Folding hacks

Laundry never really ends. One load comes out and another goes in. Then comes the folding, which can take longer than the wash itself.

These folding hacks cut that time down. You will learn how to fold a fitted sheet the easy way, roll towels so your linen cupboard fits more, and use a steam iron to halve your ironing time. We have also kept our favourite quick tricks for shirts, socks and packing.

1. Fold a shirt in under five seconds

This is the fastest way to fold a shirt or T-shirt. Retail stores use it to keep shelves neat.

1. Hold the shirt up where the shoulders meet the sleeves.
2. Push the sleeves back with your fingers so they hang behind the shirt.
3. Lay it down and fold it in half, bottom to collar.

That is it. Stack shirts on their side in a drawer so you can see every one at a glance.

2. How to fold a fitted sheet the easy way

The fitted sheet is the item most people give up on. The elastic corners make it hard to get flat. The trick is to tuck the corners into each other first.

1. Hold the sheet inside out by two corners on one short end. Put one hand in each corner pocket.
2. Bring your hands together and tuck one corner over the other, so the pockets sit inside each other.
3. Repeat with the two corners on the other short end.
4. Now tuck one pair of joined corners into the other pair. You will hold all four corners in one hand.
5. Lay the sheet flat on a bed or table. The elastic edges should form a curved “U” shape. Smooth it out.
6. Fold the curved edges in so you have a straight-edged rectangle.
7. Fold it into thirds lengthwise, then into thirds again, or until it matches the size of your other sheets.

Tip: Fold sheets while they are still warm from the dryer or fresh off the line. They sit flatter and crease less.

Keep sheet sets together

Fold the flat sheet and one pillowcase, then slip the whole set inside the second pillowcase. Each set stays together and you never have to hunt for a match.

3. How to roll and store your towels

Rolling towels saves space and looks neat. It works for bath towels, hand towels, beach towels and face washers.

1. Lay the towel flat on a bed or table.
2. Fold it in half lengthwise. For a large bath towel, fold it into thirds instead.
3. Start at one short end and roll firmly towards the other end. Keep the tension even.
4. Tuck the loose end in, or stand the roll on its end so it holds its shape.

Where to store rolled towels

• Linen cupboard: Stack rolls in rows, like a pyramid. You can pull one out without the rest falling over.
• Bathroom shelf or basket: Rolled towels in a basket look tidy and are easy to grab.
• Drawers: Stand rolls upright so you can see each colour from above.
• Travel bags: Rolled towels pack tighter and crease less than folded ones.

Make sure towels are completely dry before you roll them. Damp towels stored tightly can smell musty and grow mould.

4. The sock drawer hack

Odd socks waste more time than any other item in the wash. The simplest fix is to buy several pairs of the same brand and colour. Every sock then matches every other sock, so you can skip the sorting.

For socks you already own, lay each pair flat, fold it in half and stand it upright in the drawer. Avoid balling them, as it stretches the elastic.

5. Roll your underwear

Instead of piling underwear into a drawer, roll each pair. It takes a few seconds. Stand the rolls side by side and you can find the pair you want straight away. Some people use an old hair tie to keep each roll in place.

6. How to use a steam iron

A steam iron can cut your ironing time in half. Steam relaxes the fibres in the fabric, so creases drop out with less pressure and fewer passes.

Before you start

• Check the care label. It tells you the right heat. One dot means low heat (synthetics, silk), two dots means medium (wool, polyester blends) and three dots means high (cotton, linen). A crossed-out iron means do not iron.
• Fill the tank with the iron unplugged. Check your iron’s manual for the right water. In hard-water areas, distilled or filtered water helps prevent scale build-up.
• Sort clothes by heat. Start with low-heat items and work up. An iron heats up faster than it cools down.

Step by step

1. Set up your ironing board at a comfortable height. Plug in the iron and set the temperature for your first item.
2. Wait for the indicator light to show the iron is ready. Steaming before the iron is hot can cause drips and water marks.
3. Lay the garment flat. Iron collars, cuffs and sleeves first, then the larger panels.
4. Move the iron in long, smooth strokes. Keep it moving so it does not scorch the fabric.
5. Use the burst of steam button for stubborn creases. Most steam irons also work held upright to steam hanging clothes and curtains.
6. Hang each item straight away. Let it cool before you wear it or put it away, so new creases do not set.

Steam iron tips

• Iron dark fabrics inside out to avoid a shiny finish.
• Use a pressing cloth (a clean cotton tea towel works) on delicate fabrics.
• Empty the water tank after each use to prevent scale and odours.
• Use the self-clean function, if your iron has one, every month or two.

Time saver: Hang shirts on coat hangers as soon as they come off the line or out of the dryer. Many will need only a quick touch-up.

7. Holiday packing made easier

Folding hacks are just as useful when you travel.

• Roll a belt and place it inside a shirt collar. It keeps the belt from tangling and the collar firm.
• Stuff socks and underwear into shoes to save space.
• Roll T-shirts, shorts and towels. They take up less room than folded items.
• Fold outfits together as you plan to wear them. You pack less and dress faster each day.

8. Keep your linen cupboard organised

A tidy linen cupboard makes folding faster, because everything has a place to go.

• Store sheets by bed size, with labels on the shelf edge.
• Keep everyday towels at eye level and guest or beach towels up high.
• Give each family member their own towel colour.
• Do a quick clear-out each season and donate worn or unused linen.

For more space-saving ideas, see our guide on how to organise your closet and dresser.

9. Own less, fold less

If folding feels endless, you may simply have too much. Clothes you have not worn in six months are good candidates to donate. A smaller wardrobe means smaller loads, less folding and less ironing. It also means you only fold the clothes you actually like.

If you are planning a bigger reset, our spring cleaning tips and house cleaning checklist can help you plan it room by room.

Want someone else to handle the laundry?

These hacks save time, but they do not make the laundry go away. If washing, folding and ironing are taking over your week, a cleaner can help.

Absolute Domestics cleaners can take care of washing, ironing, putting laundry away and changing bed linen as part of a regular clean. You can also book a one-off clean when you need a hand catching up. Every cleaner is police-checked and vetted, and there are no lock-in contracts.

Laundry and linen help is also available for older Australians through our aged care cleaning service, and for participants through our NDIS cleaning service.

Not sure what to hand over? Read about the surprising things a cleaner can do, or try our time calculator to see how many hours housework takes from your week.

Frequently asked questions

What is the easiest way to fold a fitted sheet?

Tuck the corner pockets into each other first, so all four corners sit together in one hand. Then lay the sheet flat, fold the curved edges in to make a rectangle, and fold it into thirds.

Is it better to roll or fold towels?

Rolling usually saves more space and makes towels easier to see and grab. Folding works well for neat, flat stacks on open shelves. Both work, so pick what suits your storage.

What water should I put in a steam iron?

Check your iron’s manual first, as some models are designed for tap water. In hard-water areas, distilled or filtered water helps reduce scale build-up.

Does a steam iron really save time?

Yes. Steam relaxes the fabric fibres so creases come out faster and with fewer passes. Many people find it cuts their ironing time significantly.

Can my cleaner do the washing and ironing?

Yes. Washing, ironing, putting laundry away and changing bed linen can be included in an Absolute Domestics regular clean. Let your Area Coordinator know which tasks you want covered.

More time for what matters

With these folding hacks, laundry day gets shorter and your cupboards get tidier. That leaves more time for family, friends and the things you enjoy.

And if you would rather skip the laundry altogether, find a cleaner in your area and let Absolute Domestics take care of it.