This is a sponsored post for SheSpeaks/P&G. All opinions are my own. #ProtectClothesYouLove

Summer.. summer.. summertime, time to sit back and … tackle the mountain of laundry waiting for you. Ready, set, wash!

School may be out for summer but that doesn’t mean the laundry has stopped piling up day by day. The leaning tower of clothing, towels, blankets, and mismatched socks has actually expanded in size within the past week. Naturally, I am always the one stuck with washing, folding, ironing, and steaming. Laundry has become my second language and most moms share a similar struggle. Let’s face it, the process itself can be overwhelming and sifting through a stinky bin of clothing is displeasing in itself. If motherhood has taught me anything, it’s the importance of having a well equipped arsenal to battle the stench and stains that my kiddo brings home on a daily basis. I never thought a seven year old was even capable of such!

With laundry being a thing of the past, present, and future – I’m sharing FIVE things everyone needs in their laundry routine.

To save yourself time, sanity, and make the process more efficient – get yourself a triple sorter. This is the foundation of my laundry routine. Why? Sorting through garments of different colors and materials can be time consuming. Not to mention, my daughter can’t help but toss all of her underwear and socks into MY hamper  so our clothing is constantly mingling together. This helps me sift it out and all peace in the laundry room is restored. Funny story? Last year in Kindergarten Toodie took her sweater out of her backpack and my lacy (clean) thong was attached by the grace of all thing static electricity. Embarrassing, to say the least! This is only one of the many reasons I invested in a means to separate two very different worlds of apparel. Bottom line? A triple sorter can cut your routine in half because each compartment can hold something different – undergarments, jeans, delicate blouses, etc.

I never appreciated the beauty of a stain chart until I was in high school and my mom refused to do my laundry anymore. If accident prone or just can’t eat a meal without dripping or dropping on yourself, you need a stain chart. A stain removal chart, or wheel, will make your life a heck of a lot easier because it tells your how to get out just about anything from your clothing. Wine, pen ink, spaghetti sauce, fruit juice, blood, gum, glue… the list goes on. Not only does it instruct you on how and what to use to remove common stains, but it’s going to give you a better understanding of what NOT to do to make them worse. This handy chart is going to save your laundry one day and you will thank me, promise. Please get one!

When tossing your loads of laundry into the washer, don’t forget the Downy Fabric Conditioner! Our clothing, linens, and even towels go through quite a bit of wear and tear from constant washing. By adding one cap full to each load you can prevent stretching, pulling, and fading. All of these things cut the life span of our garments in half. Downy helps to condition, strengthen, and lubricate each fiber to protect from the friction and agitation of the typical washing cycle. Not only are clothes and towels softer but they smell amazing and have virtually no wrinkles! I notice a huge difference when I take them out of the dryer and fold them to be put away. Everything smells so fresh and clean without leaving a strong perfumed odor behind. It’s very light and pleasant. It has been a tried and true staple in my routine for many years. Downy Fabric Conditioner is available at Walmart and Walmart.com for everyday low prices. Learn more and shop for it here.

Whether you are living on your own or with family, a weekly laundry schedule can keep you on track and prevent you from running out of underwear. Life gets busy and sometimes we all forget that we are running low on socks or tops because our mind is in a million different places. It’s important to create a realistic routine so you can actually commit to the entire process. Don’t wash unless you have time to dry. Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to tackle six loads on a Sunday night, half asleep, contemplating wearing a potato sack to work the next day. I like to do my laundry on Saturday and Sunday because it’s my time to play catch up and do the little things I did not have time to do during the week. Pick a free day, designate an hour, watch your favorite show, and wash away. If you’re living with someone else then having a schedule will also prevent you from fighting over laundry time.

Before you even think about starting a load, check your laundry stash and make sure you have what you need. It’s always best to have laundry detergent, Down Fabric Conditioner, dryer sheets, stain remover, vinegar, and bleach on hand. When you’re running low on something just make a quick note on your weekly shopping list so you don’t forget. Essentials are called “essentials” for a reason!

 

What is your typical laundry routine and what tips do you have to make the process a breeze?