You're Officially Hoarding: The Main Thing To Declutter From A Laundry Room

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Among the various household chores, there are few that are more fragmented and complicated than laundry. From sorting lights from darks and washing linens at the right temperature to remembering whether to tumble dry your woollens or lay them flat, it can feel like a marathon. If you're already feeling overwhelmed by the standard laundry process, you might dread seeing reels from influencers showcasing their multi-step laundry routines in your social media feeds. A laundry room cabinet jam-packed with supposedly must-have products indicates an overly elaborate cleaning system. In reality, doing the laundry doesn't need to be complicated, and all those products aren't helping you as much as they're turning you into a hoarder.

In order to get your clothes and linens clean, you need a surprisingly small number of products. Many popular laundry products aren't worth buying in the first place. Simple solutions that make things easier and deliver consistent results are best: a detergent, a stain remover, and a whitening agent. Most households don't require any extra laundry products or tools outside of these three. If you've been feeling inadequate or despondently comparing your laundry routine to that of content creators, fear not. They probably get paid to share aesthetically pleasing bottles of premium laundry detergent, scent beads, and specialty stain removers, or they get the products for free. You'll do just fine with the basics — and have more money in your pocket.

Refining this essential chore gives you the opportunity to declutter your laundry room by tossing commonly stored items. Begin removing any products that don't play a direct role in getting your clothes clean or making the drying process more efficient. This means you can safely eliminate specialty laundry scenting products. It's also time to ditch dryer sheets and liquid fabric softener. Both of these products can leave residue on your clothing, leading to odors and bacteria being trapped over time. Why would you use something that may dirty rather than clean your textiles? They also can be hard on your washing machine due to the buildup. It's also time to part with any products you rarely use, bought on a whim, or got for free.

To take your laundry back to basics, you only really need to keep a few items in the cupboard. Firstly, you need a good laundry detergent. You can splurge on a premium brand, like Persil ProClean 2-in-1 Liquid Laundry Detergent, if you want easier stain removal. Or just purchase whatever brand your budget allows. Next, you'll want an enzyme-based stain remover, which can help to get rid of any deep-set and difficult to remove fabric stains. Get yourself some bleach for whiter whites, and possibly some vinegar if you have hard water. (Though never mix these products together.) Lastly, if you are accustomed to using fabric softener, purchase some Handy Laundry Wool Dryer Balls in its place. Although they are optional extras, these reusable, all-natural products can dry textiles faster, reduce static, and soften clothes.