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5S Japanese Laundry Rule: Declutter Your Laundry Routine for Effortless Efficiency

The Japanese 5S methodology is commonly applied to workplace organization and management. However, the 5S principles can also be effectively utilized in the context of laundry tasks.

Administrator

20 April, 2024

Daily laundry can become easier and more efficient with the 5S rule applied by many Japanese housewives. What are those rules? Please refer to the article below!

1Screen

The first “S” refers to clothing “screening”. We should categorize the wardrobe by season, frequency of use, function, and color for easy clothing selection. In addition, classifying and screening clothes by dirtiness and color also helps make laundry more efficient.

Screening

2Sort

To keep clothes clean, fragrant, and organized, applying the 5S principle is essential. Don’t let them pile up on each other, but arrange them neatly, for example, dividing specific areas and making sure everything is dry before putting it in the closet.

For the laundry area, there should also be a rational layout with facilities such as washing machines, dryers, drying racks, and clothes baskets. Please note to let the clothes face the sunlight to kill bacteria, and separate the cleaning tools area from the laundry area to avoid contamination.

Sorting

3Shine

The third “S” is “shine”. Clothes come into direct contact with the skin, and if they are still dirty, sweat can irritate the skin. This is especially important for those with sensitive skin or families with children. Do not forget to carry out periodic cleaning of the washing machine drum or washing basin to ensure the cleanliness and fragrance of the clothes. The cleaning frequency should be maintained at 1 – 2 times a month.

Shine

4Sustain

Clothes also need to be sustained in order to stay new and have a long life. Therefore, in addition to the clean factor, you need to choose detergents, fabric softeners, and stain removers that have the function of protecting and caring for the fabric fibers in a specialized way.

Sustain

5Standardize

Remember the standardization factor when applying the 5S principle. This will promote a positive mindset in managing your wardrobe. Every time you feel the fragrance and cleanliness of your clothes, you will volunteer to do the laundry without feeling tired.

Moreover, the willingness is also reflected in whether you are able to share housework with family members or do not hesitate to carry out repairs or replace laundry equipment promptly so as not to interrupt the process of caring for clean and fragrant clothes.

Standardize

The above are the 5S laundry rules of Japanese mothers to make laundry easy and quick, which we have compiled. Hopefully, the article has provided you with a lot of useful information.

Frequently asked questions

Screening involves categorizing your wardrobe. Separate clothes by season, frequency of use, function, and color. This makes selecting outfits easier and laundry more efficient. It also includes screening dirty clothes by color to prevent colors from running and staining other garments.

Sorting is about arranging your clothes neatly and ensuring they don’t pile up. Allocate specific areas for different types of clothing and always make sure they are dry before putting them away. For the laundry area, a rational layout is key. Have washing machines, dryers, drying racks, and laundry baskets easily accessible. Sunlight is a natural bacteria killer, so ensure your clothes get some sun. Keep cleaning tools separate to avoid contamination.

Shining focuses on maintaining the cleanliness and fragrance of your clothes. If clothes are not properly cleaned, sweat and dirt can irritate the skin, especially for those with sensitive skin or children. Remember to clean your washing machine drum or washing basin periodically (once or twice a month) to ensure your clothes remain fresh and hygienic.

To sustain your clothes, it’s important to choose the right detergents, fabric softeners, and stain removers. Look for products that specialize in protecting and caring for fabric fibers. This will keep your clothes in good condition and extend their lifespan.

Standardizing encourages a positive attitude towards laundry by making the process more enjoyable. When you feel the freshness and cleanliness of your clothes, you’ll be more inclined to volunteer for laundry duty without feeling burdened. It also reflects on your willingness to share household chores with family members and maintain your laundry equipment to ensure an uninterrupted flow of clean, fragrant clothes.