when the highway went through. I have it in green with red cherries right now, but her favorite of all favorites was pink and green, so I'm hoping to cottage it up with those colors sometime soon. Also I want to banish the JUNK from it as it is a catch all now. I want that book!
Well, I don't have any tips for you except that I think that if you take the time to really make your laundry room beautiful, then it makes the chore more enjoyable. I'm going to have to check out that book and I love the picture you posted.
Gee not too many people had laundry tips! Can I add one or two? One thing our family has always done to cut down on dirty towels - is in our family for awhile we each had our own color of towels, then we used that same towel all week (or two) till I did the next laundry day. I figured you only use it when you are clean, and if it is your own personal towel, my body won't care! Then awhile back I had someone machine embroider our names on the towels so that now the towels match in our bathroom! This has worked great! Another tip - I use Lestoil on spots on dirty clothes. It works great - I have found a squirt type cap that fits the bottle and I keep it by the washer and hamper, and if there is a stubborn stain I squirt some on it before I throw it into the hamper, and it works on almost everything! Hope this is helpful - enjoyed your blog!!!
Diane
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