Laundry Is My Personal Enemy ☠️😭

Oh my goodness, when I thought laundry couldn't get any worse, I started noticing my clothes weren't getting as clean, or worse, my washing machine was making weird noises! That's when I realized I was probably overloading the drum. You know how it is when those laundry baskets just keep filling up? It's so tempting to cram everything in one go, especially when you're a busy mom. But I learned the hard way that an overloaded washing machine drum is not only bad for your clothes but can seriously damage your machine over time. I used to think 'more clothes, fewer loads' was the way to go, but it actually backfires. When the drum is too full, your clothes don't have enough space to move freely, meaning the detergent can't circulate properly, and dirt and grime don't get rinsed away. It's like trying to wash dishes in a sink packed to the brim – nothing truly gets clean! Plus, all that extra weight puts a massive strain on the motor and bearings of your machine, leading to costly repairs. I remember seeing a Resolve spray bottle on my counter and thinking, 'If I just pre-treat this stain, maybe I won't have to rewash this whole load.' Small steps like that really help! So, how do you know if your washing machine drum is overloaded? A good rule of thumb I picked up is the 'hand test.' After you've loaded your clothes, you should be able to comfortably fit your hand vertically on top of the laundry, between the clothes and the top of the drum. If you can't, it's too full! Other signs include clothes still being dirty after a wash, excessive vibration or noise during the spin cycle, or even water leaking from the machine. Believe me, I've seen it all! To tackle this endless laundry mountain without overloading, I've had to change my strategy a bit. First, sorting is key – not just by color, but by fabric type and how dirty items are. This helps me create more manageable loads. For those heavily soiled items, like my kids' muddy play clothes, I always pre-treat them (sometimes with that trusty Resolve spray bottle!) to ensure they get clean the first time, avoiding the need for rewashing and adding to the pile. I also try to do smaller, more frequent loads throughout the week instead of one massive laundry marathon on the weekend. It feels less overwhelming and prevents the drum from getting completely stuffed. It's still a struggle, honestly. Some days, I still look at the overflowing baskets and sigh. But by being mindful of how I load the washing machine and breaking down the task, I've noticed my clothes are cleaner, my machine is happier, and I feel a tiny bit more in control of this never-ending chore. It's all about finding those small wins in the chaos of mom life, right?