Moving away to college is an exciting and transformative time. Amidst the thrill of newfound independence and academic challenges, practical life skills like doing your own laundry can often be overlooked. If you’ve never done laundry before, the thought of handling it yourself can be daunting. But don’t worry! With a few tips and tricks, you’ll become a laundry pro in no time. Here’s your ultimate guide to mastering laundry in college.

Laundry Do’s and Don’ts

To keep your clothes in great condition, follow these do’s and don’ts:

Do’s:

• Do read and follow the care labels on your clothes.
• Do separate your laundry properly.
• Do use the right amount of detergent.
• Do clean the lint filter in the dryer before each use.
• Do fold or hang your clothes immediately after drying to prevent wrinkles.

Don’ts:

• Don’t overload the washer or dryer.
• Don’t use hot water on dark or colored clothes.
• Don’t leave wet clothes in the washer for too long; they can develop mildew.
• Don’t use fabric softener on towels; it can reduce their absorbency.

Troubleshooting Common Laundry Problems

Even with the best intentions, laundry mishaps can happen. Here’s how to troubleshoot common issues:

• Color Bleeding: If colors bleed, rewash the affected clothes in cold water with a color-safe detergent. To prevent future bleeding, wash new clothes separately for the first few washes. You can also use color-catcher sheets to absorb any loose dyes during the wash.
• Shrinkage: If an item shrinks, try gently stretching it while it’s damp. Lay it flat on a drying rack and reshape it as it dries. To prevent shrinkage, always check the care label and avoid high heat settings on the dryer.
• Wrinkles: If clothes come out wrinkled, toss them back in the dryer with a damp towel for 10-15 minutes to release the wrinkles. You can also hang them in the bathroom while you take a hot shower; the steam will help reduce wrinkles.
• Odors: If your clothes have a musty smell, wash them again with a cup of white vinegar added to the rinse cycle. Baking soda can also help neutralize odors. Ensure your clothes dry completely before storing them to prevent mildew.
• Lint: To avoid lint on your clothes, wash lint-producing items like towels and fleece separately from lint-attracting items like synthetics and knits. Use a lint roller or a damp cloth to remove lint from clothes.
• Detergent Residue: If you notice white residue on your clothes, it could be undissolved detergent. Try dissolving the detergent in water before adding it to the machine, especially if you’re using cold water. Using the extra rinse cycle can also help remove any leftover detergent.

Making Laundry a Routine

Establishing a regular laundry routine can help you stay on top of your clothes and avoid last-minute rushes. Designate a specific day each week for laundry and stick to it. This will ensure you always have clean clothes and won’t feel overwhelmed by a mountain of dirty laundry.

• Set a Schedule: Pick a day and time each week that works best for your schedule. Stick to it to make laundry a regular part of your routine.
• Multi-Task: Use laundry time to multi-task. Bring your study materials, watch a show, or read a book while waiting for the wash and dry cycles to finish.
• Stay Organized: Keep a laundry basket in your room for dirty clothes and another for clean clothes to help stay organized. Fold or hang clothes as soon as they are dry to prevent wrinkles and keep your living space tidy.

Laundry Room Etiquette

Being considerate in the shared laundry facilities is crucial to maintaining a good relationship with your dorm mates. Here’s some etiquette to keep in mind:

Don’t Overload Machines: Overloading can damage the machines and result in poorly cleaned clothes. Respect the capacity guidelines.

Set a Timer: Use a timer to remind yourself when to move your clothes from the washer to the dryer and from the dryer back to your room. This helps keep the machines available for others.

Clean Up After Yourself: Wipe up any spills or detergent drips and remove lint from the dryer filter after use. Leave the area clean for the next person.

Be Prompt: Remove your clothes from the washer and dryer as soon as they’re done. Leaving them in the machines can cause a backlog and inconvenience others.

Remember, everyone starts somewhere, and it’s perfectly okay to make mistakes and learn along the way. With a bit of practice and consistency, you’ll soon find laundry day to be a manageable and routine part of your college experience.

To make your laundry experience even better, we at Tommy Suds offer special discounts for students in London, Ontario. Embrace the challenge, enjoy the fresh, clean results of your efforts, and take advantage of our student deals to save money while keeping your clothes looking great. Happy laundering!