10.4.3.6: Laundry

Always wear gloves when handling soiled laundry. Find out how to use the washing machine and dryer by reading the instruction manual, asking the patient, and/or a supervisor. Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides should talk to their patient about their preferences about how they want their clothing laundered. Some types of clothing should only be hand washed or washed in certain temperatures and with special washing cycles. Some clothing items should not be placed in the dryer.

• Check all pockets for money and other items prior to washing. Return any money found to the appropriate person.
• Separate clothing into piles to be washed. Darks, whites, towels, and delicate items are all usually washed separately from each other.
• Only use the recommended amount and type of laundry detergent. Some machines require high-efficiency detergent. Using more or the wrong kind of detergent can ruin the washing machine.
• Some clothing requires specialty detergent. Baby clothing should only be washed with hypoallergenic and special detergent to prevent skin irritation.
• Never use bleach when washing clothing other than all-white clothing or linen. Check with the patient prior to using bleach to find out their preferences.
• Soiled or stained clothing may require pretreatment with a special cleaner prior to washing. A small amount of liquid detergent or stain treater can be applied to the stain and worked in with a scrub brush or old toothbrush. Whenever possible, treat stains immediately. They are more difficult to remove once set.
• Use the correct temperature for washing the clothing. Use cool or cold water whenever possible to save energy and money. Hot water is generally used for bed linens, towels, and whites. Cold water is generally used for darker items.
• Use the correct wash and dry settings for the clothing to be washed/dried. Normal wash and dry settings can be used for most clothing. Delicate or gentle cycles are typically used for delicate clothing, undergarments, curtains, and tablecloths. Find out the patient’s preferences. Heavier items such as towels and blankets need longer drying times and will usually be set on higher temperatures.
• Use fabric softeners and dryer sheets according to patient preferences. Generally, dryer sheets are not used with towels as it prevents water absorption.
• Clean the lint filter after every use. This prevents fires and helps the dryer to work most efficiently.
• Keep the top of the washing machine and dryer clean. Wipe up laundry detergent spills immediately.
• Fold clothing once dry immediately in order to prevent wrinkling. Store clothing in the appropriate place. Fasten hooks and buttons prior to storing. Always ensure clothing is completely dry prior to storage or mildew can grow.
• When ironing, always check the clothing label for the appropriate iron temperature. Use the lowest setting if you are unsure.
• Use only distilled water in irons to prevent clothing staining from minerals in hard water. Use an ironing board or special surface while ironing to prevent burns to the surface on which you are ironing.
• Always keep the iron moving and never set it on clothing as this will burn and damage the clothing. It could also potentially cause the clothing to set on fire.
• Immediately hang or store clothes once you have finished ironing to prevent wrinkling.

Self Check Activity \(\PageIndex{1}\)

True or False

1. Bleach can be used with any type of fabric, as it is a good disinfectant. True or False? ______

2. If clothing is very dirty, you can use more detergent than the instructions say. True or False? ______

3. Before washing, clothing should be separated by darks, whites, towels, and delicates. True or False? _____

Answer

1. False

2. False

3. True

FEEDBACK:

1. Bleach is not safe to use on all types of fabric. Generally bleach is only used on white linens.

2. You should not use more detergent than the instructions on the washing machine or laundry detergent label states. This could damage the washing machine.

3. Clothing should be separated prior to washing by color and type of fabric. This will help prevent clothing from becoming damaged.