Adulting 101: Conquering Laundry As A Recent Grad

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Two great laundry mysteries baffle even seasoned adults: One, where do all the missing socks go? And two, how do bed sheets end up twisted into a giant fabric pretzel in the dryer? If you’re fresh out of college and settling into your first apartment, you’ve probably realized that learning how to do laundry properly is a rite of passage that can save your wardrobe (and your wallet).

Moving out means more than just choosing your bedtime—it also means figuring out how to clean your clothes without shrinking your favorite hoodie or accidentally dyeing your sheets pink. Sure, laundry might not have made the syllabus, but it’s one of those life skills that pays off big-time when done right.

Here are some essential laundry lessons to help you navigate adulthood one spin cycle at a time:

Read the Labels Like a Pro. Your clothes are basically giving you instructions—you need to learn the language. Those tiny symbols on the tags? They matter. For instance, many people grew up thinking sheets should be washed in hot water, but checking the label—cold and delicate—is often the way to go. Download or print a laundry symbol cheat sheet and stick it near your washer for quick reference.

Know Your Settings. Not all washer and dryer settings are created equal. That “bedding” preset might sound perfect for your duvet cover, but if the label says cold and gentle, that high-spin setting could ruin it. Take a few minutes to understand what the different cycles actually do—temperature, spin speed, and time—and adjust accordingly.

Don’t Go Overboard on Detergent. More soap doesn’t equal cleaner clothes. Too much detergent can leave a residue that attracts more dirt. Aim for full, mixed loads to make the most of your soap and water—your clothes will get cleaner, and you’ll save on utility bills, too.

Preserve What You’ve Got. Your budget might not stretch to constant wardrobe upgrades, so make your clothes last. Wash in cold water and dry on low heat to avoid shrinkage and fabric wear. Cold-water detergents are just as effective, and low heat actually uses less energy over time.

Level up with Hacks and tools. Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to tackle the finer points. Print out a stain removal chart and hang it next to your laundry symbols. Toss small items like socks into a mesh bag to keep them together. Want to stop sheets from balling up in the dryer? Try tools like wool dryer balls or Wad-Free for Bed Sheets to keep things smooth and speed up drying time.

Bonus tip: Try Wad-Free for Bed Sheets to help save time and solve problems like tangled bed sheets that wad up and take multiple dryer cycles to fully dry.  

Laundry might seem like just another chore, but mastering it early means fewer ruined clothes, fewer late-night trips to buy new socks, and way more confidence in your grown-up game.

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