1. Wash your socks with a mesh laundry bag

Say goodbye to the days of missing socks. A mesh bag is a convenient way to wash socks and undergarments, keeping everything in one place. These bags will take your laundry organization to the next level, never leaving clothes behind in the machine. Plus, mesh bags protect your delicate laundry during the washing and drying cycles.

2. Use dryer balls

We’re huge fans of dryer balls. According to Energy Saver, one of the best ways to save money and energy in the laundry room is to use wool or rubber dryer balls. Why? Dryer balls help separate your clothes and get more air to them, cutting drying time. The wool balls absorb some moisture, further cutting drying time. They can also reduce static, so you don’t need to use dryer sheets. It’s a win-win situation.

3. Turn your darks inside out

Keep those light colors light. Dark or vibrantly dyed fabrics are more likely to bleed during the wash cycle. The washing process can agitate or loosen dyes, and hot water temperatures are typically known for causing color bleeding. Turning your clothes inside out before washing can help reduce fading.

4. Always fasten zippers and buttons

We’ve all been there: you pull your favorite sweater out of the dryer only to find a snag—or worse—a hole! A common mistake is not being careful enough when it comes to jackets, cardigans and button-up pants that contain zippers and buttons. Fastening these materials can help prevent fabrics from rubbing against them, avoiding the possibility of rips or tears.

5. Clean the lint filter regularly

This is a big one. Routine dryer maintenance and regularly cleaning your lint trap are great methods to help minimize lint and pilling and ensure you remove unwanted pet hair from your clothing. It’s best to clean filters directly after each load to prevent lint build-up in the dryer or left on your clothes. Plus, a dirty lint trap can lead to house fires.

6. Handwash any fabrics you’re unsure about

It can be challenging to remember the many “rules” of laundry. If unsure which settings to use for specific fabrics, opt for handwashing garments or to set a gentle cycle. According to Tide, avoiding heavy-duty cycles, fast spins and high-heat drying is best, as these can lead to shrinkage. Washing these items on a delicate cycle helps avoid overworking the fabric.

It’s always helpful to pick up different laundry tips and tricks for our routine. Do you apply any of these laundry hacks to your routine?

We’ve got more laundry tips for you! Check out our other laundry room tips for more laundry hacks.