Tips for Easier Laundromat Trips

There are ways to make trips to the laundromat or public laundry room easier and even less costly.

1. Sort Your Laundry At Home

If you sort your laundry at home, you’ll save time and have more work space than at the laundromat. Use pillowcases or different colored laundry bags for whites and dark clothes.

2. Take Your Own Detergent

Single-use detergent packs are expensive so take your own detergent and other products with you. Powdered detergents can be measured into small plastic bags and liquid products can go in a small plastic container with a tight lid. Or, you can opt for single load products like a gel-pac. They are bit more expensive but you’ll save by bringing them from home rather than purchasing at the laundromat.

3. Check the Washer and Dryer Before Using

Before you set something on top of the washer or dryer make sure the surface is clean. At best, you’ll get sticky detergent residue. At worst, you’ll find bleach that will ruin your clothes. Look inside, too. You never know what the last person had in the washer or dryer. Some one could leave a tube of lipstick in their pocket and then it gets left in the dryer or washer. Or, you may find leftover clothing. Just look before you load. If the appliance is stained, be a good Samaritan and clean it up or at least report the problem to the manager.

4. Use the Dryers Wisely

Before you start the dryer make sure the lint trap is clean. You’ll prevent fires and your clothes will dry faster. As you load the clothes into the dryer, fluff each piece of clothing by giving it a quick shake. They will dry more quickly and with less wrinkles. Be sure you get everything in the dryer before you start it up. Opening and closing the door loses heat and time.

credit: laundry.about