Even if your laundry room is a stainless sanctuary, perfect for pondering the existence of mate-less socks, you don't want your whole day's agenda to be dictated by the dryer's timer. Try these time- and suds-saving strategies.

Designate the same day or evening for laundry every week, and do it no more than once a week.

"Have everyone clip stains with plastic clothespins when they put dirty clothes in the hamper," suggests Linda Cobb, founder of www.queenofclean.com. "You won't waste time scanning clothes for stains."

Get a shallow tub for hand washing, soaking, and pretreating clothes. Even if you have a sink, a tub is more manageable because it requires less water and you can contain the cleaning agents.

Do a full load of just towels. It uses less water and energy, and you won't coat the other clothes with lint.

Dry loads one after the other so you utilize the heat remaining in the dryer.

Keep the dryer's lint filter clean. Lint slows down drying time.

Clean your washing machine every few months to get your clothes cleaner. Fill the washer with hot water, add a gallon of white vinegar, and let it continue through the cycle, says Cobb.

Check your washing-machine hoses once a year for cracks and bubbles. Replace as needed to avoid leaks.

The dryer hose should be emptied once a year to prevent fire. After you remove the hose, shake out the lint, then pass an old towel through it to collect any that's clinging to the inside.