Weekend Projects

This Weekend: Let’s Shine A Little Light on Your Laundry’s Worst Log Jams

updated Apr 30, 2019
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(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)
(Image credit: Ashley Poskin)

Laundry is one of those endless jobs with no real beginning or end. If you successfully go through the entire cycle of sorting, washing, folding, and putting things away, then you’re a well-oiled machine and unstoppable. But when there’s a break at any point in the chore chain, piles quickly build up and get away from you. This weekend, clear all the blockages and get things flowing again.

This Weekend’s Assignment: Take care of your lingering laundry backlog, and clear out any lint clogging your dryer.

(Image credit: Ashley Poskin)

Break Up Your Laundry Bottleneck: There’s the load that still isn’t folded a week after washing. And the growing heap of clothes you set aside for special care, ironing, or mending. Add both those things to the lingering collection of orphan socks that you’re loathe to throw out, and you have a mound of mess. Take a few minutes to clear out all these clogs and reset your routine.




(Image credit: Ashley Poskin)

Clean Your Machines: Articles of clothing aren’t the only things that pile up; lint lingers too. If you own your own dryer, just cleaning the trap after every load doesn’t take care of all the fuzzy bits. Lint builds up in the heating element or exhaust duct (and yes, if you haven’t heard, can catch fire). And if all that wasn’t fun enough, washing machines also get stinky and mildew-y if they stay shut a long time, and can always use a refresh.

→ Beyond the Lint Trap: It’s Important to Really Clean Your Dryer

Remember, as with all of our Weekend Projects, just do what you have the time and energy to do. If you only get a chance to unite a pair of separated socks, give yourself a personal cheer! Because that’s one thing in your home that’s more complete than it was last week.

SHOW US YOUR WEEKEND WORK! Share your tips and photos of your Weekend Project work on Instagram or Twitter with the hashtag #ATweekendproject.

(Image credit: Wangangee)

Wangangee’s been hard at work designing a space —check out her hand-drawn elevation!

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Check out the entire 2016 Plan for a Healthy & Happy Home to access all the Weekend Project ideas and download our April Home Checklist while you’re there. It’s a great, low-pressure way to keep your life running smoothly and maintain a happy & healthy home!