College Dorm Room Laundry Tips
Looking for the best college dorm room laundry tips? This is the guide you’re looking for!
I remember my first year—I had no clue how to do laundry on my own. (I needed to ask my roommate how)!
I’ve shaped up since then, and this article is all about some easy college dorm room laundry tips that I learned during my time on and off campus. These tips will help you keep your clothes clean and fresh without too much hassle.
Laundry might seem intimidating at first, but with a little practice, you’ll get the hang of it. Whether you’ve done laundry before or this is your first time, these tips are for you. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Getting Started with Dorm Room Laundry
- Pick the Right Laundry Supplies
- Make a Laundry Plan
- Sorting and Prepping Your Clothes
- Sort by Color and Fabric
- Pre-Treating Stains
- Washing Your Clothes in a Dorm
- Choosing the Right Detergent
- Understanding Washer Settings
- Drying and Folding Your Laundry
- Using the Dryer Correctly
- Folding and Storing Clothes
- Conclusion
- Related Articles
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Getting Started with Dorm Room Laundry
Pick the Right Laundry Supplies
First things first, you’ll need to gather your laundry supplies. Having the right stuff makes a huge difference! I recommend getting a good laundry detergent that works well with the machines in your dorm.
Laundry pods are super easy to use, but if you prefer liquid detergent, that works too. Don’t forget fabric softener or dryer sheets to keep your clothes soft and smelling nice.
Also, get yourself a sturdy laundry basket or hamper. Trust me, it’s worth it, especially when you have to carry your laundry up and down stairs. I also loved using mesh laundry bags for my delicate items like bras and socks—these really help prevent damage.
What You Need:
- Laundry detergent (pods or liquid)
- Fabric softener or dryer sheets
- Stain remover spray or pen
- Laundry basket or hamper
- Mesh laundry bags (for delicates)
Make a Laundry Plan
It might sound boring, but having a laundry schedule will save you a lot of stress. In college, it’s easy to forget about laundry until you’re down to your last pair of socks. To avoid that, pick a regular day each week to do laundry.
I found that early mornings or late evenings were the best times because the laundry room was usually empty.
Laundry Planning Tips:
- Pick a day and time that works for you
- Avoid busy times (like weekends)
- Set a reminder on your phone
Sorting and Prepping Your Clothes
Sort by Color and Fabric
Sorting your clothes is really important to avoid accidents like colors bleeding.
Start by separating your laundry into three piles: whites, darks, and colors. If you have delicate items, like a nice blouse or your favorite sweater, it’s a good idea to wash them separately in a mesh bag.
How to Sort:
- Whites: T-shirts, socks, underwear
- Darks: Jeans, hoodies, dark-colored T-shirts
- Colors: Light-colored clothes, pastels
- Delicates: Bras, lace, silk items (use a mesh bag)
Pre-Treating Stains
College life can be messy, and stains happen. Whether it’s from spilling coffee during a study session or getting ink on your shirt, knowing how to treat stains is key. Keep a stain remover pen or spray in your dorm room for quick fixes. For tougher stains, spray them and let them sit for a bit before washing.
Quick Stain Fixes:
- Coffee: Dab with cold water, then use a stain remover
- Ink: Apply rubbing alcohol before washing
- Oil: Sprinkle with baking soda to absorb the oil, then wash
Washing Your Clothes in a Dorm
Choosing the Right Detergent
The detergent you use can make a big difference in how clean your clothes get. If you’re new to doing laundry, I recommend starting with laundry pods—they’re easy and mess-free. If you prefer liquid detergent, make sure to measure the right amount so you don’t use too much. Using too much detergent can leave your clothes feeling sticky or stiff.
Detergent Tips:
- Follow the instructions on the detergent bottle
- Use fragrance-free detergent if you have sensitive skin
- Consider cold-water detergent to save energy and protect clothes
Understanding Washer Settings
College washing machines can be a little tricky, but once you understand the settings, it’s a breeze. Most machines have settings like “regular,” “delicate,” and “heavy-duty.”
For most of your clothes, the regular cycle with cold water will work just fine. Use the delicate setting for lighter fabrics, and the heavy-duty setting for things like towels or sheets.
Washer Settings Guide:
- Regular: For everyday clothes
- Delicate: For lightweight or delicate fabrics
- Heavy-Duty: For towels, jeans, and heavy fabrics
- Cold Water: Helps prevent shrinking and fading
Drying and Folding Your Laundry
Using the Dryer Correctly
Once your clothes are washed, it’s time to dry them. Before you toss everything into the dryer, check the labels. Some clothes, like athletic wear or delicate items, should be air-dried. If you’re using the dryer, avoid overloading it, as this can make your clothes come out wrinkled. Throw in a dryer sheet to keep your clothes soft and static-free.
Dryer Tips:
- Low heat: For delicate fabrics and clothes that might shrink
- Medium heat: For most clothes
- High heat: For towels and heavy items
- Air dry: For delicate items or clothes that might shrink
Folding and Storing Clothes
Folding your clothes right away can help prevent wrinkles and keep your dorm room tidy. I used to fold my T-shirts and jeans to save space, and hang up dress shirts and jackets to keep them wrinkle-free.
If you’re tight on space, consider a collapsible drying rack for air-drying clothes in your room.
For pants, you can use a multi-pants hanger like this one.
Folding Tips:
- Fold T-shirts and jeans to save space
- Hang up dress shirts and jackets
- Use drawer organizers for socks and underwear
Conclusion
Doing laundry in a college dorm might seem like a chore, but with these tips, you’ll be a pro in no time. Just remember to plan ahead, sort your clothes, and understand how to use the machines. Before you know it, laundry day will be just another part of your routine.
If I could survive laundry in a dorm, so can you! Take it one step at a time, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re unsure about something. Your clothes—and your roommates—will thank you for keeping things clean and fresh!
Related Articles
Essential Dorm Room Checklist for Freshmen
How to Decorate a College Dorm on a Budget
With these simple and practical tips, laundry day doesn’t have to be stressful. Just remember, you’re not alone—everyone has to start somewhere, and pretty soon, you’ll be giving laundry advice to other students!
