Nobody enjoys cleaning the bathroom. Or taking out the garbage. But doing the laundry? It’s a ritualistic type of task that, for some of us, is so calming or gratifying that it’s almost a form of self-care. “The smell of freshly laundered clothes can be very comforting,” says Carolyn Forte, Director of the Home Appliances and Cleaning Products Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. “Not to mention how satisfying it is to successfully remove stains. Laundry is one of those chores with very clear rewards.”
Wondering what, exactly, makes these humans tick—and if you are one of them? We asked Forte, along with experts at Persil (the Europe-based manufacturer of several top-rated laundry detergents, including Persil ProClean Stain Fighter Discs and Persil ProClean Odor Fighter Liquid Laundry Detergent), to give us the dirt on traits that laundry lovers share.
They use detergent with a great (and long-lasting) scent.
Smell is considered the most powerful of the senses, given its intense connection to emotion and memories. It’s no surprise, then, that a favorite fresh-scented detergent can be the reason you look forward to tossing in a load or two. Some formulas even offer a scent that lasts longer than those in standard detergents; Persil ProClean + Active Scent Boost, for example, has an aroma with green citrus notes that stays active for up to 100 days, according to the company.
They’ve mastered all the laundry tricks
Know what the permanent press cycle is for? Laundry lovers do, and they actually run that slower spin cycle for their wrinkle-prone garments. The best way to tackle blood stains? Easy—flush with cold water (not warm!), then pre-treat with a top liquid detergent, like Persil ProClean Original, and let sit for five minutes before washing. Most “normal” people throw their laundry into the machine (maybe separating it into lights and darks), add any old detergent, hit start, and get on with their lives, but laundry enthusiasts pride themselves on their machine-washing wisdom.
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They pair washing and folding with a reward
In the business world, rewards are regularly used to improve employee motivation and productivity. Turns out, what’s good for the boardroom works in the laundry room too. That might mean watching a guilty-pleasure Netflix series while you fold or timing your takeout delivery to arrive as you’re putting the last of the clothes away. Anything to tack on a little bonus for your efforts.
Their laundry room is an organized oasis
Anyone who has ever described laundry as a “peaceful” activity does not have a laundry room brimming with clutter. Instead, it’s a thoughtfully laid out place of order: easily portable baskets, cleared surface for folding, wall-mounted drying rack that’s tucked away when not in use, and maybe even a pullout shelf for quick access to detergent, dryer sheets, and stain removers.
They get the most out of their machines
If you’re a true laundry buff, you know the value of a top-notch washer and dryer, and you’re diligent about maintenance. That means wiping the washer down after each use to get rid of mold-inducing moisture (an absolute must with front loaders!) and running the self-clean cycle at least once a month. You probably also clean the dryer lint screen every time and remove lint and other debris from the duct at least once a year, to keep the hot air flowing and reduce the risk of fire.
They have set laundry times
Whether it’s Saturday morning or certain weeknights after dinner, laundry is built into the rhythm of the household. When you tackle this task as part of a regular routine, it becomes second nature (almost like brushing your teeth), instead of feeling like a chore that’s always sneaking up on you.
They eliminate blockers
Laundry lovers know how to get rid of the things that can make washing, folding, and putting clothes away seem onerous. For example, skipping the supersize detergent boxes and bottles in favor of more manageable containers or even single-use pacs, like Persil ProClean Discs, or replacing a dresser with shallow drawers that make it difficult to squeeze anything in. It’s all about working smarter, not harder.
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