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Laundry Love: Finding Joy in a Common Chore
Patric Richardson, aka the "Laundry Evangelist,” reveals his revolutionary methods for cleaning clothes—and making laundry loads more fun.
Doing laundry is rarely anyone’s favorite task. But to Patric Richardson, laundry isn't just fun—it's a way of life. After years of running Laundry Camp at the Mall of America for thousands of eager learners, he's ready to share his tips, tricks, and hacks—bringing surprise and delight to this commonly dreaded chore.
Sorting your laundry? It's not all about whites and darks. Pondering the wash cycles? Every load, even your delicates, should be washed using express or quick-wash on warm. Facing expensive dry cleaning bills? You'll learn how to wash everything—yes everything—at home. And those basically clean but smelly clothes? Richardson has a secret for freshening those too (hint: It involves vodka, not soap).
Changing your relationship with laundry can also change your life. Richardson’s handy advice shows us how to save time and money (and the planet!) with our laundry—and he intersperses it all with a healthy dose of humor, real-life laundry stories, and lessons from his Appalachian upbringing and career in fashion.
Laundry Love will make you wonder why you ever stressed about ironing, dry cleaning, or (god forbid) red-wine spills on your new couch. No matter the issue, Richardson is here to help you make laundry miracles happen—wrinkles and stains be damned.
Doing laundry is rarely anyone’s favorite task. But to Patric Richardson, laundry isn't just fun—it's a way of life. After years of running Laundry Camp at the Mall of America for thousands of eager learners, he's ready to share his tips, tricks, and hacks—bringing surprise and delight to this commonly dreaded chore.
Sorting your laundry? It's not all about whites and darks. Pondering the wash cycles? Every load, even your delicates, should be washed using express or quick-wash on warm. Facing expensive dry cleaning bills? You'll learn how to wash everything—yes everything—at home. And those basically clean but smelly clothes? Richardson has a secret for freshening those too (hint: It involves vodka, not soap).
Changing your relationship with laundry can also change your life. Richardson’s handy advice shows us how to save time and money (and the planet!) with our laundry—and he intersperses it all with a healthy dose of humor, real-life laundry stories, and lessons from his Appalachian upbringing and career in fashion.
Laundry Love will make you wonder why you ever stressed about ironing, dry cleaning, or (god forbid) red-wine spills on your new couch. No matter the issue, Richardson is here to help you make laundry miracles happen—wrinkles and stains be damned.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published March 30, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 825 reviews
July 7, 2021
Yep! I read a whole book about laundry. And why not? Laundry is something I do with much regularity, and odds are you do to.
Patric Richardson, who runs a laundry camp at Mall of America (seriously) and is known as the “Laundry Evangelist,” has written a little how-to/self-help/memoir about “finding joy in a common chore.” Now I don’t know if the book successfully taught me where the *joy* is in washing clothes, but it did highlight some winners and losers:
Winners:
- Warm water, express cycle wash for everything
- Wool dryer balls and crumpled up tin foil to reduce static
- Ironing (though I’ll admit I mostly skimmed this part ‘cuz I’m still not going to do it)
- Vodka! Spray it on clean clothes that just need to air out odors
- Natural laundry care products including vinegar, rubbing alcohol and baking soda
- The environment
- Well-made, quality clothing
Losers:
- Tide (and anything else that comes in a big plastic jug)
- Fabric softeners and dryer sheets
- Bleach
- Dry cleaning
- Cold water wash
- Fast fashion
Laundry Love is the rare book that I got from the library but am considering purchasing to have on hand for whenever I need to reference its advice on a particular fabric or stain. Plus, I find its cheerful cover just so irresistible! Maybe if I put it in my laundry room, it will actually bring me a little joy while doing this common chore. ;)
Blog: https://www.confettibookshelf.com/
Patric Richardson, who runs a laundry camp at Mall of America (seriously) and is known as the “Laundry Evangelist,” has written a little how-to/self-help/memoir about “finding joy in a common chore.” Now I don’t know if the book successfully taught me where the *joy* is in washing clothes, but it did highlight some winners and losers:
Winners:
- Warm water, express cycle wash for everything
- Wool dryer balls and crumpled up tin foil to reduce static
- Ironing (though I’ll admit I mostly skimmed this part ‘cuz I’m still not going to do it)
- Vodka! Spray it on clean clothes that just need to air out odors
- Natural laundry care products including vinegar, rubbing alcohol and baking soda
- The environment
- Well-made, quality clothing
Losers:
- Tide (and anything else that comes in a big plastic jug)
- Fabric softeners and dryer sheets
- Bleach
- Dry cleaning
- Cold water wash
- Fast fashion
Laundry Love is the rare book that I got from the library but am considering purchasing to have on hand for whenever I need to reference its advice on a particular fabric or stain. Plus, I find its cheerful cover just so irresistible! Maybe if I put it in my laundry room, it will actually bring me a little joy while doing this common chore. ;)
Blog: https://www.confettibookshelf.com/
May 27, 2021
If you had told me I’d read a book about laundry and find it so delightful I’d give it 5 stars, I never would have believed you. It’s not exactly an enthralling subject, or chore (although it does give me more time to listen to my audiobooks). But when it came recommended by Anne Bogel of the blog, Modern Mrs. Darcy, I decided to take a chance. I’m so glad I did!
The author has a degree in Fashion Merchandising, is the owner of the vintage clothing boutique, Mona Williams, in the Mall of America, where he holds "Laundry Camps", and is the star of The Laundry Guy on Discovery Plus. He also has a website complete with videos on Laundry Evangelist.com. In other words, this guy knows his stuff. The joy in the title refers to how he views taking care of laundry and clothing as a way of showing love to those you care about.
The book is part memoir, as the author charmingly shares stories about his life and the women in his life, specifically his mother and granny, who were his greatest influences. I loved that he shares humorous anecdotes along with tips and tricks. This is not a dry how-to book!
This was a book I didn’t know I needed. At 208 pages it‘s a quick read. I highly recommend the audio as it’s expertly and humorously narrated by the author himself in his gentle and charming southern accent (he was born and raised in KY). I listened to it in one day, and immediately bought a hard copy for my keeper shelf.
I may not find complete joy in doing laundry but it has made me look at the chore with new eyes. I can nerd out over stuff like this. I love learning new things especially if it's presented with humor.
Oh…and I found out after years of doing countless loads of laundry and sending items out to the dry cleaners, that I have been doing much of it WRONG! And I’m willing to bet so are you. To find out more you will just have to read the book 😊
The author has a degree in Fashion Merchandising, is the owner of the vintage clothing boutique, Mona Williams, in the Mall of America, where he holds "Laundry Camps", and is the star of The Laundry Guy on Discovery Plus. He also has a website complete with videos on Laundry Evangelist.com. In other words, this guy knows his stuff. The joy in the title refers to how he views taking care of laundry and clothing as a way of showing love to those you care about.
The book is part memoir, as the author charmingly shares stories about his life and the women in his life, specifically his mother and granny, who were his greatest influences. I loved that he shares humorous anecdotes along with tips and tricks. This is not a dry how-to book!
This was a book I didn’t know I needed. At 208 pages it‘s a quick read. I highly recommend the audio as it’s expertly and humorously narrated by the author himself in his gentle and charming southern accent (he was born and raised in KY). I listened to it in one day, and immediately bought a hard copy for my keeper shelf.
I may not find complete joy in doing laundry but it has made me look at the chore with new eyes. I can nerd out over stuff like this. I love learning new things especially if it's presented with humor.
Oh…and I found out after years of doing countless loads of laundry and sending items out to the dry cleaners, that I have been doing much of it WRONG! And I’m willing to bet so are you. To find out more you will just have to read the book 😊
July 15, 2024
I really loved this sweet little book on the best way to do laundry. Patric Richardson is so warm and funny and he knows his stuff. He has a degree from the University of Kentucky where he studied textiles and grew up in Kentucky with loving, supportive, and indulgent parents, grandparents, and neighbors. It makes my home state sound a whole lot better than it usually does. He lives in Minnesota now and has his own women's clothing store at the Mall of America.
I learned so much and have already reaped the benefits with cleaner, softer clothes and fluffier towels. The things that make the difference are not expensive either. Wool dryer balls are cheap and they cut down dryer time considerably. Using the express cycle for every washer load saves money, time and is good for the environment. These are just a couple of the takeaways I now practice religiously. Im going to have to buy the book to use as a reference for stain removal.
I learned so much and have already reaped the benefits with cleaner, softer clothes and fluffier towels. The things that make the difference are not expensive either. Wool dryer balls are cheap and they cut down dryer time considerably. Using the express cycle for every washer load saves money, time and is good for the environment. These are just a couple of the takeaways I now practice religiously. Im going to have to buy the book to use as a reference for stain removal.
October 13, 2023
Patric Richardson loves washing and caring for textiles passionately. Fortunately for us, that passion has birthed Laundry Love, the only book needed to learn how to correctly care for clothing, from washing to stain-removal to folding and storing. Laundry Love’s main takeaway is that nearly everything can be washed in the washing machine; the key is to do it right. There’s so much people are doing wrong with laundry because they’re on auto-pilot following outdated instructions, or they never learned properly to begin with.
Richardson has a few hard-and-fast rules, many loves, and some hates. In particular, he sings the praises of dryer balls; hanging-to-dry as often as possible (both for energy-saving reasons and clothing longevity); and all-natural, plant-based detergents (but steer clear of the commercial “all-naturals” manufactured by major brands), among many other things. Fabric softeners, dryer sheets, and bleach are the devil and should be avoided at all costs (nor are they necessary). Cold water doesn’t effectively clean clothing despite the claims of cold-water detergents. Removing stains, even set-in stains, is easy if you have the right tools, and the author has a truly laid-back attitude when it comes to stain-removal--because his methods really work.
Importantly, Laundry Love isn’t simply a collection of anecdotal tips. For the significant points, Richardson cites the science or statistics to explain his push for or against something. Straight-up opinion is confined to what most people are less likely to prioritize--for example, effective ironing and steaming, or how to fold a fitted sheet neatly.
Laundry Love is also a bit more than a how-to. Richardson, a native of Kentucky who currently lives in Minnesota, sprinkled in childhood anecdotes of the charming Southern variety. It sounds as if he had an idyllic life growing up, with many loving adult figures who from the start supported and encouraged his interest in clothing and its care. His love for these people shines through, and I was deeply impressed by his family. While the majority of others (especially Southern others) were reinforcing the oppressive and destructive tenets of toxic masculinity in their sons and grandsons, Richardson’s family appreciated that which makes him uniquely him. He sounds like an exceptional human being, someone who genuinely enjoys teaching people in his “laundry camp” and now, with this book. His voice is cheerful and nonjudgmental, even when addressing the more negative aspects of laundry care (e.g., damage to the environment). He owns a clothing boutique in the Mall of America and has an eye for fashion, so in the last chapter he offers fashion advice, much of it refreshingly rule-breaking and joyful.
I especially appreciate Richardson’s dedication to environmentally friendly practices, which is a running theme. It’s not only that dry cleaning is just plain unnecessary; it’s that it’s hazardous to the environment and to human health. (Studies show that those most at risk of disease are, unsurprisingly, employees in the business but also those who live near dry-cleaning businesses). Along the same lines, commercial detergents and fabric softeners are extremely damaging to both water and air, while leading to a host of serious health problems. The kicker is that the damaging things he talks about aren’t even necessary for successful clothing care, or necessarily effective.
This slim book is a guide, but it’s also an uplifting, entertaining read. I never expected a laundry-care book to warm my heart, but this one did from the first anecdote. Richardson’s friendly voice, his sharing of childhood memories, and the laundry instruction itself is a winning combination that prevents Laundry Love from being a bland, utilitarian handbook. At the end, there’s even a recipe section featuring some of his favorite family recipes for foodies. But the book does have “laundry” in its title, after all, and its dominant identity is about how to wash and care for clothes, which everyone does to some degree over the course of their lives. Full-time nudists can go ahead and skip it, but for everyone else, this book is valuable.
Complementary listening: An interview of the author and some information from the book can be heard on NPR’s “Life Kit” podcast, with the episode title “The new rules of laundry.”
Richardson has a few hard-and-fast rules, many loves, and some hates. In particular, he sings the praises of dryer balls; hanging-to-dry as often as possible (both for energy-saving reasons and clothing longevity); and all-natural, plant-based detergents (but steer clear of the commercial “all-naturals” manufactured by major brands), among many other things. Fabric softeners, dryer sheets, and bleach are the devil and should be avoided at all costs (nor are they necessary). Cold water doesn’t effectively clean clothing despite the claims of cold-water detergents. Removing stains, even set-in stains, is easy if you have the right tools, and the author has a truly laid-back attitude when it comes to stain-removal--because his methods really work.
Importantly, Laundry Love isn’t simply a collection of anecdotal tips. For the significant points, Richardson cites the science or statistics to explain his push for or against something. Straight-up opinion is confined to what most people are less likely to prioritize--for example, effective ironing and steaming, or how to fold a fitted sheet neatly.
Laundry Love is also a bit more than a how-to. Richardson, a native of Kentucky who currently lives in Minnesota, sprinkled in childhood anecdotes of the charming Southern variety. It sounds as if he had an idyllic life growing up, with many loving adult figures who from the start supported and encouraged his interest in clothing and its care. His love for these people shines through, and I was deeply impressed by his family. While the majority of others (especially Southern others) were reinforcing the oppressive and destructive tenets of toxic masculinity in their sons and grandsons, Richardson’s family appreciated that which makes him uniquely him. He sounds like an exceptional human being, someone who genuinely enjoys teaching people in his “laundry camp” and now, with this book. His voice is cheerful and nonjudgmental, even when addressing the more negative aspects of laundry care (e.g., damage to the environment). He owns a clothing boutique in the Mall of America and has an eye for fashion, so in the last chapter he offers fashion advice, much of it refreshingly rule-breaking and joyful.
I especially appreciate Richardson’s dedication to environmentally friendly practices, which is a running theme. It’s not only that dry cleaning is just plain unnecessary; it’s that it’s hazardous to the environment and to human health. (Studies show that those most at risk of disease are, unsurprisingly, employees in the business but also those who live near dry-cleaning businesses). Along the same lines, commercial detergents and fabric softeners are extremely damaging to both water and air, while leading to a host of serious health problems. The kicker is that the damaging things he talks about aren’t even necessary for successful clothing care, or necessarily effective.
This slim book is a guide, but it’s also an uplifting, entertaining read. I never expected a laundry-care book to warm my heart, but this one did from the first anecdote. Richardson’s friendly voice, his sharing of childhood memories, and the laundry instruction itself is a winning combination that prevents Laundry Love from being a bland, utilitarian handbook. At the end, there’s even a recipe section featuring some of his favorite family recipes for foodies. But the book does have “laundry” in its title, after all, and its dominant identity is about how to wash and care for clothes, which everyone does to some degree over the course of their lives. Full-time nudists can go ahead and skip it, but for everyone else, this book is valuable.
Complementary listening: An interview of the author and some information from the book can be heard on NPR’s “Life Kit” podcast, with the episode title “The new rules of laundry.”
December 4, 2023
4 stars
short review for busy readers: sparkling, slightly camp but always heartfelt guide to caring for textiles, tips for stain removal, proper use of washers & dryers, shopping/wardrobe planning and a few other tips by a professional textile expert. Many sections meant for quick reference. Blog-style format. A few too many personal anecdotes, which took off a star.
in detail:
Laundry is the one single household chore I don't mind doing. I'll wash my clothes, I'll wash your clothes, and hell, I'll probably iron both of our clothes for fun if we're not careful. (Just don't ask me to cook, mop or scrub anything made of porcelain, okay? You can do that.)
Given my already positive feels for laundry, I'm really the last person to need convincing that it might not be the dull, annoying experience apparently a lot of people think it is. But if that does happen to be you, there are a few fun ideas you might like to try to not make the experience so painful.
Most of the big tips in this book I already do. Largely because of cost concerns but also because living in a crowded European city is much different from living in American suburbia, whose denizens the author is clearly speaking to.
That doesn't matter much, though. There are still some really great pro-tips to be gleaned. Here are a few...
*wool can be washed in a regular washing machine (he tells you how), it doesn't need to be dry cleaned
*a tin foil ball chucked into the dryer with wet laundry eliminates static cling
* velvet covered hangers save the most space in a closet
* spritzing clothing with a fine mist of vodka removes cig smoke & food smells
* the bachelor solution of airing clothes is better than washing them in many cases
But here is why I very much enjoyed this particular book vs perhaps other books on textile care: If I need technical advice, I want it from a gay man.
Yes, I do.
Gay men just seem to intimately know how to do everything from working complicated toasters to the best way to hang wallpaper. That may seem like a stereotype, but I've been amazed more than a few times at the breath and depth of helpful knowledge gay men seem to have, just 'cause. Show me to the gay guy in any department; he's the one I want to talk to!
And our author is very clearly that guy.
Sure, he talks about some luxury stuff, drops designer names and assumes a certain amount of wealth and skill you might not have. That's totally normal for someone in his position. I can't use info on how to care for expensive cashmere coats either, but probably many of his clients can.
The best suggestion in the book for me was: "every laundry room needs a disco ball".
Amen to that! 💃🧺🕺👔
short review for busy readers: sparkling, slightly camp but always heartfelt guide to caring for textiles, tips for stain removal, proper use of washers & dryers, shopping/wardrobe planning and a few other tips by a professional textile expert. Many sections meant for quick reference. Blog-style format. A few too many personal anecdotes, which took off a star.
in detail:
Laundry is the one single household chore I don't mind doing. I'll wash my clothes, I'll wash your clothes, and hell, I'll probably iron both of our clothes for fun if we're not careful. (Just don't ask me to cook, mop or scrub anything made of porcelain, okay? You can do that.)
Given my already positive feels for laundry, I'm really the last person to need convincing that it might not be the dull, annoying experience apparently a lot of people think it is. But if that does happen to be you, there are a few fun ideas you might like to try to not make the experience so painful.
Most of the big tips in this book I already do. Largely because of cost concerns but also because living in a crowded European city is much different from living in American suburbia, whose denizens the author is clearly speaking to.
That doesn't matter much, though. There are still some really great pro-tips to be gleaned. Here are a few...
*wool can be washed in a regular washing machine (he tells you how), it doesn't need to be dry cleaned
*a tin foil ball chucked into the dryer with wet laundry eliminates static cling
* velvet covered hangers save the most space in a closet
* spritzing clothing with a fine mist of vodka removes cig smoke & food smells
* the bachelor solution of airing clothes is better than washing them in many cases
But here is why I very much enjoyed this particular book vs perhaps other books on textile care: If I need technical advice, I want it from a gay man.
Yes, I do.
Gay men just seem to intimately know how to do everything from working complicated toasters to the best way to hang wallpaper. That may seem like a stereotype, but I've been amazed more than a few times at the breath and depth of helpful knowledge gay men seem to have, just 'cause. Show me to the gay guy in any department; he's the one I want to talk to!
And our author is very clearly that guy.
Sure, he talks about some luxury stuff, drops designer names and assumes a certain amount of wealth and skill you might not have. That's totally normal for someone in his position. I can't use info on how to care for expensive cashmere coats either, but probably many of his clients can.
The best suggestion in the book for me was: "every laundry room needs a disco ball".
Amen to that! 💃🧺🕺👔
May 9, 2021
Though I acknowledge that I’m coming from a place of laundry privilege, as I don’t have a large and particularly laundry-demanding household - I think laundry is The Best!! It’s my personal equivalent of a dog’s “Squirrel!” Hasn’t unfettered access to laundry been one of the meager highlights of Our Quarantine Year?
One of the reasons I love laundry soooo much is because it’s an unparalleled procrastination mechanism! Like many people, I have two sides to my job: the part where I actually DO my job, and then this other demotivating part where I have to write dry documents (that need to exist, but that no one will likely EVER read) describing either what I already did or will later plan do at my job. (I think there are actually quite a few jobs like this!)
Now, I actually kind of hate writing: I once earned a degree in writing that, if any joy in writing ever threatened to sully my soul, that degree program just repeatedly Oxy-Cleaned the hell right out of it, and that stain has since been scoured away forevermore!
And it’s not pretty to watch me try to put words to paper: it’s definitely akin to the scene in Alien where the baby xenomorph hatches from poor John Hurt’s chest, and nobody needs to see that, and - oh hey, look, the laundry hamper has acccumulated enough stretchy home desk pants to make a load!!
So, given the joy with which laundry has imbued my life - cutting through the static and rendering it softer and more fragrant through the unrelenting turbulence of these times! - OF COURSE I needed to read this book immediately upon its release! And I listened to it on audio, while doing laundry, OF COURSE!
The author seems like a truly lovely individual, one of those brainy, witty mavens you fantasize about being best friends with, and it was nice to enjoy a sense of camaraderie around our shared laundry passion and to learn about his lifelong journey to textile expertise. This is one of the three main reasons to read this book.
The second main reason is that the book contains a fairly exhaustive list of instructions to effectively annihilate any stain, including Stains of the Modern Era, such as Avocado, Açaí, Turmeric, and Kombucha! You could crash your car into a smoothie shop, or even get lost in the dark in the Candy Land board game map, and this book would help you obliterate all traces later.
(Side note: Even in the Internet era, having the right household manuals on hand can be life-changing. I have a well-thumbed copy of The House Plant Expert, by D.G. Hessayon, and even though I believe he is well into his 90s, lives in England, avoids publicity to a Pynchon-like degree, and I’m also currently in a relationship, I would definitely still marry him immediately if I had a chance, because all my little plant babies are thriving thanks to him!)
The third reason to read this book is that it’s a virtual Wonka factory of whimsical laundry info! (And again, if you fell into the chocolate river while wearing your favorite hoodie, this book would come to your aid!) Here are some sample tidbits:
-You could buy a whole bunch of cheap vodka at the ABC store, if you wanted, and tell them it’s For Laundry! And it totally could be! Turns out vodka is like the Duck Tape of laundry!
-You can wash your baseball caps in the dishwasher! I will never, ever do that, but it’s sure fun to picture!
-You can WASH AN ACTUAL ENTIRE WOOL SUIT. LIKE, IN YOUR WASHING MACHINE. Seriously, I can’t get over this. I’m pretty sure if I tried, it would turn out looking like something the cat puked up, but apparently it’s possible!
I find this so amazing that even though I hate talking to absolutely anyone, I want to run up to random people in the streets and pull on their sleeves and tell them all about it! I’m not looking to pick up anyone in a bar or anything, ever, at all - but if I were, I think I’d use this suit washing thing as my pick-up line, and maybe someone might even instantly fall in love with me, at least if they knew what was really good for them!
Of course, just as there are always a few unfortunate items lingering unpleasantly at the bottom of your laundry heap, like those frustrating single socks and those Spandex workout capris from 2007 that you might “still need for something someday” - there are also reasons you might not want to read, or might not enjoy reading, this book.
The main reason is that: **Everything you think you know about how to do laundry is actually wrong!**
He gets into this right out of the gate! - never mind the rest of it: you’re even SORTING it wrong! It takes your breath away, and you never quite recover from there! Your fundamental understanding of All Things Laundry is flawed at best and wholly incorrect at worst, even at its most basic, Kindergarten levels! Your laundry technique doesn’t need a mere “glow up”; it needs extreme plastic surgery!
Granted, the author provides a robust tutorial in how exactly to revamp your laundry routine in a manner he argues will be healthier for your clothes, your home, your wallet, and for the well-being of yourself, others, and The World! Nonetheless, the warning bears repeating: to enjoy this book, you must be able to at least tolerate, if not accept, its central thesis that everything you think you know about laundry is wrong!! EVERYTHING.
It’s actually a bit funny: The author starts the book with a kind of disclaimer about how this isn’t going to be a really big deal to make this transition, and there’s just a short, relatively affordable list of supplies to acquire (although, possibly also a new washer/dryer, and a utility sink and a backyard if you don’t have one) and a few relatively simple adjustments to make.
And then what follows is like someone telling you, “Ok, you’re doing amazing, sweetie, making that PB&J sandwich the adorable way you have been, all spreading things around with the butter knife and everything. But the RIGHT way is that you need to fling spoonfuls of peanut butter and jelly up into the air and catch them tidily on their respective bread slices, and then you need to seal the slices together by riding over them three times with a unicycle and then slice off their crusts with four well-placed cuts of a bullwhip!”
But despite the fact that I found this book daunting at times and learned that I would likely be dishonorably discharged from Laundry Boot Camp - hey, sometimes we have to accept that we just love things or people we know are not good for us, and my own Laundry Love and the way I have been practicing it is apparently the equivalent of eating Taco Bell entrees that contain Doritos products as main ingredients.
However, as I hope I have described, there are many other reasons to appreciate this book, regardless of how many of its directives you’re willing and able to implement. And, it would make a great gift!
One of the reasons I love laundry soooo much is because it’s an unparalleled procrastination mechanism! Like many people, I have two sides to my job: the part where I actually DO my job, and then this other demotivating part where I have to write dry documents (that need to exist, but that no one will likely EVER read) describing either what I already did or will later plan do at my job. (I think there are actually quite a few jobs like this!)
Now, I actually kind of hate writing: I once earned a degree in writing that, if any joy in writing ever threatened to sully my soul, that degree program just repeatedly Oxy-Cleaned the hell right out of it, and that stain has since been scoured away forevermore!
And it’s not pretty to watch me try to put words to paper: it’s definitely akin to the scene in Alien where the baby xenomorph hatches from poor John Hurt’s chest, and nobody needs to see that, and - oh hey, look, the laundry hamper has acccumulated enough stretchy home desk pants to make a load!!
So, given the joy with which laundry has imbued my life - cutting through the static and rendering it softer and more fragrant through the unrelenting turbulence of these times! - OF COURSE I needed to read this book immediately upon its release! And I listened to it on audio, while doing laundry, OF COURSE!
The author seems like a truly lovely individual, one of those brainy, witty mavens you fantasize about being best friends with, and it was nice to enjoy a sense of camaraderie around our shared laundry passion and to learn about his lifelong journey to textile expertise. This is one of the three main reasons to read this book.
The second main reason is that the book contains a fairly exhaustive list of instructions to effectively annihilate any stain, including Stains of the Modern Era, such as Avocado, Açaí, Turmeric, and Kombucha! You could crash your car into a smoothie shop, or even get lost in the dark in the Candy Land board game map, and this book would help you obliterate all traces later.
(Side note: Even in the Internet era, having the right household manuals on hand can be life-changing. I have a well-thumbed copy of The House Plant Expert, by D.G. Hessayon, and even though I believe he is well into his 90s, lives in England, avoids publicity to a Pynchon-like degree, and I’m also currently in a relationship, I would definitely still marry him immediately if I had a chance, because all my little plant babies are thriving thanks to him!)
The third reason to read this book is that it’s a virtual Wonka factory of whimsical laundry info! (And again, if you fell into the chocolate river while wearing your favorite hoodie, this book would come to your aid!) Here are some sample tidbits:
-You could buy a whole bunch of cheap vodka at the ABC store, if you wanted, and tell them it’s For Laundry! And it totally could be! Turns out vodka is like the Duck Tape of laundry!
-You can wash your baseball caps in the dishwasher! I will never, ever do that, but it’s sure fun to picture!
-You can WASH AN ACTUAL ENTIRE WOOL SUIT. LIKE, IN YOUR WASHING MACHINE. Seriously, I can’t get over this. I’m pretty sure if I tried, it would turn out looking like something the cat puked up, but apparently it’s possible!
I find this so amazing that even though I hate talking to absolutely anyone, I want to run up to random people in the streets and pull on their sleeves and tell them all about it! I’m not looking to pick up anyone in a bar or anything, ever, at all - but if I were, I think I’d use this suit washing thing as my pick-up line, and maybe someone might even instantly fall in love with me, at least if they knew what was really good for them!
Of course, just as there are always a few unfortunate items lingering unpleasantly at the bottom of your laundry heap, like those frustrating single socks and those Spandex workout capris from 2007 that you might “still need for something someday” - there are also reasons you might not want to read, or might not enjoy reading, this book.
The main reason is that: **Everything you think you know about how to do laundry is actually wrong!**
He gets into this right out of the gate! - never mind the rest of it: you’re even SORTING it wrong! It takes your breath away, and you never quite recover from there! Your fundamental understanding of All Things Laundry is flawed at best and wholly incorrect at worst, even at its most basic, Kindergarten levels! Your laundry technique doesn’t need a mere “glow up”; it needs extreme plastic surgery!
Granted, the author provides a robust tutorial in how exactly to revamp your laundry routine in a manner he argues will be healthier for your clothes, your home, your wallet, and for the well-being of yourself, others, and The World! Nonetheless, the warning bears repeating: to enjoy this book, you must be able to at least tolerate, if not accept, its central thesis that everything you think you know about laundry is wrong!! EVERYTHING.
It’s actually a bit funny: The author starts the book with a kind of disclaimer about how this isn’t going to be a really big deal to make this transition, and there’s just a short, relatively affordable list of supplies to acquire (although, possibly also a new washer/dryer, and a utility sink and a backyard if you don’t have one) and a few relatively simple adjustments to make.
And then what follows is like someone telling you, “Ok, you’re doing amazing, sweetie, making that PB&J sandwich the adorable way you have been, all spreading things around with the butter knife and everything. But the RIGHT way is that you need to fling spoonfuls of peanut butter and jelly up into the air and catch them tidily on their respective bread slices, and then you need to seal the slices together by riding over them three times with a unicycle and then slice off their crusts with four well-placed cuts of a bullwhip!”
But despite the fact that I found this book daunting at times and learned that I would likely be dishonorably discharged from Laundry Boot Camp - hey, sometimes we have to accept that we just love things or people we know are not good for us, and my own Laundry Love and the way I have been practicing it is apparently the equivalent of eating Taco Bell entrees that contain Doritos products as main ingredients.
However, as I hope I have described, there are many other reasons to appreciate this book, regardless of how many of its directives you’re willing and able to implement. And, it would make a great gift!
September 9, 2023
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...
I can’t add much to what Regina has put so well. I do the laundry for five most every day. If I came from a different culture, I might write about “Zen and the Art of Laundry Maintenance.” As it is, the advice in this book is well worth reading and Regina has distilled it down to what even those with ADHD (like one of mine) can get through without a pause.
"Yep! I read a whole book about laundry. And why not? Laundry is something I do with much regularity, and odds are you do too.
Patric Richardson, who runs a laundry camp at Mall of America (seriously) and is known as the “Laundry Evangelist,” has written a little how-to/self-help/memoir about “finding joy in a common chore.” Now I don’t know if the book successfully taught me where the *joy* is in washing clothes, but it did highlight some winners and losers:
Winners:
- Warm water, express cycle wash for everything
- Wool dryer balls and crumpled up tin foil to reduce static
- Ironing (though I’ll admit I mostly skimmed this part ‘cuz I’m still not going to do it)
- Vodka! Spray it on clean clothes that just need to air out odors
- Natural laundry care products including vinegar, rubbing alcohol and baking soda
- The environment
- Well-made, quality clothing
Losers:
- Tide (and anything else that comes in a big plastic jug)
- Fabric softeners and dryer sheets
- Bleach
- Dry cleaning
- Cold water wash
- Fast fashion
Laundry Love is the rare book that I got from the library but am considering purchasing to have on hand for whenever I need to reference its advice on a particular fabric or stain. Plus, I find its cheerful cover just so irresistible! Maybe if I put it in my laundry room, it will actually bring me a little joy while doing this common chore. ;)"
I can’t add much to what Regina has put so well. I do the laundry for five most every day. If I came from a different culture, I might write about “Zen and the Art of Laundry Maintenance.” As it is, the advice in this book is well worth reading and Regina has distilled it down to what even those with ADHD (like one of mine) can get through without a pause.
"Yep! I read a whole book about laundry. And why not? Laundry is something I do with much regularity, and odds are you do too.
Patric Richardson, who runs a laundry camp at Mall of America (seriously) and is known as the “Laundry Evangelist,” has written a little how-to/self-help/memoir about “finding joy in a common chore.” Now I don’t know if the book successfully taught me where the *joy* is in washing clothes, but it did highlight some winners and losers:
Winners:
- Warm water, express cycle wash for everything
- Wool dryer balls and crumpled up tin foil to reduce static
- Ironing (though I’ll admit I mostly skimmed this part ‘cuz I’m still not going to do it)
- Vodka! Spray it on clean clothes that just need to air out odors
- Natural laundry care products including vinegar, rubbing alcohol and baking soda
- The environment
- Well-made, quality clothing
Losers:
- Tide (and anything else that comes in a big plastic jug)
- Fabric softeners and dryer sheets
- Bleach
- Dry cleaning
- Cold water wash
- Fast fashion
Laundry Love is the rare book that I got from the library but am considering purchasing to have on hand for whenever I need to reference its advice on a particular fabric or stain. Plus, I find its cheerful cover just so irresistible! Maybe if I put it in my laundry room, it will actually bring me a little joy while doing this common chore. ;)"
November 1, 2023
Laundry Love is chock full of practical tips to get the most out of your clothes and textiles by caring for them, while also being mindful of the burden on the environment. My favorite section was on line drying your clothes, a practice that has continued in the UK, but is rarely seen now in the USA.
I miss the joy and companionship of the simple task of hanging laundry out to dry using a special peg basket or bag with my grandmother, or mother. Then, there's that rush of adrenaline when you see a spot of rain on the window, and rush out to bring the laundry in before it gets wet all over again. Only this last Sunday, while talking to my parents who live in the UK, our chat was interrupted by the need to bring in the laundry from their washing line.
Why line dry? It's gentler on our clothes and better for our planet. "Most high-quality textiles can endure just fifty trips through the washer and dryer," which means that it will be worn out within a year. As Patric Richardson writes, "My idea of the ultimate luxury is sun-dried, fresh-smelling laundry taken right off the line - especially sheets, and then sleeping in those sheets. Sheer heaven."
The most surprising thing I learned from Laundry Love is that oil stains can be removed by spraying with a solution of "50 percent white vinegar and 50 percent water" and washing as usual. I have been spot treating oil stains successfully with Murphy's oil soap for several years now, however I'm going to try this new solution.
A bonus at the back of the book: "Laundry Love's Recipes (worth every stain)," and finally, a list of laundry icons, however the print is so tiny underneath each icon that they are hard to read.
I miss the joy and companionship of the simple task of hanging laundry out to dry using a special peg basket or bag with my grandmother, or mother. Then, there's that rush of adrenaline when you see a spot of rain on the window, and rush out to bring the laundry in before it gets wet all over again. Only this last Sunday, while talking to my parents who live in the UK, our chat was interrupted by the need to bring in the laundry from their washing line.
Why line dry? It's gentler on our clothes and better for our planet. "Most high-quality textiles can endure just fifty trips through the washer and dryer," which means that it will be worn out within a year. As Patric Richardson writes, "My idea of the ultimate luxury is sun-dried, fresh-smelling laundry taken right off the line - especially sheets, and then sleeping in those sheets. Sheer heaven."
The most surprising thing I learned from Laundry Love is that oil stains can be removed by spraying with a solution of "50 percent white vinegar and 50 percent water" and washing as usual. I have been spot treating oil stains successfully with Murphy's oil soap for several years now, however I'm going to try this new solution.
A bonus at the back of the book: "Laundry Love's Recipes (worth every stain)," and finally, a list of laundry icons, however the print is so tiny underneath each icon that they are hard to read.
December 31, 2020
I loved this book! It was like sitting down and having a wonderful chat with your favorite fashionista friend over the best possible cup of coffee. (Like my first cafe creme when I finally made it to Paris!)
Patric knows everything about textiles, fabrics, fashions and how to care for them. In my 20's I was a hopeless clothes horse, working in the industry and spending a HUGE part of my meager earnings on my dry cleaning bill. It wasn't until my late 40's that I finally got up the courage to take a few "dry clean only" items and wash them in cold water. We all survived! And cashmere sweaters that were part of my "salary"...well if a goat can live outside, I'm sure hand-washing a sweater won't hurt it. I wish I had this book back then! I was so nervous every time I didn't follow the washing instructions on labels. Patric confidently instructs us all, with great humor, knowledge and so many fun stories. I wish I lived closer to his shop so I could attend his Laundry Camp with my dear friend, Lori. I know we would have a blast. I'll settle instead, with giving her this charming book for her birthday.
Patric knows everything about textiles, fabrics, fashions and how to care for them. In my 20's I was a hopeless clothes horse, working in the industry and spending a HUGE part of my meager earnings on my dry cleaning bill. It wasn't until my late 40's that I finally got up the courage to take a few "dry clean only" items and wash them in cold water. We all survived! And cashmere sweaters that were part of my "salary"...well if a goat can live outside, I'm sure hand-washing a sweater won't hurt it. I wish I had this book back then! I was so nervous every time I didn't follow the washing instructions on labels. Patric confidently instructs us all, with great humor, knowledge and so many fun stories. I wish I lived closer to his shop so I could attend his Laundry Camp with my dear friend, Lori. I know we would have a blast. I'll settle instead, with giving her this charming book for her birthday.
May 15, 2022
A wonderful book filled with informative laundry and textile tips written with wry humor! Excellent information on what type of detergent to use and how to successfully treat different stains. I have to buy a copy to own and more to use for gifting.
March 25, 2022
I was expecting/hoping for something a little more introspective or philosophical, but I enjoyed those moments when we got them and also got some great tips/tricks that I've started using (those aluminum foil balls for the dryer - game changer)
May 8, 2021
I was looking forward to this book. It just was blah to me. I sat in the library parking lot and read it all yesterday and walked back and put it in the drop box. Either I was expecting too much, or over the last 7 years of doing a LOT of laundry, I’ve learned a few tricks! 🥳 Even his point about trying to beautify the laundry room/space wasn’t new. He puts a disco ball (cool!), I put up old artist study landscapes I like, in IKEA frames. 🖼🧺 Most of it was review for me.
Except the sportswear part: He said to not wash anything in cold because it won’t get the temperature high enough to release the oils in the clothes and wash them away. No cold water period, he really recommended. Even that I did already, but it was nice to know it was recommended. One more tidbit I hadn’t thought of was to separate warm colors and cold colors into different loads because if they happen to bleed it won’t show as bad.
I think honestly I was hoping for more joy and while I love being able to listen to a podcast or book on tape while doing laundry, and there is joy in the satisfaction of getting it done, we just have to do laundry and it is a part of life that we do and do again; sometimes joyfully, sometimes overwhelmed and tired and that’s okay. On reflection of my disappointment about what this book didn’t offer, I was thankful for the reminder, that this was NOT going to solve my attitude. I had to. 💕🧺
Except the sportswear part: He said to not wash anything in cold because it won’t get the temperature high enough to release the oils in the clothes and wash them away. No cold water period, he really recommended. Even that I did already, but it was nice to know it was recommended. One more tidbit I hadn’t thought of was to separate warm colors and cold colors into different loads because if they happen to bleed it won’t show as bad.
I think honestly I was hoping for more joy and while I love being able to listen to a podcast or book on tape while doing laundry, and there is joy in the satisfaction of getting it done, we just have to do laundry and it is a part of life that we do and do again; sometimes joyfully, sometimes overwhelmed and tired and that’s okay. On reflection of my disappointment about what this book didn’t offer, I was thankful for the reminder, that this was NOT going to solve my attitude. I had to. 💕🧺
February 9, 2022
This book came onto my radar via MMD summer reading list. It is a lighthearted visit to the laundry room. Those who love textiles, both historic and modern, will find this fascinating. Those who want cleaner clothes without chemicals will find this essential. The guides in the book would be helpful for people with little experience in the laundry room with stain removal. Over a half century doing laundry and a quarter century working in textiles and I still had more to learn!
Mostly though this was a trip down memory lane. What was old is new again. I particularly enjoyed reading about line drying. Patric’s description of hanging clothes with his grandmother transported me back to my mother’s side, handing her the pins as she artfully hung the wash.
Patric's humor is throughout bringing a smile to a routine activity. Use this book hoot as a good palette cleanser after heavy reading.
Mostly though this was a trip down memory lane. What was old is new again. I particularly enjoyed reading about line drying. Patric’s description of hanging clothes with his grandmother transported me back to my mother’s side, handing her the pins as she artfully hung the wash.
Patric's humor is throughout bringing a smile to a routine activity. Use this book hoot as a good palette cleanser after heavy reading.
March 3, 2022
I thought it was a joke when someone told me this was her new favorite book (neither she nor I were known to care much about laundry . . .) but I see now what she meant and I am inclined to agree with her! I have spent years trying to cut down on the amount of plastic my family uses, for environmental reasons, and Richardson's chatty, folksy, sometimes comical text makes it clear that we do NOT need giant plastic jugs of commercial detergents (or fabric softener, or stain removers etc. etc. etc.) to keep our garments clean. Hurrah! I have photocopied the pages that show what we could use instead, and am off in search of soap flakes, sodium carbonate, rubbing alcohol and Amodex, and will check back in after I have tried these eminently logical and compelling suggestions.
Richardson sounds like a guy you'd like to know -- kudos to him for a most amusing and useful book!
Richardson sounds like a guy you'd like to know -- kudos to him for a most amusing and useful book!
August 1, 2022
The only book I've ever read where I've needed both the audio and physical version. Listen for whimsy, cosiness and to help you fall back in love with life. Own a copy to save your clothes and perhaps life.
July 9, 2021
I have never ever met a person who loved laundry.
All that changed when I listened to LAUNDRY LOVE by author Patric Richardson.
Yes, this author and celebrated star of Discovery Plus's "The Laundry Guy" show, LOVES LAUNDRY!
https://www.twincities.com/2021/03/01...
Dubbed "The Laundry Evangelist" by his huge fanbase, Patric Richardson is passionate about the art and science of folding laundry, keeping clothing clean, and extending the life cycle of all garments.
I listened to the audiobook. Richardson narrates the memoir and his enthusiasm is contagious. TRUE FACT: Richardson was so convincing that he ALMOST had me believing that laundry is a task that I should be loving, too.
He also ALMOST had me convinced that with the right products/techniques, it was possible to make any stain completely disappear.
Richardson offers an abundance of laundry tips/tricks. Before listening to LAUNDRY LOVE, I had tried many of his stain-removing strategies without success. Alcohol, vinegar, and baking soda never worked for me. With the exception of washing baseball caps in the dishwasher, I already knew most of Richardson's tips but I still never tired of listening to his recommendations.
The audiobook was supposed to be accompanied by a PDF link with laundry tips but this link was nowhere to be found. (Maybe it got lost in the wash?) I contacted the publisher and have not yet received a reply.
Patric Richardson's narration was outstanding; making a book that could have easily been dull very engaging.
Although I enjoyed listening to a book about laundry written by a person who actually LOVES LAUNDRY, I still don't feel that I will ever find joy in the common chore of doing laundry.
All that changed when I listened to LAUNDRY LOVE by author Patric Richardson.
Yes, this author and celebrated star of Discovery Plus's "The Laundry Guy" show, LOVES LAUNDRY!
https://www.twincities.com/2021/03/01...
Dubbed "The Laundry Evangelist" by his huge fanbase, Patric Richardson is passionate about the art and science of folding laundry, keeping clothing clean, and extending the life cycle of all garments.
I listened to the audiobook. Richardson narrates the memoir and his enthusiasm is contagious. TRUE FACT: Richardson was so convincing that he ALMOST had me believing that laundry is a task that I should be loving, too.
He also ALMOST had me convinced that with the right products/techniques, it was possible to make any stain completely disappear.
Richardson offers an abundance of laundry tips/tricks. Before listening to LAUNDRY LOVE, I had tried many of his stain-removing strategies without success. Alcohol, vinegar, and baking soda never worked for me. With the exception of washing baseball caps in the dishwasher, I already knew most of Richardson's tips but I still never tired of listening to his recommendations.
The audiobook was supposed to be accompanied by a PDF link with laundry tips but this link was nowhere to be found. (Maybe it got lost in the wash?) I contacted the publisher and have not yet received a reply.
Patric Richardson's narration was outstanding; making a book that could have easily been dull very engaging.
Although I enjoyed listening to a book about laundry written by a person who actually LOVES LAUNDRY, I still don't feel that I will ever find joy in the common chore of doing laundry.
October 13, 2021
This is the BEST, most HELPFUL book I’ve ever read!!! The author obtained a degree in textiles and shares his amazing knowledge on how to properly launder - which I never realized was a thing and apparently doing completely wrong! Like, how do we not learn these basics in life?!?! Not only is proper laundering WAY CHEAPER, but it takes LESS TIME as well 🤯
Listened to the audiobook (the author is adorable!) then purchased the hardback to keep forever as reference because there’s just so much great stuff in here! The hubs and I were both skeptical going in, but he explains the hows and why’s and it all makes so much sense. And he makes it low-key so it all feels very do-able. We made some immediate changes in my household (blueing, laundry soap, wool balls and spiky balls for dryer) and it’s made SUCH A DIFFERENCE! OMG y’all, I seriously can’t believe how excited I am over LAUNDRY 🤣😂
I’ve spoken with everyone I can about this the past few days and have my parents and four coworkers on board 😂 I could keep going on and on giving details because I’m so excited over this, but just READ IT! Or LISTEN!
It’s life-changing laundry greatness✌️
Listened to the audiobook (the author is adorable!) then purchased the hardback to keep forever as reference because there’s just so much great stuff in here! The hubs and I were both skeptical going in, but he explains the hows and why’s and it all makes so much sense. And he makes it low-key so it all feels very do-able. We made some immediate changes in my household (blueing, laundry soap, wool balls and spiky balls for dryer) and it’s made SUCH A DIFFERENCE! OMG y’all, I seriously can’t believe how excited I am over LAUNDRY 🤣😂
I’ve spoken with everyone I can about this the past few days and have my parents and four coworkers on board 😂 I could keep going on and on giving details because I’m so excited over this, but just READ IT! Or LISTEN!
It’s life-changing laundry greatness✌️
March 2, 2021
I think I might have fallen in love with laundry. What an awesome book! Patric certainly made me giddy to sort my clothes and also motivated me to make some drastic changes. This book is filled with practical tips for better laundering as well as charming tales of history and proven results. I've already ordered some supplies and I'm ready to become a mixologist of natural laundry solutions that will make our household healthier and happier. When it comes to the chemicals we use in softeners and detergents, I've never been comfortable, but now I feel like I have the right guidance to get me into a healthy routine that takes us back to the old-school way of doing things. The right way of doing something is sometimes the simpler way and I appreciate how this book laid out the steps for each fabric, color, and stain while also sorting away all the unnecessarily complicated instructions our machines and labels give us. Thank you so much, NetGalley and Flatiron Books for letting me in on this book! I loved it!
June 12, 2021
There was some really good stuff in here, but also some fluff that wasn't always very relatable. I've been to the dry cleaner twice in the last ten years I think, so his constant emphasis on saving time and money by no longer having to go to the dry cleaner didn't really land. And I wish there was more detail in some of the instructions (especially on using vodka to prevent recurring smells on sports/workout clothes) but there were also some good nuggets about dealing with stains, the technology of washing machines and modern textiles, environmental concerns, etc. It kept my interest throughout as I realized there is a lot to learn about both the science and art of laundry. Im going to try a lot of his methods in the next few months!
April 26, 2021
Like a good life coach, Richardson takes your doubting hand and, through wit, personal stories, and a spoonful of sodium percarbonate à la Mary Poppins, leads you down a path better for both everything (including Mother Earth) and everyone that you love. Oh, and you'll also learn how to do laundry. Inspirational and a jolly good audiobook, but you'll definitely need the print copy to refer back to again and again. I can't wait to use all of the techniques and kinder laundry products that I've learned about. Now, where did I put that disco ball...?
April 10, 2022
I loved this book! I like a good practical nonfiction book, and this one was not just useful but also a delight to read. For anyone who ever has to wash clothes. Now you will WANT to!
Thank you to NetGalley and Flatiron for the advance copy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Flatiron for the advance copy.
January 5, 2024
This is a book about laundry. As he says, laundry is a universal task. We all do it! I l personally love anyone who is really passionate about a thing and his passion definitely came through in this book. I did the audiobook but would need the paper copy to remember any of the specific recommendations. It’s a fun, short listen with an epilogue that made me laugh.
April 6, 2021
Learned so much and a fun read.
August 10, 2021
I really didn't know what to expect when I ordered this from the library. From memory it was recommended via Modern Mrs Darcy reads website. At least that's what I think. My brain is getting quite foggy of late and probably needs a good clean itself. Anyway this is the kind of book that weirdly I read for comfort. Lord knows why but I find reading books on etiquette and household management reassuring. Please don't draw any conclusions that I am consequently a model of tact and decorum and keep an impeccable home. On the contrary. I think I read this stuff to imagine how I might be and how my home might be.....one day ;) There were so many surprises in this book.
One - it was hardcover. I thought this was somewhat excessive given the subject matter but hey, you might be reading it in the laundry, so best to keep it as water-proof as you can. The more I read it the more I realised that it is a reference book and we always want reference books to last as long as possible - so - good choice publishers. Way to go.
Two - the author spells his name without a "k". First time I have "met" a Patric. I lead a very narrow life obviously.
Three - it's written with a sense of humour.
Four - it contains serious and credible information as well. (It's the first time someone has explained weft to me sensibly)
Five - people actually go to Laundry Camp ????
You can read this book in a night. At 185pp it's a cinch. But you will go back to re-read it to remind yourself of the lessons and look up solutions for stains.
What did I get out of it? Well I'm not doing those silly enormously long washes anymore. 30 mins max - hoorah and getting it out on the line. Now I just have to convince Robbie to turn the hot water back on and use liquid instead of powder. And to stop using fabric softener.
One - it was hardcover. I thought this was somewhat excessive given the subject matter but hey, you might be reading it in the laundry, so best to keep it as water-proof as you can. The more I read it the more I realised that it is a reference book and we always want reference books to last as long as possible - so - good choice publishers. Way to go.
Two - the author spells his name without a "k". First time I have "met" a Patric. I lead a very narrow life obviously.
Three - it's written with a sense of humour.
Four - it contains serious and credible information as well. (It's the first time someone has explained weft to me sensibly)
Five - people actually go to Laundry Camp ????
You can read this book in a night. At 185pp it's a cinch. But you will go back to re-read it to remind yourself of the lessons and look up solutions for stains.
What did I get out of it? Well I'm not doing those silly enormously long washes anymore. 30 mins max - hoorah and getting it out on the line. Now I just have to convince Robbie to turn the hot water back on and use liquid instead of powder. And to stop using fabric softener.
May 16, 2021
What a fun book! Since I love doing laundry, this book called out to me. The author has a hilarious sense of humor, and I giggled all the way through this one.
August 23, 2021
I think this book has changed my life.
March 9, 2022
After unexpectedly enjoying Fridge Love, last year, I wondered if I could feel some affection for other household chores.
Laundry Love gets off to a bad start when American Textiles expert, Richardson, tells us he will ‘slash’ our laundry time to four hours and ten minutes per week! Do people really spend that much time on it? “What are you going to do with all that extra time?” he asks. Well, if you’re including the time the washing actually spends going through a cycle, I don’t have to actually stand and watch it spin: I can write a novel, open a business or nap (his ideas) while the machine does its job.
Next comes a list of 16 essential items (and a further 7 optional ) some of which (and maybe this is because I’m in the UK) sounded very unfamiliar.
There’s a lot of padding with personal memoirs , which I skimmed over, tbh. (‘Grannies’ featured heavily.)
The book picked up, however, when Richardson confirmed the things I already believe: dry cleaning is unecessary and undesirable, and most laundry can be machine-washed using just one cycle programme. I also like that he advocates reducing the amount of times we wash a garment – better for the planet and better for our clothes.
His chapter on Laundry Rooms slightly amused me as, while acknowledging that some are better than others, he didn’t seem to entertain the idea that the washer might be kept in the kitchen, which I think is the most common set-up in Britain. ( Laundry or ‘utility’ rooms are aspirational though!)
Overall, there’s a lot of useful information in this book, but some of the fluffier bits should have been caught in the lint filter.
Laundry Love gets off to a bad start when American Textiles expert, Richardson, tells us he will ‘slash’ our laundry time to four hours and ten minutes per week! Do people really spend that much time on it? “What are you going to do with all that extra time?” he asks. Well, if you’re including the time the washing actually spends going through a cycle, I don’t have to actually stand and watch it spin: I can write a novel, open a business or nap (his ideas) while the machine does its job.
Next comes a list of 16 essential items (and a further 7 optional ) some of which (and maybe this is because I’m in the UK) sounded very unfamiliar.
There’s a lot of padding with personal memoirs , which I skimmed over, tbh. (‘Grannies’ featured heavily.)
The book picked up, however, when Richardson confirmed the things I already believe: dry cleaning is unecessary and undesirable, and most laundry can be machine-washed using just one cycle programme. I also like that he advocates reducing the amount of times we wash a garment – better for the planet and better for our clothes.
His chapter on Laundry Rooms slightly amused me as, while acknowledging that some are better than others, he didn’t seem to entertain the idea that the washer might be kept in the kitchen, which I think is the most common set-up in Britain. ( Laundry or ‘utility’ rooms are aspirational though!)
Overall, there’s a lot of useful information in this book, but some of the fluffier bits should have been caught in the lint filter.
August 4, 2021
Note: I also wrote this review for the Manchester Public Library (CT) Goodreads account.
4.5 stars. Not only was this book full of tons of handy laundry tips, with the explanation for each one, but it was also fascinating to read, at least for me! I've already adopted a handful of Richardson's practices and am adding more to my laundry routine. Very readable and not at all dull, with brief but mostly relevant side stories, and even a few (food) family recipes at the back. Definitely keeping a copy of this near my washer and dryer for the stain section alone.
4.5 stars. Not only was this book full of tons of handy laundry tips, with the explanation for each one, but it was also fascinating to read, at least for me! I've already adopted a handful of Richardson's practices and am adding more to my laundry routine. Very readable and not at all dull, with brief but mostly relevant side stories, and even a few (food) family recipes at the back. Definitely keeping a copy of this near my washer and dryer for the stain section alone.
February 17, 2024
Laundry is my least favorite chore. I dread it. I also don’t always have confidence that I am correctly caring for my clothes. So when I saw this book in a Little Free Library, I picked it up in hopes that maybe I would come to find *something* to love in laundry. But then I moved and in the chaos this book was packed up with several other unrelated volumes and completely forgotten. A few months later I rediscovered it but it wasn’t until one night when I couldn’t sleep that I picked it back up. I figured it would probably be boring enough to finally allow me to get some shuteye. To my surprise, the book is not boring at all, and it’s actually quite fascinating to learn about different textiles. It turns out you can wash just about anything in a washing machine, as long as you follow protocol for the fabric type. I also like how the author shifts your mindset from seeing laundry as a chore to a way of showing love and care to yourself and others. The anecdotes about the author’s family and the family recipes are a nice touch, too. I haven’t tried out any of these tips yet so who knows if I’ll actually come to enjoy laundry, but I do have a fresh perspective, and this book will definitely become a go-to guide. (3 stars but bumping up to 4 because who knew laundry could be this interesting)
April 27, 2021
This was a quick, fun, and really informative read.
As a busy mom, I’m still not convinced that properly sorting our laundry into color coordinated piles and making sure I’m using all-natural-made-by-Puritans-in-the-woods soap will change our lives. I love my tide. And my dryer sheets. I am however, reconsidering my use of dryer sheets now that I know the tin foil trick.
I listened to this on audio thanks to an ALC copy from
libel.fm, I think I might snag a hard copy so I can make use of the long list of really useful fail proof laundry stain removers.
As a busy mom, I’m still not convinced that properly sorting our laundry into color coordinated piles and making sure I’m using all-natural-made-by-Puritans-in-the-woods soap will change our lives. I love my tide. And my dryer sheets. I am however, reconsidering my use of dryer sheets now that I know the tin foil trick.
I listened to this on audio thanks to an ALC copy from
libel.fm, I think I might snag a hard copy so I can make use of the long list of really useful fail proof laundry stain removers.
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