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In the laundry

A few simple processes and assistive products make keeping on top of laundry tasks easier. You can see some suggestions to help you in the laundry below.

Questions to consider:

  • Do you have level access from your laundry to the outside clothes line?
  • Do you have a sturdy chair or table set up next to your clothes line to put your laundry basket on?
  • Do you have space in your home to leave a clothes airer up where it will not be a trip hazard?
  • Do you have an apron with a large front pocket to carry and store pegs?

Plan

Reduce your workload by purchasing clothes that don’t need to be ironed. Keep washing powder or liquid next to the machine and purchase them in small containers to lighten the lifting load.

Prepare

Keep your ironing board set up in an accessible place to reduce unnecessary steps. By only filling the iron with a small amount of water you can reduce the weight you’re lifting. Using the steam function or gently dampening clothes makes them easier to iron too.

Pace

Remove clothing from the machine one item at a time to reduce the weight you’re lifting. Divide ironing into manageable 20 to 30 minute chunks and rest every 5 to 10 minutes to conserve your energy. If you can, try using a trolley to carry small loads to the clothes line. Using a clothes dryer instead of a washing line eliminates the need to hang clothes up to dry and can reduce ironing. 

Posture

Place your washing basket on a chair so you don’t have to repeatedly bend down. When sitting to iron, use a perching stool with a back for support. To avoid twisting, a swivel seat makes reaching things easier. Make sure to set your ironing board at the correct height for you. Your elbow should be level with the top of the iron handle.

Simple solutions

Carrying laundry

A washing basket trolley means you don’t have to carry heavy baskets to and from the laundry and stops you having to bend over repeatedly to hang them out. You can also hang clothes on an airer inside to reduce the number of steps you’re taking.

Hanging out the laundry

Adjust the clothes line to suit your height. Try using a chair or table to place the washing basket on. Hang clothes on a hanger if pegs are difficult to use or try pegs that are easy to open and have a large non-slip grip.

Using the washing machine

Elevate front loading washing machines to waist height or install a washer stand. If the numbers are difficult to see, use contrasting stick-on dots to help you see and feel when the dial is on, off or set to the right wash program. You can also buy handy dial turners to help you.

Ironing

Fold clothes as you remove them from the line to reduce ironing. Consider buying clothes that don’t need ironing.

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