If your kids think the laundry fairy slips clean clothes into their dresser drawers, maybe it’s time for them to get a grip on the magic wands available in the utility room. Learning to do a load of wash without turning white shirts pink is a valuable life skill. You can have fun teaching your children the right way to launder their clothes by holding a “Welcome to Washing and Drying” seminar. To prepare, visit the Web site of your favorite laundry detergent for tips on doing a load right.

When you sense they’re old enough (rule of thumb: when they can reach the knobs), issue the invitations for your class. Pass out paper and pencils for taking notes, and then pull out all the sprays, prewashes, detergents, and softeners. Going slowly so they can get it down on paper, introduce each product, explaining when and demonstrating how it is used.

From there, move on to the operation of the washer and dryer. Emphasize how to sort colors, how much is a load, how to set the gauges on both machines, and wind it all up with a demonstration of how to empty the lint filter. When you’re ready to close, remind them that they should not hesitate to ask for help—preferably before the floor is covered with water.

A laundry chart with instructions for specific fabrics and colors is a nice way to remind your crew how to do each load properly. Post it above the washer along with a reminder that they are never to leave their clothes sitting in the washer or dryer for more than one hour.

Mom and Dad won’t always be around to clean up stained shirts and messy dresses. Teaching your children to win at the laundry game offers them a step toward eventual independence.