Laundry Room Clutter: The One Thing You Should Tidy Up

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Doing laundry can feel like a real headache, with all the sorting, washing temperatures, and drying methods to keep track of. And when you see those Instagram influencers showing off their multi-step laundry routines, it can make you feel like you’re not doing it right. But the truth is, you don’t need a ton of fancy products to get your clothes and linens clean. In fact, having a cabinet full of laundry stuff is more likely to turn you into a hoarder than help you get the job done.

To keep things simple, you really only need a few key items: a good detergent, a stain remover, and a whitening agent. That’s it! You don’t need all the extra scents, softeners, and specialty cleaners that companies try to sell you. Those influencers probably get that stuff for free or get paid to show it off, but you can do just fine with the basics and save some money in the process.

To get your laundry routine back to basics, start by getting rid of any products that don’t directly help clean your clothes or make the drying process more efficient. That means you can say goodbye to things like specialty laundry scents and fabric softeners. These can actually leave residue and trap odors in your clothes over time, and they can even be hard on your washing machine. Stick to the essentials – a good detergent, an enzyme-based stain remover, some bleach for whitening, and maybe some vinegar if you have hard water. And if you want to use fabric softeners, look for natural, reusable options that can help reduce static and soften clothes without all the extra chemicals.