Washing at the Laundromat

If you’re lucky enough to have a student apartment that features washer and dryer hookups, feel blessed.

If you’re reading this article, you’re probably not that lucky and you’ll want to pay extra close attention to these tidbits of information that will help you keep your clothes around a little longer.

Never leave your clothes alone

At your parents’ house, you can throw your laundry in the washer or dryer and walk away, without having to worry about what you’ll find when you come back. But at the apartment laundromat (if you’re lucky enough to have one of those), you’ll need to be significantly more careful with what you do while your clothes are washing. Some people may remove your clothing from the dryer to dry their clothes on your dime—if you’ve ever come back after getting a sandwich and wondered why your clothes were still sopping wet, that’s why. More often than not, you’ll also find an item or two missing as well.

Laundromat machines are unpredictable

Because laundromat machines are used by dozens of people everyday, all day, the behavior of the machines can be slightly erratic. Using the same machine every time will help reduce your chances of a mishap, but there are no guarantees. You should always wash your clothes with cold water and take home what you can to line dry. Laundromat dryers are notorious for being too hot and burning or melting some materials, especially when they are not well-maintained.

Know your allergies

Everyone is allergic to something…whether it be dust, mold, perfumes or harsh detergents. Remember, while you can control what soaps and detergents you put into the wash (and know whether your clothes harbor dirt and mold) you can’t say the same for the last 100 people who used the machine. If you have severe allergies, it’s best to have your clothes dry-cleaned or washed professionally (this can save you a lot of hazy mornings). If that is not an option, invest in some OxiClean Free that can be placed in every load.

Come prepared

When you go to the Laundromat, make sure that you bring everything you need so you don’t have to trudge back to your apartment to get your laundry basket or fabric softener. You’ll also want to have a basic understanding of how washing machines and dryers work so you can use the best settings available.

Know the differences

Aside from being a place that mysteriously eats your socks, laundromat machines have many differences from those you would typically use at home. For instance, home washing machines typically agitate while laundromat washing machines tumble. Most laundromat machines also have a larger capacity than non-commercial machines. And don’t forget that they are never as well-maintained or as clean as you’d like them to be. For a full list of differences and other tips for the laundromat, you can check out “How to Use a Laundromat” by the Quamat group.
The reality is that it’s safer and more convenient to have washer and dryer hookups in your apartment. But if hookups are not available to you, it’s best to be as prepared as possible when braving the local or apartment-grounds laundromat.