Strengthen Your Fashion Sense

5 Tips For Using A Laundromat

17 December 2015

Vicky Ellis

Going to the laundromat is a task that can be easier with a bit of planning and preparation. If you are new to doing your laundry at a laundromat, here are five tips to have a faster, more efficient, and safer afternoon doing your laundry: 

1. Soap, Softener, and Dryer Sheets - All of these supplies are available at the laundromat, however, it is more economical to bring your own. Instead of lugging huge boxes and bottles of supplies, pre-measure your powdered detergent into small baggies and bring only the detergent you know you will use. You can do the same with liquid softener by pre-measuring it and carrying only what you will need in a small plastic container with a screw top lid. Count out your dryer sheets at home and only bring what you will use to the laundromat.  
2. The Sniff Test - If the person before you used bleach on their clothes, you don't want to wash your dark-colored clothing in the same machine. Take a sniff of the bleach dispenser cup in the washing machine before you put your laundry in, and if you smell bleach, use another machine. This could save your dark clothes and linens from unnecessary fading.
3. Unwanted Odors - Many people use the laundromat to do their laundry, so you never know what was just in a washing machine before you try to use it. Get rid of unwanted odors by adding a few ounces of distilled white vinegar to your washing machine after it has filled with water and begins to wash your clothes. Distilled white vinegar will eliminate any residual odors that might linger from the previous user.  
4. Speed Up Dryer Time - As you load your clothes into the dryer, throw in a clean, dry towel with your wet laundry before you start the dryer cycle. The towel will absorb the excess moisture of your wet laundry and speed up drying time as it tumbles along with your other items. 
5. Stay With Your Laundry - Many people load their laundry into washers and dryers at the laundromat and then leave and come back later. This is not a good idea. Leaving your laundry unattended is an invitation for an unscrupulous person to take some of your belongings. It is really best to stay with your laundry at all times. 

One of the advantages of doing your laundry at the laundromat is that you can use more than one washer and dryer at a time. This will shorten the time you spend on cleaning your clothes. Bring a book or your cell phone so that you can entertain yourself while you do the laundry. When you are done, you will be relaxed and have clean clothes. This is always a well-spent afternoon. If you're looking for a laundromat in your area, visit City Laundry.

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