Sorting Dirty Laundry - Make it a Family Affair

Sorting dirty laundry is a big part of caring for your clothing and ensuring washing delivers good results. But why do we designate that all important prep work to one or two persons in the household?

Every able-bodied family member not only needs to learn sorting techniques for when they are on their own, but should also, as part of the family unit, share in this all important household chore.

How old should children be to learn how to sort dirty laundry? As early as they start to dress themselves, they can learn the differences of color sorting and caring for their clothes. Training at an early age begins as a game and not a chore when they are little, and the skills they learn as they grow, will remain with them into adulthood.

In order to make this work well, every child needs to have their own hamper, stored in a closet or in a corner of the bedroom. There are many hampers on the market for every type of decor and function, but the ones that make sorting easier for children are the 3 pocket laundry sorters. For a child's room, choose a laundry sorter that is stable and durable. Some are designed with wheels and also fold for ease of storing or removing from the closet and transfering to the laundry room.

Older children would probably prefer a pull out type of hamper that is part of a small storage unit, serving a dual purpose and providing additional storage for their rooms. They could then bring their washing to the laundry area and sort there on washdays.

The first step is to delegate what goes in the sectioned hamper: Whites, light and dark colors. This also teaches them color grouping. Next, before the soiled clothing goes in, the pockets and sleeves need to be checked to remove belts, toys, tissues and other treasures. They can also undo cuffs, pull out pant legs, etc.

On washday, each child can bring their laundry all sorted. You can expand the teaching as they grow. See Laundry Basics for further information on sorting and washing techniques.

Helping your child learn sorting early has additional benefits. They learn that caring for their clothes is really important and it also reduces the clutter on the floor in their room, helping them to keep it tidy. It also reduces your time in the laundry room - allowing for more quality time with your family - a win/win situation.

Read More About Laundry & Accessories:

Laundry Basics - From Sorting to Drying
Can I Use Regular Detergent in an HE Washer?
Laundry & Fabric Care
2x Laundry Detergents - Conveniently Concentrated
How to Make a Basic Sewing & Mending Kit
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