Most people learn, to a degree, how to do laundry as they’re growing up. Sometimes you only remember the basics, other times you didn’t have a great teacher and you’re left not knowing how to remove grass stains from your jeans or whether you should soak that ketchup-stained shirt before washing it. Here are a few laundry tips to help you become an expert.

Start by sorting your dirty clothes. Clothes should be sorted by whites, bright colored clothing and dark colors. Some people also choose to separate sheets and towels, especially if they prefer to do most of the laundry in cold water (which is more energy efficient and cost-effective). Sheets and towels should be washed in warm to hot water to kill the germs that tend to linger in them.

Make sure pockets are empty. Credit cards can be ruined in the wash, and pens, crayons or other things left in children’s pockets can destroy not only your clothes, but your washing machine or dryer as well.

If any clothing has serious stains, apply a stain remover before washing. Follow the directions on the label. Many require that you soak the item of clothing before washing it.

Once your clothes are ready to go into the washing machine, turn on the water and add the appropriate amount of detergent according to your laundry detergent label. Allowing the detergent to mix with the water before throwing in your clothes can minimize detergent stains. If you like to use fabric softener, this is also the time to add it. Put in your clothing one piece at a time, that way you can make sure nothing is sneaking into the wrong load and that you didn’t miss something when you checked pockets.

When your clothes are finished in the washing machine, immediately put them in the dryer. If you leave wet clothes in the washing machine too long, especially in warmer months, there’s a good chance they’ll get mildew and you’ll have to wash them all over again. Make sure that you carefully read clothing labels so that you don’t dry something you’re not supposed to. Sweaters and bras should never be dried.

Dry clothes on a low setting. This will reduce the chance that you’ll shrink something. Once your clothes are dry, take them out and fold them or hang them immediately. Clothes that sit in the dryer are more likely to have to be ironed.