If you live in a studio flat, apartment, or dorm without a built-in washing machine, you have no option but to go to a local laundromat to wash your dirty clothes. It's not an enjoyable task to go to a public laundry with all your stuff, but if you follow some tips and tricks, laundry tasks can get easier, safer, and quicker. We have compiled all the necessary information regarding the laundromat to make your laundry work easier. Let's have a look.
What is a Laundromat?
A laundromat is a self-serve washing and drying facility at a public laundry. You have to insert the coin to wash it and run it. There could be several reasons, such as less income, no space, and temporary settlement not to have an in-built washing machine at home.
Checklist of Items You Should Carry When Going to a Public Laundry
- Detergent
- Carry a laundry basket
- Bleach
- Softener for fabric
- Hangers
- Coins
- Entertainment items like books, phones, and magazines to keep yourself busy during the laundry session
- Snack to munch
- Dryer sheets
Laundromat Tips for the Best Result
It's always good to check if you carry all the necessary things and follow the machine's instructions. Some other tips for using laundromat efficiently are as follows:
Choose a Laundromat With New Machines
Laundromats are in different conditions at different places. Select a laundromat with modern updates and comparatively new machines to ensure the clothes are washed properly, and you get better access to amenities at the laundromat for an enjoyable laundry session.
Arrange Laundry at Home
Sort out your laundry at home for quick and easy laundry. Carry white clothes and colored ones in different bags. Once you reach the laundromat, quickly load sorted clothes in the machine and save your precious time.
Carry Your Own Detergent
It's always economical to carry your own detergent because buying single-use detergent packs at the laundromat is not wallet-friendly, and the detergent will not be of your choice. Carrying a big detergent container each time is not possible, so scoop the amount of detergent needed for one wash into a sealable plastic bag. You can carry fabric softener in small containers. Don't forget to carry a measuring cup to pour the exact amount of detergent.
Check All Your Pockets
Check the pants pocket for items like a pen or lipstick to avoid a major disaster. If any such item is left in the pocket, the entire load of laundry will be wasted.
Check the Machine's Washer and Dryer Before Using
Public laundry machines are overused, so the chances of stains and dirt accumulation on the washer and dryer are higher. It's better to inspect it thoroughly before use. If you see any stains, clean them or report them to the manager if available at the laundromat.
Sanitize Washer and Dryer
You never know if the previous user washed clothes from homes with illness and disease. It's always better to disinfect the washer and dryer to avoid spreading germs to your clothes.
Smell the Machine Before Use
It's important to smell the machine to check for any residue left behind by previous users due to overuse of bleach or detergent. If you smell bleach, don't put colorful clothes in the machine.
Smart Use of Dryer
Before using the dryer, check if the lint trap is clean to prevent fire, ensure fast drying of clothes, and save time and money. Shake the clothes well to fluff them before loading them into the dryer to get wrinkle-free fresh clothes.
Use Laundry Apps on a Smartphone
With the laundry application on your phone, you can set the timer and return to the machine once the cycle ends. This will enable you to relax freely during the laundry session and avoid having someone else throw your clothes on the floor in your absence.
Reduce Carbon Footprint
Go green and reduce the carbon footprint by opting for a front load washer because it uses less water than top load, uses eco-friendly detergents, and uses cold water and air-dry clothes rather than a dryer.
Keep an Eye on Bedbugs
Follow certain tips to avoid bed bug invasion on your clothes. Always check for bedbugs inside the appliance with your mobile phone's torch, never keep the laundry basket on the floor to prevent bedbugs from sticking underfoot, don't fold laundry at the laundromat to avoid bedbugs, and check all the pockets of your laundry to detect bed bugs because they hide in these areas and find a place in your home.
