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Conquer Laundry Day by Folding Your T-Shirts Like They Do in U.S. Army

Kells McPhillips

February 5, 2019

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If you ask me, laundry day is, hands-down, the lowlight of the week. I can think of no fewer than 5,000 things I'd rather do. Nonetheless, each Sunday I find myself trapped in the basement of my apartment buidling, separating my whites and delicates. I'll admit that a sense of accomplishment washes over me once the detergent has been shelved and all my leggings have been cleaned in preparation for a week of workouts. Learning how to fold T-shirts correctly is key to winning laundry day. And now that I've mastered a genius, Army-approved method, I'm certain I'll feel more fulfilled the next time I rejuvenate my wardrobe.

As you'll see in the video, the "ranger roll" is a technique that turns a shirt into something resembling a tightly-wrapped burrito. The YouTuber's method, derived from basic training in the U.S. armed forces, is strangely satisfying to watch (like when Dr. Pimple Popper faces off with a whitehead but not gross).

How to fold T-shirts, the Army-approved way.

Step 1: Spread the shirt out on a flat surface, front side facing up.

Step 2: Fold the bottom part of the T-shirt upward about three inches (like you would a beanie). Smooth out the corners and make sure your fold is straight all the way around.

Step 3: Take one side and fold it over the center. Fold the sleeve over as well.

Step 4: Repeat on the opposite side. You should be left with a six-inch wide shirt that's ready to be rolled.

Step 5: Starting at the collar, roll the shirt as tightly as you possibly can until you reach the bottom. Make sure (again!) that there are no wrinkles.

Step 6: Wrap the bottom fold around the burrito you've created and smooth it out. And there you have it!

Check out these 9 laundry hampers that will make your dirty clothes look chic. And the bed bug-ridden reason you might want to wash the pile sooner rather than later.