Laundry is one of those chores that nobody really likes doing. It’s a necessary evil so that you can have clean clothes, but doing laundry can sometimes be exhausting and overwhelming. For those of you who struggle to get their laundry done and it takes three to five business days for it to actually be put away, you’re likely looking for any laundry hacks that can save you time and effort. You aren’t alone.

However, all hope is not lost. Many downtown apartments for rent now have built-in washers and dryers that make it easier than ever to get your laundry done. And that’s just the start. Here are a couple hacks to help you on laundry day:

1. A pool noodle eliminates creases for your hang-dry clothes

Hang drying clothes is important for delicate items and items that may shrink in the dryer. However, when you hang clothes up to dry, the average drying rack is going to leave unsightly creases on your clothing. Having creases on your clothing only makes things more difficult, because then you need to iron your clothing where you might not have needed to iron it before.

A way to get around this is by using a pool noodle. By cutting a pool noodle and fitting it over the bar of your hanging rack, you’ll eliminate creases once you rest your clothes on the pool noodle. Because of its rounder, softer base, a pool noodle helps you to get your clothes dry without leaving the weird crease. That way, you’ve eliminated the extra step of ironing while still allowing your clothes to air dry.

2. Aluminum foil makes for an easy dryer sheet in a pinch

Dryer sheets are perfect for collecting the static in your clothes as they tumble in the dryer. But what do you do when you run out? If it isn’t feasible for you to go to the store at the moment, try using a crumpled up piece of aluminum foil. Aluminum foil works great in a pinch, and it can be used multiple times before you need to replace it. This shouldn’t be your permanent solution, though! 

3. Use a dry-erase marker to help remember delicate items

Here at AE Lofts, our downtown apartments for rent come equipped with high-efficiency washers and dryers. However, those high-efficiency washers and dryers cannot help you to remember certain things about the load of clothes you’re putting in. This is why having a dry erase marker in your laundry area can be a great tool to help you out.

Dry erase markers aren’t only for whiteboards. You can use them to write over lots of different surfaces, like mirrors, Tupperware containers, and even your washing machine. The coating on your washing machine makes it easy for dry erase markers to erase, allowing you to leave yourself little notes about what goes into your load of clothes.

If you’re washing a mixture of dryer safe and hang dry clothes, write a note to yourself on your washing machine to take out those delicate items before throwing everything into the dryer. Or if you’re forgetful about leaving your clothes in the washing machine, leave yourself a note to remind you when you put them in the washer. You may still have to rewash them if you wait too long, but at least you’ll know the timeframe.

Dry erase notes on your washing machine are great for remembering laundry supplies too. If you’re getting low on laundry detergent, dryer sheets, or fabric softener, leave yourself a note on your washing machine. It will help you remember what you need to get when you go to the store next.

4. Use zippered bags to keep your clothing separate and safe

If you’re like the majority of people, then you’ve definitely lost a sock to the gaping maw of your dryer. For some reason, dryers  just love the delicious taste of socks. If you’re tired of your dryer eating your socks, though, it might be time to invest in a zippered mesh bag.

Before you throw your laundry into the washing machine, place all of your socks into a zippered mesh bag. The mesh bag will keep all of your socks together in one place, preventing them from getting lost in the midst of your other laundry or getting eaten by the monster that lives in your dryer.

 Zippered mesh bags are also great for keeping delicate items separate from the other items that you wash. If you’re planning on removing certain items to hang dry, or you’re worried about certain items going missing in your large load, put them in a zippered mesh bag. It will keep them safe and separate from the rest of your clothes.

5. Soap dispensers are easy and mess-free

Laundry soap containers, while convenient, can also be a big mess. If one of the containers falls over, laundry soap would go all over your laundry room floor. Additionally, if you have small children, the laundry soap containers that you get from the store or not exactly kids safe.

By purchasing your own soap dispenser, you can make it easier, mess- free, and kid safe to dispense the laundry soap you need when it comes time to do the laundry. Wall-mounted soap dispensers are great, because they are easily refillable and out of reach of small, curious hands. Plus, having a designated soap area makes things a lot less messy.

Keeping Your Clothes Clean and Fresh in Our Downtown Apartments for Rent

At AE Loft’s downtown apartments for rent, we understand that not everyone is going to be excited about doing their laundry. It’s a boring and sometimes difficult chore that, while important, it’s not very fun to complete. We hope, though, that with our high-efficiency washer and dryer that’s built into each unit, your laundry day will go just a little bit more smoothly. 

If you’re interested in seeing what AE Lofts can do for you, contact us and schedule a tour today!