Prádlo

Prádlo is a term used in Czech and Slovak to refer to textiles that require cleaning, and more broadly to laundry and clothing. In everyday language it denotes items such as shirts, trousers, underwear, towels, and bed linens, as well as the act of washing those items. The exact sense depends on context, but prádlo a common focal point of domestic textile care.

In practice, prádlo covers a range of fabrics and garments. People distinguish between different categories within prádlo, such as underwear, everyday clothing, and bed linens, and they may refer to the overall laundry load as it awaits washing or has just been washed. Care labels on individual items guide how each piece should be treated, including suitable washing temperatures, cycles, and drying methods.

Care and handling of prádlo generally involve sorting by color and fabric type, pretreating stains, and using appropriate detergents. Whites are often washed separately from colors to prevent color transfer. Detergent type and wash temperature depend on the fabric and level of soiling. After washing, prádlo is dried by air or by a dryer, and many items are ironed or steamed before storage. Proper storage follows, with clean, dry textiles folded or hung to prevent mildew and wrinkles.

Culturally, prádlo is a routine part of domestic life in Czech and Slovak-speaking regions. Modern households typically rely on washing machines and drying devices, though the core idea—clean textiles kept in good condition—remains constant across households.