Laundry can be frustrating, even for a laundry enthusiast. It's time-consuming, unceasing and there is so very much that can go wrong. For many of us, it’s one of those chores we learned to do from our parents, a dormmate, a significant other or whoever else, and then we stop asking questions. But questions are great! Because knowledge is power and can make doing laundry easier and more effective. This guide aims to help you understand your machines, how fabric types behave and the methods for treating common problems like stains, dinginess and odor — all with the important caveat that laundry is a personal endeavor. We’ve also added a section on washing your face mask, which has become an essential step of staying safe and comfortable. If you have favorite methods or products, or just feel better treating your washables to a proverbial boiling, by all means, march on. The thing about your laundry is that it's yours. Cleaning a washer depends on how, and how often, the machine is used; a single professional woman who does one load of wash a week won't need to clean her machine as often as the dad who is cloth diapering his offspring. 

The process of cleaning a washer is fairly straightforward: Run an empty load using hot water and a cleaning agent in place of detergent to flush the machine. A toothbrush can also be helpful for removing product buildup from dispenser compartments. Commercial washing machine cleaners, from brands like Tide and Carbona, exist, but a specialty product isn't required for the job — white vinegar is an excellent choice, as is baking soda. If you have a front-loading machine, after a cleaning cycle, wipe the gasket to avoid product buildup and the development of mildew.