Laundry Lifesaver: FREE Printable Laundry Cheat Sheet For Kids
I’ve coached my kids on handling their laundry, but I still get questions like, “Where does the detergent go?” and “Which buttons do I press?“
From your 8-year-old to your college student, this laundry cheat sheet ensures everyone is on track!
Not only does it lighten mom’s load, but it also instills teamwork and essential life skills in your kids. It’s a win-win situation!
Key Steps in the Laundry Cheat Sheet
This cheat sheet is easy to follow. You can customize it by adding or marking off directions as necessary.
Alternatively, utilize the free blank laundry cheat sheet to tailor it to your kids’ age levels and your preferences.
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Step 1: Wash:
- Sort dirty clothes into whites, darks, and delicates. Wash towels and bedding separately.
- Empty pockets and pre-treat stains.
- Place load in the washing machine and add laundry detergent into the labeled spot.
- Set the water temperature and press start. (Water temps are included on the cheat sheet, BUT it is also okay to start by washing everything in cold water when starting.)
Step 2: Dry
- Remove clothes from washing machine and place in dryer.
- Dry clothes on medium or normal. Delicates will be dried on low or hung to dry.
- Fold or hang clean clothes and put them away.
How I Use the Laundry Cheat Sheet
I put this laundry cheat sheet in a page protector and taped it directly on top of the washing machine.
I also added laundry to their weekly printable chore charts. The chores tie into their daily routine checklists.
I’ve followed these steps for laundry as my kids have aged:
- Ages 2-4: Put dirty clothes and towels in the hamper. Assist parents with basic laundry steps.
- Ages 5-8: Sort clothes into whites and darks. Place clothes into the washer and learn basic laundry steps. Put away clothes.
- Ages 9+: Handle the entire laundry process independently, including washing, drying, folding, and putting away their clothes.
Easy Tip: Each kid has a laundry basket in their bedroom closet. It simplifies the sorting process and keeps each child’s clothes separate. This setup allows them to manage their laundry independently.
*Use this simple video tutorial to help your kids learn how to fold shirts and pants.
FREE Printable Laundry Cheat Sheet For Kids
Fill out the form below for more great printables, family things to do, and routine ideas:
Simple Laundry Tips When Teaching Your Kids
Model & Practice
Show your kids how to do each step of the laundry process. Let them observe you in action before they try it themselves.
Allow your kids to practice doing laundry with supervision until they feel confident enough to do it on their own.
Praise Good Efforts
Praise your kids for their efforts and celebrate their achievements as they become more independent.
Use Rewards if Needed
Do your kids need a little motivation? Try one of these easy reward ideas for kids to inspire them. Or let them pick from a coupon on this free kids coupon printable.
Let Things Go
Embrace progress over perfection!
My kids tend to dump their entire laundry hamper into the washing machine without sorting. I’ve learned to let it go. Surprisingly, nothing has been ruined yet!
Plus, I’m happy they’re pitching in with household chores and learning valuable life skills.
What’s Next?
Check out this list of chores by age for kids if you want to get your kids to help out even more.
Also, for more fun and motivating printables, check out the routine pack for kids. Buy it here!
