How to Teach Your Children to Do Laundry

Parents start out doing everything for their kids and it's easy to forget that at some point those children have to learn how to do it all themselves. If they're ever going to be responsible adults, kids need to learn how to do laundry. It's even better if they learn it young and can practice and help while they're at home - long before they really have to do it for themselves.

 

Start them young. Most 5-year-olds with a step stool can reach a top-loading washing machine. Have them assist you with each step and explain why you do the things you do. They will slowly learn the process for themselves. A 7- or 8-year-old child should be able to complete this training in a couple of months and be doing laundry with little or no supervision. Preteens may be thrilled that you're giving them some responsibility. Laundry-inept teenagers will probably require more discussion before they agree to participate, but they may also enjoy the freedom of taking care of their own clothes (and avoiding Dad's raised eyebrows over their thong underwear in the family wash.)
Create a child-friendly washing area. See "Things You'll Need", below. Organize your laundry products where the child can reach and use them, but where they are still up and away from any younger children.
Teach them how to sort dirty laundry. Have the child help sort out whites, darks, colors, bedding, towels, etc. As you do so, explain that different colors and types of laundry are separated and washed in different water temperatures or require additional products to help clean them the best way. You will likely have to repeat these instructions many times before it all starts to make sense to a younger child. Over time, teach these additional preparation skills:
Checking pockets for forgotten items
Reading the care label of each unfamiliar garment before washing
Turning printed shirts (such as t-shirts) inside out to prevent unnecessary wear on the printing
Recognizing when they have an appropriate-size load of laundry - not too little, not too much
Recognizing items that should not go in the washing machine, such as dry-clean-only or hand-wash-only items.
 
Teach them how to use the washing machine. Show them the various controls and explain how they work. Washing machines can be complex, but most people only use a few of the functions on a regular basis, so start simply with a normal wash cycle. Have the child push the buttons and turn the knobs on the machine. They will feel empowered by their new found ability to control this big machine! Over time, teach the following additional washing machine skills:

 

Teach them how to use the dryer. Show your child where the lint-catcher is, and how to check and clean it out before they start adding damp laundry to the dryer. Oddly enough, this is often a favorite task for kids! Then teach them how to remove the laundry a few pieces at a time, shake them out to remove all washer-induced twisting, and place them in the dryer. This can be quite an exercise for younger children who have to repeatedly climb up and down a step stool! Over time, teach them:
To examine the damp laundry and recognize items that shouldn't go in the dryer
Which dryer cycles to use for different types of laundry
The correct direction to turn the knobs (might save you a $60 repair bill).
Teach them how to wash items by hand. Show them:
How much water to use in a washbasin
How to add detergent
How to scrub out stains
How to squeeze excess water from hand washed items (the toughest part).
 
Teach how to hang or lay laundry flat to dry. An accordion-style, folding drying rack is a great tool for younger children who aren't tall enough to reach a clothesline. Show them how to reshape and lay out sweaters and other air-dry items so that the air can reach all sides and dry them quickly.

Teach how to iron, fold, and put away the clean laundry. Younger children should not use an iron. Wait until they're at least 10 before tackling that task! However, even preschoolers can learn to sort and fold laundry. Do it with them and over time teach:
Matching and folding socks together
Turning clothing right-side-out
Folding shirts, sweaters, and pants neatly
Hanging dresses, blouses, dress shirts and dress pants
Folding towels and bedding

 

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