Patric Richardson Express Wash Method

Patric Richardson's laundry routine cleans garments efficiently using quick washing machine cycles, precise detergent amounts, and line drying.

5 time blocks, 45 minutes in total.

Time blocks

Sort clothes and mesh delicates: 5 min
Sort items into bags and separate delicate fabrics
Measure detergent and select express: 5 min
Use two tablespoons of detergent and select a short cold cycle
Run express cycle: 15 min
Let the machine complete the short washing cycle
Hang items to line dry: 10 min
Shake out garments and hang them immediately on wooden hangers
Steam and store: 10 min
Pass a steamer over dry items and return them to the closet

About this routine

Textile expert Patric Richardson popularized a modern approach to care for clothing in his book Laundry Love. Patric Richardson's laundry routine swaps long hot cycles for quick express settings, cutting down washing time to roughly 15 minutes while preserving fabric fibers.

The express wash method relies on basic principles: less detergent, cool water, and minimal machine agitation. Adding only two tablespoons of soap prevents residue buildup on cotton and synthetics. Using mesh zip bags protects buttons and delicate knits without requiring separate hand washes.

Air drying forms the second half of the practice. Removing clothes promptly and hanging them on wide hangers allows water to pull out wrinkles as garments dry. A brief pass with a garment steamer handles remaining creases, eliminating traditional ironing and completing the full sequence in 45 minutes.

Why this routine works

Reduces laundry wash cycle duration to 15 minutes
Prevents detergent residue and preserves fabric fibers
Eliminates time spent ironing by air drying on hangers

FAQ

What is Patric Richardson's laundry routine?

It is a fast washing method focused on short cold express cycles, two tablespoons of detergent, mesh washing bags, and air drying on hangers.

Why does Patric Richardson use the express wash cycle?

Express wash cycles clean everyday clothes in 15 minutes without causing unnecessary wear or fiber damage from long agitation.

How much detergent does Patric Richardson recommend?

He recommends using no more than two tablespoons of soap or liquid detergent per load to prevent chemical buildup on fabrics.

Sources

Laundry Love by Patric Richardson and Karin B. Miller
HGTV: How to Do Laundry Like The Laundry Guy Patric Richardson