by L.S. Watts

Created on: May 20, 2009

Knowing how to properly fold your laundry after washing and drying will help prevent unnecessary wrinkles and creases. This will save you time when you decide to wear a particular garment. Also, knowing how to properly fold towels and sheets will not only give your selves a neat appearance, but is an amazing space saver as well.

How to Fold a Towel

Step One: Fold the towel into thirds, lengthwise.

Step Two: Starting at the top, fold the towel into one-third and repeat. This will form a neat rectangle.

How to Fold a Washcloth

Step One: Fold the washcloth in half.

Step Two: Fold in half again.

How to Fold a Fitted Sheet

Step One: Start with the fitted sheet inside out. Then place one hand in two corners adjacent from each other.

Step Two: Bring the sheet in your right hand to meet the sheet in your left hand folding the corner in your right hand over the corner in your left hand. This places the corner on the top to be right side out.

Step Three: Now reach down and grab the corner that is alongside the one in your right hand. Fold it over the other two. This corner will be inside out.

Step Four: Lift the last corner up to fold over the others making it right side out.

Step Five: Laying the fitted sheet on a flat surface, straighten it into a "U" shape.

Step Six: Now fold the edges with elastic first in order for the elastic to be hidden.

Step Seven: Lastly, continue folding the fitted sheet into a smaller rectangle.

How to Fold a Top Sheet

Step One: Fold the top sheet into thirds, lengthwise.

Step Two: Starting at the top, fold the top sheet into one-third and repeat, forming a neat rectangle.

How to Fold Shirts and Sweaters

Step One: Lay the garment facedown. Fold the right sleeve straight across followed by the left sleeve.

Step Two: Fold the right side of the garment to the center. Now fold the left side to the center.

Step Three: Lastly, fold the garment from the bottom to the top. If the garment is long, you may want to fold twice.

How to Fold a Button-Down Shirt

Step One: Button up the shirt, but leave the cuffs unbuttoned. Then place facedown.

Step Two: Grab the right sleeve and fold it over bringing the main body of the shirt to the center.

Step Three: Now fold the sleeve back at an angle so that it is parallel with the shirt.

Step Four: Grab the left sleeve and repeat what you did with the right side.

Step Five: Fold the shirt tail to the halfway point of the shirt.

Step Six: Fold again to meet the shoulders of the shirt.

Step Seven: Flip the shirt over to smooth away any creases.

How to Fold Pants

Step One: Lay face down and fold in half length-wise.

Step Two: Starting from the bottom, fold the leg halfway.

Step Three: Fold again, creating a neat square.

How to Fold Socks

Step One: Lay both socks out flat, one atop the other.

Step Two: Fold over both socks to the heel.

Step Three: Fold the remainder down over the entire sock, engulfing it or simply part way. Whichever you prefer is fine.

There are many folding techniques out there. These techniques should get you started on your way to neater drawers and shelves. You may find you have more room once you start using proper folding techniques.

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