How to do Laundry in College: 5 Simple Steps

Doing your own laundry is often a first-time experience for students. So don't worry if you're not sure where to start. This easy guide will walk you through the basics of doing laundry in college, so you can have fresh clothes all year round.

When doing laundry in college, first make sure you have detergent, a laundry basket and quarters for the machines. Seperate delicate clothes, and then divide the rest into whites, lights and darks, based on color, for washing and drying. Make sure to put your clothes away soon after they finish.

Doing laundry will become second nature to you, provided you know what you're doing with this guide. You should also look out for common mistakes made by college students and the best times to do your laundry.

How to do Laundry in College

1. Gather Your Laundry Supplies

Before you begin, you'll need a few essential items:

Laundry detergent: Opt for pods or liquid detergent. Both work equally well, but pods are less messy and easier to carry.
Fabric softener or dryer sheets: These are optional but can reduce static and leave your clothes smelling fresh.
Laundry bag or basket: This will make carrying your laundry to and from the laundry room much easier.
A roll of quarters: Many college laundry machines operate on quarters. However, some newer machines use card systems or apps, so check your college's laundry procedures.

2. Sort Your Clothes

Sorting your clothes correctly can prevent colors from bleeding onto each other. Here are the basic categories:

Whites: White shirts, underwear, socks, and bed linens.
Lights: Pastel and light-colored clothes.
Darks: Dark and brightly colored clothes, jeans.
Delicates: Items that need special care, such as lingerie or sweaters.

Remember to also check the care tags on your clothes. If the tag says "dry clean only" or has instructions you're unsure of, set it aside to be washed separately or taken to a professional cleaner.

3. Use the Washing Machine

When using the washing machine for the first time, follow these steps:

Load your sorted clothes into the machine. Avoid overloading; clothes should be loosely packed to ensure a thorough cleaning.
Add the detergent. If using a pod, just toss it into the drum. If you're using liquid detergent, measure the correct amount according to the instructions on the bottle.
Select the correct settings. Generally, use hot water for whites, warm for lights, and cold for darks and colors. Choose the load size (small, medium, large) based on how much you've filled the machine.
Start the machine and wait. The washing process usually takes about 30-45 minutes.

4. Drying Your Clothes

Once the washing cycle is complete, it's time to dry your clothes.

Transfer your clothes to the dryer. Shake out each item before you put it in to reduce wrinkles.
If you're using fabric softener sheets, toss one in now.
Choose the right setting. Most clothes can be dried on a medium setting. Delicates may require a lower temperature or air drying.
Clean the lint trap before you start the dryer. It will improve the machine's efficiency and reduce the risk of fire.
Start the machine. Drying usually takes about 45-60 minutes.

5. Folding and Storing

After your clothes are dry, immediately remove them from the dryer to prevent wrinkles. Fold or hang your clothes as soon as possible, and then store them in your dresser or closet.

Common Laundry Mistakes in College

Below are some common mistakes made by college students when doing their laundry. By reading through these mistakes, this doesn't have to be you.

Damaged or Discolored Clothes: It's easy to damage or discolor your clothes if you don't pay attention to manufacturer's instruction on your detergent or if you don't seperate your clothes into colors and delicates (as mentioned above). Common problems are bleached clothes, dye transfer between garments, or damaged delicates.
Lack of Supplies: Remembering to purchase and keep stocked up on laundry supplies like detergent, fabric softener, and dryer sheets can be a challenge, particularly if the nearest store is a significant distance away.
Forgetting Laundry: Sometimes, amidst a busy schedule, students can forget they have clothes in the washer or dryer. This can lead to damp clothes that smell musty or clothes left in the dryer becoming excessively wrinkled.
Overloading Machines: Students might try to save time and money by overloading washers and dryers, which can result in poorly cleaned and incompletely dried clothes.

Remember, everyone makes mistakes, so don't be too hard on yourself if you mix up a white sock with your red t-shirts. Use it as a learning experience and move forward. College is all about learning and growing, and yes, that even includes doing your own laundry.

Best Time to do Laundry in College

Finding the optimal time to do laundry in college can be a bit of a balancing act, as it largely depends on the specific dynamics of your dorm or apartment complex, your personal schedule, and the habits of other students. However, some general tips might help:

Off-Peak Hours: Consider doing your laundry during off-peak hours when most students are in class, studying, or socializing. This usually means weekday mornings and early afternoons. Avoid doing laundry on weekends if possible, as these are typically the busiest times.
Late at Night or Early Morning: If your college's laundry facilities are open 24/7, very late at night or very early in the morning can also be good times. Fewer people are likely to be doing laundry, which means less competition for machines. However, always consider your safety, especially when going to and from the laundry room late at night.
Anticipated Quiet Periods: Sometimes, the best time to do laundry is when everyone else isn't. This could be during a big campus event, a common class time, or even during popular TV show airings.
Regular Schedule: Try to establish a regular laundry schedule based on when machines are typically available and when you have free time. This way, you're less likely to run out of clean clothes and can avoid the rush.

I hope this guide will help you in one small aspect of becoming an independent adult in college.