Doing a load of laundry is one of those household chores that can seem like it takes up a
big chunk of your time, but the actual hands-on time is quite minimal. Let’s break down the process and the time required for each step.
Hands-On Work
Sorting (5-10 minutes): This involves separating clothes by color and/or washing instructions. If you have a well-organized laundry system, this step can be quick and efficient.
In my family, each person sorts into the
proper laundry sorter compartment . In doing so, everything is pre-sorted when I'm ready to do the wash.
Also, everyone in my family checks his or her pockets to ensure tissues, loose change, etc. do not end up in the wash.
Loading the Washer (3-5
minutes): Place your sorted clothes into the washing machine, add detergent, and select the appropriate settings.
By the way, I load all socks into mesh laundry bags before tossing them in the wash...and keep them in those bags when tossing that load in the dryer. This way, they all come out together and don't stick to other clothing. Transferring Clothes to the Dryer (3-5 minutes): Once the washing cycle is complete, move the clothes to the dryer, cleaning the lint filter and setting the dryer to the correct cycle.
Folding and Putting Away (15-30
minutes): After the drying cycle, fold the clothes and put them away. This time can vary depending on the amount and type of clothing.
Personally, I prefer smaller loads because they're quicker and easier to put away; to achieve this, I run one laundry
cycle daily.
Total Hands-On Time: 26-50 minutes
Machine Running Time
Washing Cycle (30-60 minutes): The duration depends on the cycle chosen. A quick wash might take only 30 minutes, while a heavy-duty cycle can last up to an hour.
Drying Cycle (45-60 minutes):
Again, this varies based on the cycle and the type of fabric. Delicate items might dry faster, while towels and jeans take longer.
Total Machine Running Time: 75-120 minutes
Complete Time Breakdown
Hands-On Work: 26-50 minutes
Machine Running Time: 75-120 minutes
While the total process can span over 1.5 to 3 hours, your actual involvement is significantly less, around half an hour on average. By using these times effectively, you can multitask and get other things done while the machines do their work.
By breaking down the laundry process into hands-on work and
machine running time, you can better manage your day and feel more productive. So, next time you do a load of laundry, remember that your active involvement is only a small part of the overall time!
