Self-isolation is the perfect time to get to the bottom of your laundry basket by taking on our 2 week self-isolation laundry challenge.
Week 1
Day 1- clean your machine
Start by making sure that your washing machine is clean and ready to produce maximum results. To clean out your machine use a dishwasher tablet and run your washing machine through a hot wash cycle. This will clean the pipes, the drum and the rim of your washing machine and ensure that your clothes will come out clean and smelling fresh.
Day 2- Wash your colours
Tackle your coloured washing first. Separate your coloured laundry into lighter and darker colours if you have a lot to do, if not, it’s perfectly fine to wash your colours together. To prevent your colours from fading wash them at a cooler temperature and turn your laundry inside out.
Day 3- Wash your leathers
Leather can be difficult to clean, so take this opportunity to deep clean any leather items you may own. If you don’t want to use cleaning product on your leather, try something natural. Mix lemon juice with cream of tartar to remove spots and stains.
Day 4- Give yourself a break
Have a break from the laundry challenge and focus on other tasks. You could take this time to clean your home, or just relax and have some time to yourself.
Day 5- Organise your supplies
This challenge isn’t just about getting to the bottom of your laundry basket, it’s about taking the time to complete laundy tasks that you are usually too busy to do. Sort through your detergents and fabric softeners, throwing away any empty bottles and giving the area you keep your supplies a general tidy up. The more organised your supply area the easier, and quicker, it will be to put your load on.
Day 6- Wash your whites
It’s now time to tackle your whites. Make sure that you don’t overload your machine as this will result in the detergent having difficulty rotating through all of your clothing. For the best results, wash your whites on a hot wash and ensure that any tough stains have been dealt with pre-wash.
Day 7- Give yourself a break
You have reached the end of the first week! You are halfway to completing the 2 week self-isolation laundry challenge, so have a break and relax before starting week 2.
Week 2
Day 1- Make your own detergent
Kick off your second week of the self-isolation challenge by making your own detergent. All you’ll need is Borax, washing soda, a bar of natural soap and a container to put it in. Making you own detergent is more environmentally friendly than buying it and will last for much longer.
Day 2- Sort through your linens
Linens can become rough and worn out over time, however, because we often don’t have the time to sort through them, they end up back in the linen cupboard. Take this time to go through your linen cupboard and throw away any items that can’t be salvaged. At the end of this task you will find your cupboard much tidier and your linens more manageable.
Day 3- Wash your linens
Once you’ve sorted through your linens it’s time to wash them. To effectively get rid of bacteria, it is recommended that linens are washed on a hot wash cycle. To prevent fabric deteriorating always air dry.
Day 4- Give yourself a break
The 2 week challenge is almost complete so it’s time to sit back and relax for the day before completing the final stretch.
Day 5- Hand wash your delicates
Delicate items of clothing, such as silk and lace, will last longer if you hand wash them. Use warm water and a detergent without enzymes. Don’t use too much detergent or you will leave a soapy residue that could cause stains. Give your delicates the time to air dry whilst you enjoy knowing that they will last longer because you didn’t use your washing machine.
Day 6- Clean your shoes
Getting your shoes dirty in inevitable, and yet we never find the time to properly clean them. Before you start, you need to consider the material of the shoes you are cleaning. Depending on the material depends on the method that you will have to use. Regardless of the shoe material, it is always useful to have a dry soft-bristle brush, or toothbrush, to hand as it will be an essential tool. Cleaning your shoes whilst in self-isolation will mean that when you do go outside you can dazzle everyone with your shiny shoes.
Day 7- Your challenge has been completed!
CONGRATULATIONS! You have completed the 2-week self-isolation challenge. Use today to finish up any laundry tasks that haven’t been done- folding your dry laundry, etc. Then, sit back and bask in the glory of finally reaching the bottom of your laundry basket.
If there are certain items that you didn’t want to wash yourself during this challenge why not use our laundering services. Head to the Laundryheap website, or use our app, and book your slot. We now offer hot washes and a contactless service, keeping in mind the current situation.
