Thanksgiving is nearly here, and the guest list is set. Now it’s time to make sure the sheets, towels, and table linens are ready, too. A little planning can keep laundry from competing with the cooking, decorating, and time with family.
Whether you’re hosting overnight guests or gathering around the table for a meal, this checklist will help you get the laundry ready without leaving everything until the last minute.
One week before: take inventory
Pull out the items you plan to use and check them for stains, musty smells, and care instructions. Make a list before you start washing:
- Sheets and pillowcases for each guest bed
- Bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths
- Blankets, throws, and mattress pads
- Tablecloths, cloth napkins, and kitchen towels
Check that you have a spare set of towels and bedding if you need one. Separate anything labeled dry-clean-only or needing special care.
A few days before: tackle the bulky items
Blankets and comforters need room to move in the washer and enough time to dry thoroughly. Follow the care label, avoid overloading the machine, and check thick seams and filling for damp spots before putting bedding away.
If the load is too large for your machine at home, our self-service laundromats offer a range of machine sizes. For more detail, see our blanket washing checklist. Check the care label and ask an attendant if you are unsure whether an item is suitable.
Before guests arrive: finish the small details
Wash guest sheets and towels according to their care labels, then fold or make the beds once everything is completely dry. Set out fresh hand towels and keep an extra bath towel where guests can find it. Wash table linens early enough to leave time for any stain treatment.
If a tablecloth has an old stain, treat it before laundering and check the area before using the dryer. Our stubborn stain guide offers a starting point for washable fabrics.
After the gathering: sort before you wash
Separate towels from table linens and check napkins and clothing for spills. Gently remove food residue, follow the care label, and point out stains if you bring items in for service. Inspect stained items before drying; heat can make some stains harder to remove.
Need a hand with the holiday laundry?
Bring everyday laundry to our Clarksville drop-off wash-and-fold service, or use our self-service machines when you prefer to do it yourself. Ask an attendant about bulky items, pricing, and turnaround before drop-off, especially around the holiday.
New to drop-off? Our first-visit checklist explains how to prepare your laundry. Check our locations page for current information, and contact the store about holiday hours.