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AIBU?

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AIBU to think some families have cracked laundry and the rest of us are doing it the hard way? (AD)

126 replies

LibbyMumsnet · 02/07/2026 09:30

This thread has been created in partnership with Persil

We did a quick straw poll at MNHQ about laundry (STICK WITH US, WE PROMISE) and expected the usual answers of separate your whites, don’t leave wet washing in the machine for an entire weekend and try not to shrink anything expensive.

Instead, it turns out some people are operating on an entirely different plane. There was talk of enzyme soaking, specific stain strategies, strict rules about towels and alarmingly strong views on drum capacity. Frankly, it was a lot to take in.

So now we want to know what are your genuinely next-level and achievable laundry tips? The things that actually work on food, mud, paint, grass, school uniform marks and the general evidence of family life. Do you pre-treat? Soak? Separate with military precision? Have a drying system? Know exactly when something is salvageable and when it should be quietly retired? We also want to hear from you if your laundry basket is an overflowing, accusing presence in the corner of the room - what would make life easier for you?

We’re working with *Persil Ultimate Non-Bio Capsules on this thread, so we’re especially interested in tips that help with busy family laundry and everyday mess, while still being gentle next to sensitive skin.

We will also be picking one Mumsnetter at random to receive a £200 VEX voucher as a thank you for taking part (T&Cs apply). To enter the prize draw, simply post on this thread by Friday 31st July 2026.

AIBU to think some families have properly cracked laundry - and if so, can they please tell the rest of us what they’re doing?

*Keep out of reach of children. LEARN MORE www.keepcapsfromkids.eu ©A.I.S.E.

OP posts:
Sartre · 02/07/2026 09:33

I have 5 DC so as you can imagine, a heck of a lot of washing. As with most cleaning jobs, the easiest method is to not let it accumulate over the week. I do a separate white wash but only once a week. Bedding tends to be washed separately. Other than that, everything goes in together on a 30 degree cycle. I’d estimate I do 8 loads per week.

Drying is obviously easier in summer but during the winter months we have to use a tumble dryer otherwise nobody would have any clothes!