Laundry is an important life skill that helps you stay fresh, healthy, and confident. For neurodivergent individuals, having a clear, repeatable routine can make doing laundry feel easier and less stressful. Once you know the steps, laundry can become a regular part of your weekly routine, no surprises, no stress.
Laundry Step-by-Step Routine
You can follow this guide using a visual checklist, a whiteboard, or a printed reminder to help you remember each step.
Sort Your Clothes
- Group your clothes by type:
- Lights (e.g. white or pale colours).
- Darks (e.g. black, navy, red).
- Towels.
- Delicates (check labels).
Read Clothing Labels
- Look for tags that say how to wash the item
- Check if it needs cold wash, warm wash, or hand wash
Load the Washing Machine
- Don’t overload it — clothes should move freely inside
- Put in one pile at a time (not everything at once)
Add Detergent
- Use liquid, powder, or pods.
- Check the packaging for how much to use.
- Sensitive skin? Use fragrance-free detergent.
Laundry Tips That Help
- Pick a laundry day so it becomes part of your weekly routine.
- Use visual supports (pictures or written lists).
- Start with just one load at a time if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
- Use cold water to save power and protect clothes.
- Wash sheets and towels once a week .
Laundry Resources
Fun fact: Australians do about 2–3 loads of washing per week. You don’t have to do it all at once, just find a rhythm that works for you.
Laundry doesn’t need to be complicated. When you break it down into simple, manageable steps, it becomes part of a healthy, independent life. Whether you’re just learning or building your own routine, it’s okay to go at your own pace.
Our Accelerate Life Skills Program supports NDIS participants to build routines, and gain real-life independence, starting with everyday wins like laundry.
