What are the 5 stages of the laundry process? Laundry day can feel like a never-ending cycle of sort, load, spin, wash, rinse, dry, and fold. When all you want are clean, presentable clothing, laundry day can become something you dread. What’s more, improper usage of bleach, washing machines and even the wrong softener can lead to irreversible garment damage. Laundry is more of a science and an art than you might think!
Let’s go over our extensive laundry process that keeps clothes fresh and in great shape for years to come!
For affordable and reliable cleaning with insured cleaners, call Optima Maids at (801) 784-8643 to request a FREE personalized price quote.
Stage 1: Sorting Garments
Our professionals don’t just chuck your clothing into your washing machine and call it a day. They maximize the effectiveness of washing via careful organizing. Different colors require different washing settings to prevent discoloration. Dark garments, in shades of red, blue, or black, can transfer their dye onto lighter fabrics during the wash cycle.
Optima professionals also pay special attention to fabric types. After all, no one likes finding their favorite dress or shirt in shambles. Cotton, linen, and synthetics each have unique washing and drying needs. Heavier materials like towels, sheets, and jeans are washed separately from lighter fabrics like lace or silk to prevent damage due to aggressive cycles.
They also sort by soil level, separating the heavily soiled from lightly soiled to prevent dirt transfer. Each garment gets the attention it needs.
Stage 2: Pre-treatment Techniques
Pre-treating stains is a crucial step. Optima Maids professionals show utmost care during the pre-treat stage, which involves using techniques that eliminate stains before they set in during washing. Once those stains have been pre-treated effectively, it’s time to move on to the next important phase in ensuring your laundry comes out pristine and fresh.
Stage 3: Washing with Detergent
Laundry detergent selection is crucial. High-efficiency (HE) machines require low-suds detergents, as they use less water. Traditional washers operate differently and work best with standard detergents. Our professionals are expert in these differences, just as they are experts in water quality.
For example, if you live in an area with hard water—high levels of calcium—we use a detergent specifically formulated to combat these minerals. This maximizes cleaning power, leading to brighter colors and softer fabrics.
Optimized Washing Cycles
Each fabric type calls for different washing cycles to preserve integrity. For instance, using cold water for dark and delicate items prevents fading and extends life by avoiding heat shrinkage. Hot water works wonders on whites and heavily soiled fabrics, killing germs and removing stubborn stains more effectively.
Stage 4: Proper Drying Methods
The drying stage affects your garments’ longevity and appearance. The right method for drying significantly affects the fabric’s integrity. For instance, tumble drying offers convenience, but if used improperly, it can lead to shrinkage and damage. This is particularly true for delicate items such as wool or silk, which require careful treatment to maintain shape and texture.
Method I: Tumble Drying
While the tumbler dryer machine is great for heavier fabrics that withstand higher heat, our professionals opt for lower temperature settings for delicate items such as t-shirts or blouses. Over-drying can cause irreversible damage and shrunken clothing. Additionally, we use dryer balls to increase air circulation, reducing drying time by over 30%. This leads to big savings in energy!
Method II: Air Drying
Our professionals can also do air drying if you prefer. A gentler alternative that protects fabric integrity, it involves hanging clothes in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, as UV rays fade colors over time.
For the environmentally conscious or those who want to save on energy costs, air drying is advantageous because it uses no electricity at all. Spreading clothes out allows air to flow freely around them, which helps speed up the drying process while minimizing wrinkles.
Stage 5: Folding and Organizing
Folding and organizing garments is an art. Properly folded garments don’t just look neat, they also get significantly reduced wrinkles and eliminate the need for ironing. It also helps maintain the quality of fabric, prolonging its lifespan and reducing the need for frequent replacements.
A well-organized closet streamlines your daily routine, and our professionals are also experts at organizing your wardrobe, should you need this type of service. They will carefully follow any personal instructions, and organize your clothing by category, saving you time, especially during frantic mornings when you’re rushing to get dressed.
Get a Free Estimate, Call (801) 784-8643
Phone us at (801) 784-8643 for more information, and a FREE pricing estimate, and schedule a laundry job that fits your budget and provides value for your money today.
