Laundry Room Tips & Etiquette

Get the most out of your shared laundry room with these helpful washing, drying, and etiquette tips.

Washing in 5 Easy Steps

1. Gather your supplies: Clothes, detergent, and optional fabric softener.
2. Sort by colors: Separate whites from colors to prevent color bleeding.
3. Detergent first: Add detergent to the empty machine before loading your clothes.
4. Choose the appropriate cycle: Use delicate/hot for whites, and normal/cold for colors.
5. Start the washer: Set a timer on your phone so you can retrieve your clothes promptly.

Drying Tips

• Transfer together: Clothes sorted and washed together can usually be dried together.
• Avoid overloading: Clothes need room to tumble and move; overloading traps moisture and takes longer to dry.
• Clean the lint filter: Always wipe the lint filter clean to improve airflow and prevent fire hazards.
• Use anti-static sheets: Toss one in to prevent static cling.
• Select the correct heat: Use a low cycle for delicates and a medium-high cycle for regular items.

Laundry Room Etiquette

• Plan ahead: Avoid wasted time and mildew from forgotten loads.
• Carefully choose what to wash: Avoid pet beds and rubber-backed items in shared machines.
• Keep track of time: Set reminders before cycles end.
• Be patient: Wait 10-15 minutes before moving someone else's laundry.
• Respect others' clothes: Don't dry someone else's items without permission.

Eco-Friendly Tips

• Follow manufacturer temperature recommendations.
• Use cold water for colors; hot only for whites.
• Recycle your empty detergent bottles.
• Choose eco-friendly, plant-based detergent brands.
• Select plant-based dryer sheets to avoid heavy oils and artificial chemicals.