The first step is to find out how much it costs to use the college washers and dryers. Some are free, some take quarters, and some allow electronic payment through your campus debit card or a paid laundry card. Be prepared with the correct payment method before you run out of clean clothes. You’ll also have an easier experience if you have all the laundry supplies you need, such as a collapsible hamper, before you even arrive on campus. Then, it’s all about establishing a laundry routine. Here are eight tips for doing laundry at college. Look inside the machines, too. You never know what the last person put in the washer or dryer. If someone left a pen or a tube of lipstick or Chapstick in their pocket, the residue can remain in the machine and get on your clothes. If the appliance is messy, be a good laundry room user and either attempt to clean it yourself or alert the person who’s in charge of managing the laundry room. Those numbers will be your guide for each time you do laundry. That way, you can leave your clothes while setting an alarm on your phone, so you’ll know when your clothes are done. Some college laundry rooms even offer an app to alert you when a cycle has ended. It also helps to put a cellphone number on your labels in case something goes wrong and someone needs to reach you. This might just save your clean clothes from being tossed on the floor if they’re sitting idle and someone wants to use your machine. Commercial dryers also are usually larger than home dryers, so you might be able to put two loads of wet laundry into one dryer. As you load the clothes into the dryer, fluff each item by giving it a quick shake. This will allow the clothing to dry more quickly and with fewer wrinkles. Also, be sure you get everything in the dryer before you start it. Opening and closing the door loses heat and time. Furthermore, if you have to go outside to get back to your dorm room, keep a couple of heavy trash bags in your basket or hamper to cover your clothes. That way, your nicely folded clothes will stay dry if it’s raining or snowing, and they won’t become disheveled or blow away if it’s windy.
