10 Lazy Girl Laundry Hacks That Have Made Washing Clothes Easy

Washing clothes. It’s one of those never-ending tasks that most of us have to deal with, yet it can often feel like a chore that just takes too much time and effort.

The piles of clothes seem to grow larger every week, and it feels like there’s always some new stain or missing sock to deal with. But with a few clever hacks, you can turn laundry day into something much more manageable and maybe even a bit enjoyable.

Over the years, I’ve picked up a number of tricks that make the whole process faster, easier, and more efficient. These aren’t your typical fold-your-socks-in-a-new-way type of hacks. We’re talking about real, practical advice that can save you time and hassle!

Stop Sorting Your Laundry

Sorting laundry is one of those tasks that feels ingrained in us. Separating lights from darks can take ages, and then you have to wait for enough dirty white clothes to make a full load out of it. My advice? Stop sorting your laundry.

If you wash your clothes on cold and they’ve all been washed at least once, you can safely toss colors and whites together without worrying about color bleeding. The only exception might be for brand-new, dark-colored clothes, but otherwise, throw them all in together. It’s a time-saver that makes the whole process a lot less tedious.

That being said, it’s worth separating out towels and bedding to wash them on hot. This helps kill germs and keeps them fresh. Plus, when you’re washing larger items like large cotton towels separately, they’ll dry more quickly and evenly.

Use Aluminum Foil for Static-Free Drying

Static cling is one of those annoying laundry problems that can make clothes stick to each other in the dryer. If you’re not a fan of dryer sheets, or you just want a cheaper alternative, try using a ball of aluminum foil. Simply crumple up a piece of foil into a ball and toss it into the dryer with your clothes.

It’s a simple hack that effectively reduces static electricity and can be reused for a couple of months. Not only does this method help keep your clothes static-free, but it also won’t leave any chemical residues on your garments.

While you’re at it, consider swapping out your dryer sheets for wool dryer balls. These are great for keeping sheets and larger items from clumping together in the dryer. They help reduce drying time and can be scented with a few drops of essential oils if you like a fresh fragrance.

Related: Dryer Balls vs. Dryer Sheets

Use Detergent Sheets

Switching to detergent sheets can save you space, money, and effort. These sheets dissolve in water and take up much less room than traditional detergent bottles. They’re perfect for small laundry spaces and easy to take with you on trips. Just toss a sheet in with your laundry, and you’re good to go.

Detergent sheets are a great alternative for anyone looking to simplify their laundry routine. They’re often more cost-effective than traditional detergents and can make the whole process a little more convenient.

Related: Best Sportswear Laundry Detergents

Use the Delay Wash Feature

One of my favorite features of modern washing machines is the delay wash option. I often forget to do laundry until late at night but don’t want to wait around for the cycle to finish. With delay wash, you can set your machine to start at a time that’s convenient for you.

Load up the washer before bed and set it to finish right as you wake up. This way, you can switch the laundry to the dryer first thing in the morning, saving time and letting you get on with your day.

Delay wash is also great for those busy days when you’re juggling multiple tasks. Set it to start during a time you know you’ll be home to transfer clothes to the dryer without missing a beat. It’s all about working smarter, not harder.

Shaving Away Pilling with a Razor

Annoying little pills can make clothes look old and worn out, but there’s a quick fix. Grab a razor and gently shave away the pills. It sounds strange, but it works! Hold the fabric taut and carefully run the razor over the surface. The pills will lift off, leaving your clothes looking refreshed.

This hack is perfect for those pieces you love but feel embarrassed to wear because of pilling. Just be sure to use a light touch to avoid damaging the fabric, and steer clear of razors with super-sharp blades to prevent any accidental snags.

Habit Stack to Beat Procrastination

We all have that one laundry task we dread—whether it’s folding, putting away clothes, or both. One way to tackle procrastination is through habit stacking. This involves pairing the task you dislike with something you already do regularly.

For example, if you take a few minutes each night to unwind with a podcast or TV show, use that time to fold and put away laundry. The idea is that by attaching laundry to a routine activity, it becomes less of a chore and more of a seamless part of your day.

This method works for a variety of tasks, from sorting clothes to folding and putting them away. Once it becomes a habit, you’ll find that you’re much more productive and less likely to let laundry pile up.

Laundry Hamper in Every Room

By placing a laundry hamper in each room, you eliminate the need to sort clothes into different baskets. This means you can grab the hamper and dump it directly into the washer, saving you time and effort when collecting laundry.

Stack Empty Hangers for Easy Access

If you find yourself hunting for hangers every time you put away clothes, try stacking them in one place. Instead of leaving hangers scattered throughout the closet, keep them grouped together on one side.

When you’re ready to hang clothes, grab the stack and take it to the dryer or wherever you’re folding clothes. This simple change makes the process much quicker and prevents the frustration of searching for hangers every time you do laundry.

Prevent Must with a Mesh Bag

We’ve all been there: you throw a wet towel or workout clothes into the laundry basket and forget about them for a couple of days. The result is a musty smell that can be hard to get rid of. To prevent this from happening, use a mesh bag for wet items.

Hang the bag in your laundry room and toss in anything damp. The mesh allows airflow, which helps to dry the items slightly and keeps that unpleasant odor at bay. Hang one or more lavender-filled sachets next to the bag for even greater odor control.

This little trick works wonders, especially in households with kids or athletes who go through multiple outfits a day. Just make sure to empty the mesh bag regularly and wash its contents before the odor has a chance to set in.

Save Time with a Lint Bin

Cleaning out the lint trap is one of those tasks that’s easy to forget; make it easier by keeping a lint bin nearby. A simple container or even a small trash can placed near the dryer serves as a reminder to clean the trap every time you dry a load. Plus, it keeps the lint contained, so you’re not running back and forth to the trash can.

If you’re someone who likes to recycle lint for fire starters or composting, having a dedicated bin makes it easy to collect and store. It’s a small change that can make a big difference in your laundry routine.