5 Tricks for People Who Don’t Like Folding Laundry
Updated: Mar. 15, 2024
Ready to fall in love with folding laundry? We have simple tips to make the chore faster, easier and even fun!
“Yay! Time to fold laundry!” said no one, ever. But in fact, sorting and folding doesn’t have to be your least favorite chore. These quick tips make folding laundry a little less painful, and a little more fun. Be sure to also pick up products that make doing the laundry easier from start to finish.
1. Netflix and Fold
It may seem like a no-brainer, but just in case you’ve been standing in the laundry room to fold, wistfully thinking about all the other fun things you could be doing instead—here’s a tip. Incorporate some entertainment into your folding. Pile the laundry on the couch and binge your favorite Netflix show while you fold. Other ideas: listen to a podcast, crank up some music or watch a few YouTube videos. You could even make a laundry folding date with your best friend, and FaceTime while you fold!
2. Assign Each Family Member a Laundry Basket
Some believe folding laundry is the worst task, but others would argue that putting away the laundry is even worse. There’s usually several piles of clothing that now must be carried to several different bedrooms.
To make the putting away task a easier, assign each family member their own laundry basket. Line up all the empty baskets near your folding pile. As you fold, place the folded clothes in the correct basket for each person. Then it’s just a matter of delivering each basket to the correct bedroom. Or better yet, family members can simply grab their basket of folded clothes, and put the clothing away themselves. Now that’s teamwork.
3. Use a Folding Board
A BoxLegend folding board ($17) can get the job done quick. Simply place a shirt or sweater on the board, fold the flaps in the correct order, and the garments come out in perfectly folded squares. Your clothes not only will look like Marie Kondo herself folded them, but they’ll take up less space as well.
4. Take out Hanging Clothes First
Another time-saving trick is to remove the clothes that will go on hangers first. This will decrease that daunting pile of foldables to a more manageable size. Grab a pile of hangers before you begin, then place everything that needs to be hung on a hanger and stack them in a pile. When it’s time to put the hanging clothes away, grab the pile by the hooks and swiftly hang them in the correct closets. Easy peasy.
5. Wash Socks in Mesh Bags
What if we told you that you never have to lose another sock in the laundry again? It’s true. Give each family member a mesh laundry bag ($9 for 6 bags). Instruct everyone to start putting all their dirty socks in the mesh bag. When it’s laundry day, simply wash and dry the entire closed bag with the socks inside. No more lost socks!
Are those white socks not looking so white anymore? Try these secret laundry ingredients.
Done Folding? Reward Yourself with a Snack!
Soft Beer Pretzel NuggetsWhat goes together better than beer and pretzels? Not much that I can think of. That’s why I put them together into one recipe. I’m always looking for new ways to combine fun flavors. I love the way this recipe turned out! —Alyssa Wilhite, Whitehouse, Texas
Chocolate Pecan Pie Snack MixMy crowd-pleasing party mix is buttery, chocolaty and nutty. The recipe yields a party-sized portion, but I recommend keeping it covered so it doesn’t disappear before the event. —Annette Niemiec, Scottsdale, Arizona
Quinoa GranolaThis is a healthy and tasty snack that I feed to my kids often. They love it!—Cindy Reams, Phillipsburg, Pennsylvania
Richard's Breakfast BarsMy chewy fiber bars with a complex taste are extremely addictive. For clean slices, spray a pizza cutter with cooking spray before cutting.—Richard Cole, Richmond, Texas
Pizza Roll-UpsSince getting this recipe from our 4-H club, it's been a regular after-school snack. We like to dunk these bite-sized pizza treats, made with refrigerated crescent rolls, in spaghetti sauce. —Donna Klettke, Wheatland, Missouri
Chocolate-Covered BaconIt's a hit at state fairs everywhere, but you can make this chocolate-covered bacon at home. Some say bacon is perfect as is, but chocolate makes everything better! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen chocolate-covered bacon
Cranberry Orange Almond Quick BreadYou can customize this bread to your family's specific tastes. Try dried apricots and pecans, or dried blueberries and hazelnuts. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Marinated Almond-Stuffed OlivesMarinated stuffed olives go over so well with company that I try to keep a batch of them in the fridge at all times. —Larissa Delk, Columbia, Tennessee
Brandied Blue Cheese SpreadPour on the holiday spirit with a splash of brandy and three kinds of cheese. Pumpkin seeds, or pepitas, are a crunchy topping for the smooth spread. —T.B. England, San Antonio, Texas
Salted Pecan Shortbread SquaresMy shortbread squares are the ultimate go-to for cookie trays and gift-giving. The buttery caramel and toasted nuts make it tough to eat just one. —Diana Ashcraft, Monmouth, Oregon
Trail Mix ClustersThese delicious snacks make wonderful gifts, and although they look and taste like they came from an expensive chocolate shop, they couldn't be more guilt-free. The dried fruit and nuts are heart-healthy and full of fiber. Bet you can't eat just one! —Alina Niemi, Honolulu, Hawaii
Spicy EdamameEdamame are young soybeans in their pods. While I love to get them with my sushi when I go out, they are also so easy to make at home. —Mark Neufang, Bayshore, Wisconsin
Java MuffinsIf you love your morning java like I do, get a double dose by paring this crunchy pecan-topped muffin with your favorite hot cup of Joe. They travel well and are ideal to take to work—for that mid-morning coffee break, of course. —Zainab Ahmed, Mountlake Terrace, Washington
Crunchy Italian Snack MixEvery time my son visits, he asks me to make "the snack mix." It has become a requirement when we all sit down to play board games. —Sheryl Little, Sherwood, Arkansas
Behr Track Cookie BarsThe holidays are the perfect time to indulge in these ooey-gooey, salty-sweet peanut butter bars. A lot of people comment that the pretzels in the filling are a pleasant surprise. Just make sure to cut cookie bars small—they're super rich. —Megan Behr, Marion, Iowa
Creamy Layered Blueberry Ice PopsThese delicious ice pops can also be made with raspberries or blackberries. The rosemary sprig and lemon zest bring another layer of flavor. The pops are quick, easy, kid-friendly and freezable. —Gloria Bradley, Naperville, Illinois
Turtle ChipsSalty-sweet, crunchy-chewy—so many sensations in one delectable bite. This is the absolute easiest recipe to make! Both kids and adults will be reaching for this goodie. —Leigh Ann Stewart, Hopkinsville, Kentucky
Mini Corn Muffins with Spicy Cheddar FillingI’m an Iowa gardener and I like to feature sweet corn in my recipes. These cute, easy-to-eat bites are a fun change from the usual appetizers. —Margaret Blair, Lorimor, Iowa
Ravioli Appetizer PopsRavioli on a stick is a tasty appetizer everyone talks about. They’re simple and fun to make and eat. Use packaged dipping sauces, or make your own. Get my recipes on my blog, thehopelesshousewife.com. —Erika Monroe-Williams, Scottsdale, Arizona
Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Tortilla ChipsIf you are serious about getting your fruit servings in, this is a fun way to do it. The bright red fruit salsa is addictive. It is best eaten the day it is made. —Nancy Leavitt, Logandale, Nevada
Cranberry Dark Chocolate Trail MixA close friend once gave me a jar of trail mix that was absolutely delicious. My re-creation comes pretty close to the original and is truly one of my favorite snacks! —Nancy Johnson, Laverne, Oklahoma
Marshmallow PopsMaking these pops is a fun activity for a children's party because any age can participate. Customize them for holidays or special occasions by rolling them in coordinating colored sprinkles. —Marcia Porch, Winter Park, Florida
Thai Veggie DipThis delicious dip is full of flavor, color and crunch, but not full of calories. There's mild sweetness from the honey with a bit of heat at the end from the pepper flakes. If spicy food is your thing, feel free to add an extra dash of pepper. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Olive-Stuffed CeleryMy grandmother taught both me and my mom this appetizer recipe for stuffed celery. We always serve it at Christmas and Thanksgiving. The stuffing is so yummy that even if you don't normally care for the ingredients on their own, you'll love the end result. —Stacy Powell, Santa Fe, Texas
Fruity Cereal BarsWith dried apples and cranberries, these crispy cereal bars are perfect for snacks or brown-bag lunches. —Giovanna Kranenberg, Cambridge, Minnesota
Pumpkin PinwheelsCream cheese, mozzarella and roasted red peppers make these pumpkin-shaped pinwheels devilishly delicious. They were a hit at my last Halloween party. —Anndrea Bailey, Huntington Beach, California
Brownie Batter DipI’m all about the sweeter side of dips, and this brownie-batter variety fits in with my life’s philosophy: Chocolate makes anything better. Grab some fruit, cookies or salty snacks and start dunking. —Mel Gunnell, Boise, Idaho
Pressure-Cooker Cheddar Bacon Ale DipMy tangy, smoky dip won the top prize at our office party recipe contest. Use whatever beer you like, but steer clear of dark varieties. —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Nuts and Seeds Trail MixA filling blend of nuts, seeds, chocolate chips and dried fruit keeps you healthy by the handful. —Kristin Rimkus, Snohomish, Washington
Rhubarb and Strawberry Coffee CakeVanilla cake with cream cheese filling and strawberry rhubarb sauce make a grand finale for a Mother’s Day brunch. I made this to honor our moms and grandmothers. —Danielle Ulam, Hookstown, Pennsylvania
Slow-Cooker Coconut GranolaHere's a versatile treat with a taste of the tropics. Change the recipe up a bit by using dried pineapples or other tropical fruits instead of cherries. —Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Creamy Sourdough SnackThis bread bowl dip was a big hit at my mom's 50th birthday party! —Darelyn Payes, Hayward, California
Dilly PretzelsThis savory snack shapes up in mere minutes and disappears just as quickly. My family agrees that you can't eat just one. That's okay, though—making more is just a matter of coating purchased pretzels with spices. Our children are always happy to help! —Sharon Skildum, Maple Grove, Minnesota
Best HummusHummus is my go-to appetizer when I need something quick, easy and impressive. Over the years I've picked up a number of tricks that make this the best hummus recipe you'll ever have. —James Schend, Dairy Freed
Orange-Ancho Spiced NutsGet ready for a flavor adventure. These nuts offer a tasty combination of orange, ancho chili pepper and chocolate. The pepper gives a smoky taste. Increase it to add more warmth.—Leigh Doutt, Pueblo West, Colorado
Frozen Banana Cereal PopsWhen we want a healthy snack, we dip bananas in yogurt, roll 'em in cereal, then freeze. Ta-da! —Scarlett Elrod, Newnan, Georgia
Ultimate Fruity GranolaHoney, maple syrup and vanilla coat this wonderfully crunchy treat that is fantastic no matter how you serve it—on its own, with cold milk, or in a yogurt parfait. —Sarah C. Vasques, Milford, New Hampshire
Sesame-Garlic Pumpkin SeedsThis "everything" mix of pumpkin seeds with other seeds and seasoning is a fun treat—a lively way to use the seeds left over from your Halloween jack-o’-lantern! —Danielle Lee, West Palm Beach, Florida.
Mini Peanut Butter Sandwich CookiesPeanut butter lovers go nuts for these rich little sandwich cookies. On a hot day, sandwich ice cream between the cookies instead of frosting. It cools you right down. —Keri Wolfe, Nappanee, Indiana
Strawberry-Citrus Freezer PopsI knew that clementines and strawberries would create a luscious combination in a fruit pop, and I have to say these are delicious! —Colleen Ludovice, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Italian Herb and Cheese BreadsticksThanks to convenient frozen dough, these delectable breadsticks are oven-ready in 20 minutes. The cheesy bites are so good dipped in warm marinara sauce. —Rebekah Beyer, Sabetha, Kansas
Pistachio Quick BreadI love making many of these special loaves to give away for the holidays. They also freeze well, so it is easy to pull out for unexpected guests. —Judy Fischer, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Almond-Chai GranolaWhether you snack on it by the handful or eat it with milk or yogurt, you’ll be happy that you found this granola recipe. —Rachel Preus, Marshall, Michigan
Princess ToastI made these sparkly treats for my daughter's Brownie troop and they're great for princess parties. Sometimes I use lemon curd in place of the jam. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California
BLT MuffinsThese muffins prove that the classic combo of bacon, lettuce and tomato is good for so much more than a sandwich. They're winners at both breakfast and dinner. —Katie Koziolek, Hartland, Minnesota
Cranberry Brie Pecan PinwheelsThis recipe is a twist on baked Brie. My family always requests these during the holidays. They are delicious and make the kitchen smell amazing! —Jacquie Franklin, Hot Springs, Montana
Fresh Artichokes with Lemon-Yogurt DipArtichokes are at their best when you prepare them simply, without a lot of fuss or seasonings to overdress them. Many people dip the petals in melted butter or mayonnaise, but I think you'll love my tangy lemon-yogurt dip. —Jill Haapaniemi, Brooklyn, New York
Cherry Coconut BarsI came across these easy maraschino cherry bars while stationed at a Michigan Air Force base in 1964 and have been making the recipe ever since. My children don't think an event is special unless they are part of it. —Marguerite Emery, Orland, California
Candy Corn Pudding PopsBring on the fall fun with these easy-peasy frozen treats. A few drops of food coloring make each pop look just like candy corn, but feel free to switch up the colors to match your event. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Pickled Brussels SproutsThis year, when I asked my brother what he wanted for his 31st birthday, he answered, "pickled Brussels sprouts." I had never even tasted a pickled Brussels sprout before. It's hard for me to say "no" to my younger brother, so he got his wish and thought the Brussels sprouts were delicious! —Heather King, Frostburg, Maryland
Zucchini Pico de Gallo SalsaI love veggies and fresh ingredients this time of year. I make big bowls of this salsa, which we eat with pretty much everything in the summer when tomatoes are bountiful. My kids love it, though I leave out the jalapeno when making it for them. —Amy Gattuso, Madison Heights, Michigan
Coconut Cashew CrunchThe crunch is always a hit for Christmas snacking. It’s one of my husband’s favorites—and he says he doesn’t like coconut! It’s incredible on ice cream. —Dana Nemecek, Skiatook, Oklahoma
Spicy Sweet Potato Chips & Cilantro DipThis irresistible combo could become your new signature snack food. Park the spicy baked chips next to a bowl of the cool, creamy dip and let the gang have at it. What a fantastic twist on traditional chips and dip! —Elizabeth Godecke, Chicago, Illinois
Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini Yogurt SauceI created my own cauliflower recipe in honor of my grandma, who taught me to love this delicious and healthy vegetable. She cooked with it all the time.—Lidia Haddadian, Pasadena, California
Potato Chip BitesA friend at church gave me the recipe for these buttery, light and crisp cookies. It has never failed to bring me compliments.—Brenda Stone, Sterrett, Alabama
(If you’re intrigued about the subject, you must also find out how to remove sweat stains from hats.)
Originally Published: January 06, 2020
