10 Laundry Hacks for Parents of Multiples

Last updated on August 16th, 2023 at 10:25 pm

Multiples generate mounds of laundry. It’s not just double (or triple) the clothes, it’s double the bibs, burp cloths, spit-ups and poop-explosions. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to make laundry easier and salvage your multiples’ clothes.

1. Use stain remover

My friends from my local moms of multiples club swear by OxiClean Max Force Stain Remover. Collins said she tried other removers “but this is one of the best. The tip is to put it on the stain, rub it in and let it sit overnight. Most stains come out!” If you are looking for a more eco-friendly product, try Ecover or Sonett Gall Soap, both of which are highly rated.

2. Soak

To prevent stains from setting, immediately soak soiled clothes. The plastic washbasins you get in the hospital work well for this. If you have several, then use one for food stained items, another for poopy clothes and a third for spit-up, or separate them by lights and darks. If time allows, do a preliminary rinse. If not, simply toss the item in the appropriate basin with some cold water (hot water can set stains) and detergent.

3. Treat the stain with the appropriate solution

The University of Illinois has compiled a list of stain solutions. It is a useful reference when you have a specific material you want to remove, such as baby food, formula or berries. Regardless of the culprit, the University recommends that you treat all stains as soon as possible to prevent them from setting.

4. Scrub

Once you have soaked the item, you can use a scrub brush to remove stubborn stains. The surgical scrub brushes you use to wash your hands in the neonatal intensive care unit  (NICU) make great laundry brushes and are excellent for removing spit-up. If you have babies in the NICU, stock up on a few.

5. Add baking soda

Adding baking soda to your regular detergent will help to remove funky smells from clothes. Baking soda can also help whiten white clothes and brighten colors. Arm & Hammer recommends adding ½ cup per wash.

6. Add white vinegar (but not with bleach or baking soda)

Proponents of white distilled vinegar claim it can brighten whites and colors, soften fabrics and reduce static cling and odors. The exact amount to add depends on the function, but most uses require about ¼ to ½ a cup.

**But do not use vinegar and bleach together, as they create a toxic gas when combined. Also, don’t use baking soda and white vinegar in the same load, as they are less effective when combined.

7. Don’t iron

There’s no need to iron kids’ clothes because who cares if they have some wrinkles? They certainly don’t. But if you or your significant other’s clothes have wrinkles you want to remove, consider using a fabric steamer rather than an iron. Steamers – a tool of the trade used by many Hollywood wardrobe departments – are  great at removing wrinkles.

8. Try a laundry folder

Hate folding laundry? Then try a laundry folder board. The makers of these products claim they can save you time and result in neatly folded clothing. These boards are also a fun way to get older multiples to help you fold the laundry. There are separate folders for adult clothing and children’s clothing, so consider which type you want before purchasing.

9. Delegate

Laundry is a great task to delegate to friends or family when they ask, “How can I help?” If you would rather they not touch your unmentionables, throw them in a delicate bag and remove it from the folding pile (delicate bags are also useful for some baby items, such as WubbaNubs and hats).

10. Get an extra laundry basket

Laundry baskets have more purposes than just laundry: they can be used in the bath, as toys or as a way to transport multiples from room to room. Consider purchasing an extra laundry basket for these purposes. An extra basket can also be used for overflow laundry if you haven’t had a chance to put clothes away in a few days, which may be a regular occurrence given how hectic life with multiples can be.

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