Meet Patric Richardson, the Laundry Guy

“In addition to sharing his knowledge and wisdom, [Patric Richardson] has a high-energy stage presence that keeps the crowd laughing while they learn,” says Julie Menk, Wayzata Community Education’s adult classes and volunteer specialist, regarding his community education classes. “[He’s] truly an expert in the washing and care of textiles, and having an instructor of his caliber is invaluable to our programming.” Photos: Chris Emeott

Patric Richardson shares tips for keeping garments looking on point and ready to wear.

The calendar says October, but it’s whispering that the holiday and entertaining seasons are just around the corner—and the time for planning festive outfits is nigh. Expertly tailored lines, beautifully fitting fabrics and style points for days are meaningless if the clothing is soiled.

No one wants to appear at a social engagement in less than pristine attire, but what does one do when minutes are ticking away before the party hour arrives and an uninvited stain is discovered? Enter: The Laundry Evangelist—Patric Richardson, host of The Laundry Guy on Discovery+ and author of House Love and Laundry Love. He’s a regular on local TV shows and leads Wayzata Community Education classes (in collaboration with Minnetonka and Westonka).

Given this is our style issue, we turned to Richardson for tips on caring for trickier fabrics and notions to keep our best clothes looking their best. “When you are taking care of your clothes, holiday or otherwise, try to avoid washing or cleaning them too often,” Richardson says. “You can often get away with a quick steam and don’t need to do a total wash … After all, you aren’t plowing the fields in them; you are just sipping some cider.”

Richardson suggests that a quick spritz of vodka (no need to use the good stuff) refreshes odor-saturated fabrics, making them ready to wear. He underscores that less is more when it comes to washing and treating a stain. “Using less detergent generally gives you a better result,” he says.

Patric Richardson doesn’t just preach and teach about good laundry techniques; in 2016, he created “the most fabulous laundry soap that has ever existed,” he says. He’s since added a stain bar and brushes; oxygen bleach; other laundry and cleaning products; and things he loves. “I like to have all the great care products and then some amazing candles or diffusers to subtly scent the room once I am finished with the chores,” Richardson says.

Let’s get down to specifics and Richardson’s laundry care secrets.

• Carefully steam feathers. “Your biggest worry is breaking them,” Richardson says. “If you have to clean [them], gently rub them with a damp cloth.”
• For leather, use a quality leather conditioner. “Put the conditioner on sort of heavy, let it rest, and then buff it away,” he says. “The stain will lift into the conditioner and will go away with the buff.” (For the lining, give it a spritz of vodka.)
• “Cleaning satin is super easy; just use a short wash and steam, or iron with a pressing cloth,” Richardson says. “The key is to not over scrub or over rub, so you can get that gorgeous sheen.”
• If sequined fabric needs a quick glow up, he says, “Spot treat with a damp cloth, and don’t over rub.”
• Don’t shy away from purchasing silk clothing. “Silk is the second strongest fiber known to man,” Richardson says. “It is easy to wash. Just use a super clean detergent or, even better, use soap, and do a short wash. Steaming it when it is damp will make it so much easier to get that ‘silky’ finish.”

Good times can lead to not-so-great stains. “If something gets a stain, when I get home, I spot treat and wash or just spot clean,” Richardson says, reminding to treat stains immediately, so they don’t get forgotten long after the party. “Then your most fun clothes are also ready if someone calls and has some Champagne chilling …”

At the end of the day, Richardson stresses the importance of enjoying any gathering. “I never worry about my clothes at a party,” he says. “I’m there to have a good time, and my clothes are there to make me sparkle, not the other way around.”

Head of the Class

“Patric Richardson has a rare gift for blending technical expertise with genuine warmth,” says Julie Menk, Wayzata Community Education’s adult classes and volunteer specialist. “You might walk into Patric’s class not realizing how much there is to know about laundry, but you’ll leave genuinely excited to go home and try it all out. He has this high-energy stage presence that keeps everyone laughing while they learn. Plus, he’s a total pro at engaging the crowd. He can answer any question you throw at him, no matter how specific.”

Richardson’s classes are popular with the community. “We originally offered Patric’s ‘Laundry Camp’ in a traditional classroom setting, and the demand was overwhelming. After consistently selling out with waitlists, we moved the program to the Wayzata High School auditorium to accommodate the growing audience. We also see a high rate of repeat attendees,” says Menk, who goes on to note, “His focus on eco-friendly and sustainable products and methods is appealing to our attendees.”

Laundry Camp with Patric Richardson
6:30–8:30 p.m. November 16,
Wayzata High School, Auditorium 2
Find out the secrets to caring for clothes with confidence and how to save money and toss out those chemicals.

Laundry and House Camp Hybrid with Patric Richardson
6:30–8:30 p.m. December 10,
Wayzata High School, Auditorium 2
If you’ve joined Richardson for Laundry Camp or House Camp and want a refresher, here’s your chance.

Patric Richardson
Instagram: @laundrypatric

Wayzata Public Schools Community Education
Instagram: @wpscommunityed