Today has been an exciting day - my new washer and dryer have finally arrived! Since we moved over a week ago, we haven't had laundry equipment, and have had to run back and forth between houses, doing one load at a time. But no more! To celebrate, here are pics of my new laundry room... and a few free patterns to help you clean up at your house!
But first the before... actually, the half way - when we moved in, there was a torn up cement patch and the walls were a mess. We were up late last night painting, putting down sticky tile, and putting coving around the base of the wall. We're pretty proud of it! It's a humble laundry closet, but it's ours.
And here's the after!
They dryer isn't hooked up yet - that has to wait until Geoff gets home. But it's a step in the right direction! We got Whirlpool Duets, and I feel like I'm going to have to actually sit down and read the manuals on a washer and dryer. Ok, I'm certain of it! But they do look fun, at least as far as laundry can be fun!
Now, we all know crocheting comes before cleaning. But you can still be all virtuous when you're crocheting cleaning products! Here are a few free patterns to help you retain that air of industry!
5 Free Dishcloth Crochet Patterns on Moogly:
- Ripple Puff Cleaning Cloth: This one can clean you or your home - and has great texture and stitch variety!
- Rainbow Flower Scrubby Dishcloth: The center is rough - but very pretty!
- Basketweave Scrubby Cloth: My very first pattern! And I still have the one in this photo, going strong - just unpacked it the other day!
- Strawberry Basket Tunisian Dishcloth: Looking for Tunisian adventure? This is just the pattern!
- Tunisian Pebbles Dishcloth: Not quite ready for adventure but want some texture - start here!
Now I'm off to sort some laundry - it's amazing how much can pile up in a week with a family of 5! And if you have front loading machines, share your tips please - it's a whole new adventure for me!
Debbie says
Laundry room looks great! Thanks for sharing the patterns! I have recently been crocheting dishcloths so this comes at a perfect time for me. As far as front loaders go... My best advice is always, always, always leave the door open when washer isn't in use and clean the door & inside the door seal after each and every wash load. Good luck and enjoy 🙂
Tamara Kelly says
Ooo, thank you Debbie! I wouldn't have guessed!
Carrie says
Yes, Debbie is very right. ALWAYS leave the washing machine open to dry after each load if your not going to do more laundry (and why, why?, would anyone want to do more laundry? One load is quite enough :). ) I have never had to clean the seal before. . .but it could just be different from machine to machine.
Now if only I had the time to make those washcloths 🙁 I have two things I need to finish crocheting by this Friday and another two finish by the end of March! And THEN, I want to make some slouchy hats and catch up on the CAL. Maybe I can squeeeeeeeeze a washcloth in there somewhere, after all it is 100% my fault I have so much crocheting to do. Good thing I enjoy it :D!
Cheerful Homemaker says
Hooray for a new washer and dryer!
Tamara Kelly says
Indeed! 😀 I have them going right now - SO quiet compared to the old ones, it's amazing!
Wendy Medlin says
I LOVE my front-loader! It’s easier on fabrics AND (I think) gets everything cleaner. But...YES...definitely leave the washer door open or else it will begin to get funkified and stinky inside. My door seal has like a pocket or groove all the way around it so a little puddle of water collects in the bottom. I wipe that out when I’m done for the day. Also, I’ve found that the slide out tray/drawer where you add the detergent, etc. needs to be removed and cleaned once in awhile. And to keep everything really fresh, about every couple months or so, I run a hot water cycle with nothing but clorox in ALL of the tray compartments. I haven’t had any funk problems since I started being more diligent. And believe me, you do NOT want to experience front-loader funk...LOL! I only wish I had known how to prevent it before I experienced it...ewwwwwwww!!!
Tamara Kelly says
Ack! Good to know!! Thank you Wendy - I can see these aren't the machines of my youth, that's for sure! I appreciate the tips!
Crystal Hester says
Advice on the front loaders....make certain you inspect the seals daily especially with women in the house with long hair, it tends to collect along the seal and causes the seals to wear. This was very useful advice I got from a repairman when purchasing my new washer/dryer ( I opted for the LG Instead!) I would also double check it for loose threads from your yarn after washing them. Good luck and I love your site and all your free patterns!
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you! Definitely some long hair in this house!
Char says
Be careful what soap you use!!! do NOT use any soap that isn't labeled for HE washers. Those regular detergents create too much suds and lubricants for your inner workings of the machine and you will ruin your machine or at very least it won't last more than a couple of years. I had a repairman tell me that's how I wrecked my first front loading washing machine. The other suggestion he had was to use the powdered HE detergent instead of the liquid HE soap, for the same reasons. And, don't use too much, only a tablespoon per load is plenty. Good luck, I love my front load machine!
Tamara Kelly says
Oh wow, definitely something to remember! Thank you Char!
Mistie says
Looks great! Def leave door open, also there should be a little door with a latch somewhere on the washer, my LG is on the bottom left. You need to open it and drain the tube occasionally. Also my hubby is a contractor so his clothes get really stinky! After researching it and trying this I now do this with every load, required detergent. Prewash with the same amount of baking soda and white vinegar in the bleach compartment. Natural deodorizer a and stain removal and also acts like fabric softener:) Clean your lint trap after every use and read your manual! These machines are awesome but work way diff!
Tamara Kelly says
Thanks so much Mistie! I can see I have some reading to do! I'm not sure how to leave the door open though, as people suggest - it's got a light that comes on whenever the door is open!
Jan Sanders says
I have a set of Whirlpool Duets and love them but Debbie is right, you have to clean the rubber door seal after washes. I found out the hard way, the Whirlpool repair man had to tell me. Your laundry is looking good. Hope you are just about through with the move.
Tamara Kelly says
Almost - unpacking is another story! Thank you Jan! How would you recommend washing them? Soap and water? Damp cloth?
Lorraine says
I had a Duet for 6 yrs, the bearings went and the parts could not be delivered in a reasonable time so they made a deal for a brand new in the box 4.1 cu ft. duet with pedestal and delivery and hookup for less than half the washer price alone... I grabbed it. None of my clothes, nor my daughter's have seen a dry cleaner in 6 yrs. All the gowns, beaded tops, fancy dresses...all go in a fine washer bag and on delicate with reg washer soap , inside out and taken out, hung and voila... perfect. One prom gown was needed and had been put away 5 yrs or more before, treated the stains on the satin, turned inside out crinoline and all, no bag and washed, hung right side out and looked like out of the store. Whirlpool has an amazing warranty program. Great website, too... enjoy.. difference, mine are on pedestals. much easier. my friend had a man build a pedestal the width of the area and do it that way. Yours must be on the 2nd floor as you have a drain under them. good idea no matter what the floor.
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you for sharing your story Lorraine! Glad to hear that about the warranty - and I'm excited by the dry clean possibilities too! 😀