You're listening to LifeKit from NPR.

Hey, everybody, it's Mariel.

We all have a least favorite chore.

For me, it's the dishes.

It's like, how many times can you clean hummus off the same plate, you know?

Ruth Tam's most dreaded chore is laundry.

I live in a duplex.

There's a washing and drying machine in the basement.

But it's always a bit of a toss up as to whether they'll be available.

But that's not even the worst part of it.

The worst part is that the basement where these machines are is dark,

dank, and really dirty.

I mean, if I had to dodge spiders when I did my laundry,

it might be my least favorite chore too.

But yeah, whether you use a washing machine in your home or in a creepy basement

or in a laundromat around the block,

laundry can feel like a relentless time suck.

So for this episode of LifeKit, Ruth, who's a reporter,

is calling in an expert,

someone who has practical tips for all of us on how to do laundry more efficiently,

and maybe even enjoy it.

So I am Patrick Richardson.

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