Doing laundry in college or university doesn't have to be a chore! Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the laundry room with ease and keep your clothes clean.
1. Preparation is Key:
- Zip, Clasp, Empty: Before you even think about washing, zip up zippers, clasp any hooks, and empty all pockets. This prevents damage to your clothes and the machine.
- Gather Your Supplies: Assemble everything you'll need in one place. This includes:
- Laundry detergent (liquid or pods are usually easiest)
- Fabric softener (optional)
- Dryer sheets (optional)
- Laundry bag or basket
- Change or a laundry card (depending on your laundry facilities)
- Stain remover (if needed)
2. Sorting Your Clothes:
- Separate Darks and Lights/Whites: This is crucial to prevent colors from bleeding and staining your lighter clothes.
- Check Care Labels: Pay attention to the care labels on your clothing. These labels provide specific instructions regarding washing temperature, drying methods, and ironing.
- Sort by Fabric Type (Optional): For best results, you can also separate delicate items from heavier items like towels and jeans.
3. Washing Your Clothes:
- Choose the Right Wash Cycle:
- Normal/Regular: For everyday clothes.
- Delicates: For lingerie, sweaters, or items with delicate fabrics.
- Permanent Press: For wrinkle-resistant fabrics.
- Heavy Duty: For heavily soiled items like towels or work clothes.
- Wash on Cold: Using cold water is generally recommended. It saves energy, prevents colors from fading, and is gentler on your clothes. Use warm water only if the care label specifically recommends it or for heavily soiled items.
- Add Detergent: Measure the detergent according to the instructions on the bottle or pod packaging. Don't just guess! Too much detergent can leave residue on your clothes.
- Don't Overload the Machine: Overloading prevents clothes from getting properly cleaned and can damage the washing machine. Leave some space in the drum.
4. Drying Your Clothes:
- Check the Lint Trap: Clean the lint trap before each drying cycle. This is a fire hazard and reduces the dryer's efficiency.
- Choose the Right Drying Cycle:
- High Heat: For towels and sturdy items.
- Medium Heat: For most clothes.
- Low Heat/Delicates: For delicate items or to prevent shrinkage.
- Use Dryer Sheets (Optional): Dryer sheets reduce static cling and add a pleasant scent.
- Don't Overdry: Overdrying can damage clothes and cause them to shrink. Remove your clothes promptly when they are dry.
- Air Drying: Consider air-drying certain items like sweaters or delicate clothing to prevent shrinkage or damage.
5. Timing and Consistency:
- Pick a Day and Stick To It: Choose a day of the week to consistently do your laundry. This helps prevent piles of dirty clothes from accumulating.
- Set a Timer: Use a timer on your phone to remind you to move your clothes from the washer to the dryer and from the dryer to your room. This will prevent your clothes from sitting in the machine for too long and getting wrinkled or musty.
6. Troubleshooting:
- Stains: Treat stains as soon as possible with a stain remover.
- Smelly Clothes: If your clothes still smell after washing, try using a laundry booster or rewashing them with a cup of white vinegar.
- Wrinkles: Use an iron or a wrinkle-release spray to remove wrinkles. You can also hang your clothes in the bathroom while you shower; the steam will help to relax the wrinkles.
Doing laundry efficiently and effectively will save you time, money, and stress during your student years!
