Doing the laundry can definitely be a chore. Aside from the stains and the other concerns, there are some things that can really bug you on laundry day. Here are some ideas that could help you streamline your laundry duties.

Pre-sort. If all you start off with on laundry day is an overflowing hamper and a lot of sorting to do, then you might want to segregate your clothes as soon as they’re off your back. Get some cheap containers that you can label “whites,” “colors,” “towels,” and “work clothes.” This way, you start off with a manageable load and no more sorting.

Losing drawstring. It really sucks when the drawstrings of your athletic wear slips through the holes. Worse, you lose them entirely. One way to prevent this is to tie/sew a sizable button on each end to prevent them from slipping out again.

Buckles. If you have some articles of clothing that have them huge buckles, you know what kind of ruckus they can create banging against the drum of your washer. Not to mention your washer taking the abuse. Use safety pins to fasten them securely inside pockets.

Tassels, ribbons and laces. If some of your clothes have strips of cloth that can get caught in the washer rotor, then tie them up in a bow. Better yet, if they’re delicate, hand wash them.