Simple Laundry Room Tips & Tricks

Whether you're doing your first load of laundry in a new apartment or just need a quick refresher on the basics, following a few simple guidelines can keep your clothes looking their best and help your community laundry room run smoothly.

Washing in 5 Easy Steps

• Grab what you need: Clothes, detergent, and softener (optional).
• Sort by colors: Make separate loads for whites and colors and avoid bleach on colored clothes. For reds, wash with dark pink or red only.
• Detergent first: Add detergent to the empty washing machine, then add your clothes.
• Choose cycle: For whites, use a delicate cycle with hot or warm wash. For colors, use a normal cycle with cold wash.
• Start the washer: Remember to close the washer lid! Also, set a timer to make sure you get your clothing immediately after the wash cycle ends.

Drying Tips

• Sort clothes: Clothes washed together can usually be placed into the dryer together.
• Don't overload dryer: Overloading the dryer causes clothing to remain wet or take much longer to dry. Clothes need to have room to tumble and jolt.
• Clean the lint filter: Always clean and wipe the lint filter to improve airflow before starting your cycle.
• Use an anti-static sheet: Toss one in to avoid static cling on your clothing.
• Select dry cycle: Dry your delicate clothes from the washer on the low cycle and regular clothes on the medium-high cycle.

Eco-Friendly Laundry Tips

Water Temperature

Follow clothing manufacturer label recommendations. Only use hot water for white clothing, and exclusively use cold water for colored clothing to save energy and preserve dyes.

Recycle

Most detergent container bottles are recyclable. Look for a local plastic manufacturing company or civic recycling program that accepts No. 3 plastics.

Eco Detergent

Using Eco-friendly detergent brands will keep your clothes fresh and clean without the use of harsh brighteners, dyes, animal ingredients, or heavy artificial fragrances.

Dryer Sheets

Use vegetable or plant-derived brands. Do not use animal fat or heavily oiled brands. Use natural fiber sheets that prevent static without coating your clothes in artificial chemicals.