Laundry Skills Needs of Mothers in the Maintenance of Primary School Children’s Clothing in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State

This descriptive survey study examined the laundry skills needs of mothers in maintainingprimary school children’s clothing in the Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area (LGA) of EnuguState. Effective laundry is vital for children's hygiene, social confidence, and the preservationof household resources. The population comprised approximately 4,500 mothers, from whicha sample of 240 mothers was drawn using multi-stage sampling. Data were collected using astructured Mothers’ Laundry Skills Needs Questionnaire (MLSNQ) and analysed using meanscores {X􀴥} and Standard Deviation (SD). The mean criterion of 2.50 was used to identifyneeded skills and challenges. Findings revealed significant skill deficits across all three laundryphases. The highest skill needs were concentrated in pre-washing skills, specifically ininterpreting care labels {X􀴥} =3.85) and specialised stain removal {X􀴥}=3.69), and finishing skills,particularly correct ironing techniques for blended fabrics {X􀴥}=3.79). The most significantchallenges faced were an inconsistent public water supply {X􀴥}=2.89) and lack of time {X􀴥}=2.75) due to competing responsibilities. The most effective strategy identified was theorganisation of practical workshops by Home Economists {X􀴥}=3.92). The study concluded thatmothers require urgent, targeted intervention in technical laundry skills, complemented byinfrastructural support, to ensure the optimal maintenance of their children’s clothing.