I know for a fact that laundry is rarely the first thing anyone wants to do after work or on a weekend. So most of us have picked up a few shortcuts along the way to get clean clothes with less effort.

The point isn’t to cut corners, it’s to find a routine that works for you, especially when the basket is overflowing, says Bronwyn Ragavan, brand manager for laundry brand Personal Touch. Finding methods that fit your life and still give you the results you want is what makes laundry feel less like a chore you dread.

If you’re staring down a full laundry basket this week, try these simple hacks:

Use chalk on grease stains

Chalk absorbs oil really well. Rub a bit onto a greasy kitchen cloth or shirt, let it sit so it soaks up the oil, then brush it off. If there’s still a mark left, rub more chalk on and wash as usual.

Keep socks together

We’ve all lost a sock in the wash. Put all your socks into a mesh laundry bag before they go into the machine. They’ll come out clean and, more importantly, still as a pair.

Try a compact washing option

Look for products that make laundry less messy. Personal Touch Washing Powder Sheets are a newer option that are easy to use, take up less space, and are better for the environment. One 90g box has 18 sheets, which is equal to a 2kg bag of regular powder. It cuts out the measuring and the mess.

De-wrinkle with ice

No iron and no time. Toss one or two ice cubes into the dryer with your clothes and run a short cycle. The steam from the melting ice helps release wrinkles.

Make a bigger lint roller

If your small lint roller isn’t cutting it, make your own. Take a paint roller and wrap it in tape with the sticky side out. It covers more surface area and picks up lint fast.

Soak out workout smells

Tough gym sessions can leave clothes smelling long after washing. Before you wash, soak them for at least an hour in cold water with half a cup of vinegar. The vinegar helps break down sweat and gets rid of odors.

Laundry will always need to get done, even on the days we don’t feel like it. Adding a few of these tricks to your routine can make the whole process quicker, and take one more thing off your to-do list.

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