Are you tired of constantly smelling like detergent? Are your clothes always coming out with stains instead of clean and fresh? Well, fear not my friends. We've all been there, from the days of being our mama's helper to becoming our own DIY laundry guru. So when did you first start doing your own laundry? Let's take a trip down memory lane and reminisce on this life-changing moment.
The Beginning Stages
We all remember that pivotal point in time when we were finally deemed old enough to handle adult-like tasks such as doing our own laundry. For some it was at the ripe age of 10 while for others it may have taken until college before taking that leap.
Regardless, we can all agree that initially things didn't go as planned. Who knew so much could go wrong with just separating colors?! And let's not even get started on ironing (flattening wrinkles with a hot metal thingy).
But alas, through trial-and-error (and calling Mom every step of the way), we eventually found ourselves proudly announcing "I'm independent!" as we folded freshly laundered towels into neat little piles.
The Teenage Years
As teenagers, everything began transitioning from playful colors and ridiculous patterns to more standard options suitable for public outings (which made secretly wearing PJs in public an even greater joy).
During this stage is usually when one discovers their favorite fabric softener scent (me personally – vanilla bean) or realizes washing jeans separately actually does make a difference (no need for blue legs!). But most importantly, teenage years are where frugality kicks in since mama ain't buying no more clothes after puberty hits!
Go ahead and admit it…budgeting never looked better than trying to stretch $20 over several thrift store outfits so you could splurge on concert tickets with your friends.
The College Years
Ah, college. The place where most of us ended up sleeping in until noon on weekends and living off ramen noodles but for some reason wanted to look our best while doing so (can't have that special someone catching you slippin').
During this period is when we discovered the true meaning of timeless clothing (or clothes that can last multiple days without washing) and where products like "Febreze" were regarded as miracle inventions. You may have also found yourself packing laundry bags to bring back home when visiting family during break times; why waste 4 whole quarters at the laundromat?
But let's pause for a moment because WHO ELSE utilized those dorm washer/dryer combos as an essential part of their workout routine? Because I certainly did…Gotta put my muscles into something besides walking all those miles across campus, amirite?!
Adulthood Strides
Fast forward years later where you find yourself taking care of your own family – including being responsible for ALL household cleaning duties. This comes with climbing even higher mountains than before such as: outgrowing old machine functionality while learning how to shop around (a girl has to have her features - unlike appliances!), making decisions for you + spouse’s wardrobe preferences and finding extra time amidst work schedules.
But through it all arises a sense of satisfaction knowing who created order within the chaos; YOU! Allowing healthy relationships between garment material types and attention-to-detail alignment perfectly harmonizing plaid patterns, etc..etc.. It almost makes one forget how much they loathe bending over to pick up stray socks or having a load sit idly by waiting for an unoccupied dryer (burned shirts be damned!)…
So there we are folks cue emotional background music. From awkward teen stages (also known as college), budgeting tactics reigning supreme (again, college), to making specific product choices ( adulthood), mastering the laundry game wasn't just another household chore, it was actually an ability to rely on oneself (and show mama just how independent one could become).
So let's all take a moment and give props where they are due. To all our past lives’ mistakes + accidents during wash cycles, air drys or ironing board debacles…the journey brings true clarity that doing your own laundry is no small feat but when accomplished should be noted as an award-winning achievement!
Here’s to being a DIY Laundry Guru! 🎉