Homecare & Laundry

Neurodiversity Hub Wirral

This section is about keeping your home and clothes clean.


Simple routines for laundry and household chores can help you feel comfortable, healthy, and organised.
You do not need to do everything at once — small, regular jobs can make a big difference.

  • How to wash clothes and bedding

    It is normal to do laundry at least once a week.

    For good hygiene:

    • wash underwear after every wear

    • wash everyday clothes after 2 to 4 wears

    • wash towels every week

    • change and wash bedding every 2 weeks as a minimum

    Clothes and bedding pick up sweat and dirt.

    If they are not washed often enough, they can cause:

    • body odour

    • skin problems

  • It is important to sort clothes before washing them.

    As well as separating light and dark clothes, you should also:

    • keep very dirty or muddy items separate from cleaner ones

    • keep heavy fabrics (such as denim) away from delicate fabrics

    Empty pockets before washing

    Items left in pockets can damage your clothes or the washing machine.

    Always check all pockets before putting clothes in the wash.

  • Clothes need space to move in the drum.

    Do not pack the machine full.
    This helps detergent spread evenly and helps your clothes get clean.

    Do not fill the dryer to the top.
    Clothes dry better when there is space for air to move.

  • Clothes can smell damp when they dry slowly.
    This happens because moisture becomes trapped in the fabric.

    ‍To avoid this, dry clothes as quickly as you can.

    ‍You can:

    • reduce the size of each load

    • use a dehumidifier

    • avoid using too much detergent

    • use a heated airer

    • add a small amount of white vinegar to the wash

    • give washing an extra spin cycle

    • use tin foil in the dryer to reduce static

    • clean your washing machine

    • clean your airer regularly

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    More tips:

    1. Sort your clothes (lights, darks, delicate, very dirty).

    2. Check all pockets.

    3. Put clothes in the machine, but do not overload it.

    4. Add the correct amount of detergent.

    5. Choose the right wash setting.

    6. Dry clothes quickly, indoors or outside.

    7. Fold or hang clothes to keep them fresh and tidy.

  • No matter how much time you spend at home, it is important to clean it regularly.

    Cleaning helps:

    • stop germs spreading

    • reduce dust (especially if you have allergies)

    • support your mental health

    • keep away bugs and pests

  • Recommended everyday cleaning tasks:

    • wash your dishes

    • wipe bathroom surfaces

    • air and make your bed

    • wipe kitchen surfaces and the sink

    • sweep the kitchen floor

  • Recommended weekly cleaning tasks:

    • mop or vacuum all floors

    • dust and wipe furniture

    • clean bathroom surfaces and mirrors

    • clean kitchen sponges

    • remove food that is going off

  • Recommended monthly or bi‑monthly cleaning tasks:

    ‍ ‍

    • clean inside your fridge and freezer

    • clean your oven, hob, dishwasher, and washing machine

    • dust blinds

    • wash or replace your shower curtain

    • clean underneath and behind furniture

    ‍ ‍

    More guidance:

    ‍ Holland and Barrett ‍