Don Kowalewski
Writer. Ad Sales and Marketing. Social Media Content Creator. Aeropress Coffee. Makes the best salsa in the world.
Never Stop Improving: Laundry
Recently, I took over the laundry duties in our house. Why? Perhaps I’m the victim of the “long con”, but really, it’s because my wife is the smart one and helps the kids with 
homework, school projects, keeps the family calendar (mostly in her head, which I marvel at), and does the grocery shopping, cooks the meals, balances the books, and I’m sure a few other things I’m leaving off the list.
So two things …one …adding “laundry” to my household chores is the least I can do and …two …my mother was the best at laundry, folding laundry, and making beds. I was spoiled because my laundry was always wrinkle free, folded with military precision, and my bed was always ready for me with hospital bed corners and hotel-style turndown service.
I often lent my mother a hand, or watched her fold laundry and talked her ear off, and along the way she taught me all her tricks (as she also did with wrapping presents) and so, while some might think I’m a sucker for doing the laundry, part of me just wants to pass along my mom’s perfect technique to my kids.
It’s the little things in life that always seem to be the big things. From my dad, I’ve inherited the gene that makes a man obsess about his lawn and landscaping. From my mom, I like a well-folded shirt and properly made bed.
Odd. I know.
Here’s what I know to be true.
Laundry
- Separate lights and darks. Lights/whites are washed in hot. Light colors and dark colors in warm or cold.
- Most everything can go in the dryer, provided it was whipped and blocked before going in there. Low to medium heat.
- Everything should be folded immediately as it comes out of the dryer so it can be pressed by hand as it’s being folded.
- Dress shirts can be washed on the permanent press setting, and should be ironed when wet and right out of the washing machine and only then hung until dry. \
- Sheets should be washed each week. Blankets and mattress pads once a month. Comforters should be dry cleaned seasonally.
I don’t recall my mom using Borax, but I add it to whites and boy oh boy do they shine when they get outta the wash.
Why did I title this blog “never stop improving?” Oh. Because the redistribution of the laundry chore is going to drastically improve everyone’s life in my house.
Don Kowalewski 