College means beginning on the journey of becoming a for real adult (sort of) and this means doing laundry. Whether you’re a laundry pro or you’ve never done laundry before, I will tell you that doing laundry in college is an event. It’s a debacle. It’s so much more than doing laundry.
It’s something that is easily mastered, but it’s a little rough in the beginning. These tips for doing laundry in college are going to help you get ahead of the game and successfully wash and dry your favorite clothes without shrinking and losing them all. Yay for doing laundry in college!
1. Don’t wait until your laundry bin is overflowing.
The average college student should do laundry once a week, but there are times when you’re so busy that you end up doing laundry less than that. More laundry is more fuss, so try not to let it accumulate. Plus, dirty clothes can start to smell.
2. Set timers.
People will take your clothes out of the dryer or washing machine and throw them on the floor if you’re not taking your clothes out in a timely manner, trust me. We’ve all been the person to take stuff out and the person to find their socks and panties tossed on a nearby table. If you don’t want anyone touching your clothes, set your timer a few minutes before your clothes are done.
3. Do not leave your supplies in the laundry room.
If you leave your detergent in the laundry room, people WILL use it and it might not be there when you get back. Don’t be too trusting when it comes to laundry. Pro tip: Use a shower caddy to keep your dryer sheets, detergent and other laundry necessities together.
4. Use detergent pods.
These are so easy to use, you pop them in and you’re done. Carrying a few of these is far easier than lugging a gallon of detergent.
5. Read the labels on your clothes.
Don’t assume everything can and should go in the dryer! I meticulously read the label of everything I wash ever since I ended up shrinking my favorite dress and having color bleed onto a beloved pair of shorts. If the instructions are hard to understand or faded, ask Siri if you can put something in the dryer or which temperature of water you should wash something on.
6. Invest in a laundry rack.
I use my laundry hanging rack on a weekly basis. A lot of things that I own can’t go in the dryer or they’ll shrink so I often have to line dry most of my clothes. In a tiny dorm, there are only so many places for you to hang wet bras and sweaters, so invest in a laundry rack. It folds up and can easily fit in the back of your closet or under your bed.
7. Have laundry etiquette.
If you need a dryer and they’re all full and some of them are finished, wait ten minutes before taking someone’s stuff out of the dryer. If you do take someone’s stuff out, place it neatly on the folding table. If your stuff is done, get it on time. If you’re doing laundry, don’t hog every single appliance. I once saw a boy put his colors, whites and blacks in separate dryers. Needless to say everyone who needed a dryer was not pleased.
8. Double check the washers and dryers.
Run your hand over the inside of the appliance! I have lost many socks because I failed to do this step. This is especially crucial if you, like me, are short and the dryer or washer is high up. Run your hand along the underside of the machine to check for any forlorn socks.
9. Buy a laundry hamper you can carry.
You’re either going to have to lug this thing across campus or down a few flights of stairs. Is it something you can easily carry? My laundry hamper has handles and it pops from a hamper to a bag–it’s a dream. It’s also opaque–those net hampers generally mean you can see everything inside of it, which I personally don’t like. Be sure to get a hamper that you wouldn’t mind carrying across campus and that you can carry if it’s full of dirty clothes.
10. Empty your pockets before doing laundry.
I know many a friend who has washed their favorite jeans only to find a melted lip balm, pair of earbuds or piece of gum after the wash. Be sure all of your pockets are empty before you wash anything. This is a great way to avoid ruining your clothes and your possessions. Check your pockets!
Do you have any tips for doing laundry in college?
Can I force everyone ever to read this post? So many people ignore laundry room etiquette in college, and it makes life difficult. Thanks for the reminders!
I wish! I just witnessed an overflowing washing machine and someone’s laundry that’s been in the washer for two days…yikes! Thank you for reading 🙂
What type of hamper do you have?
I don’t remember the exact name of it but it’s made of a thick tent-like material and I can carry it like a bag but also have it on the floor and it stands up like a hamper. It’s from Bed, Bath & Beyond! I would just suggest avoid the cheaper mesh hampers or ones that don’t have straps with support. You’re going to be carrying it and it’ll be full so make sure it’s strong.
Okay, thanks! I’m heading off to college this fall and am trying to figure everything out. Your site has been helpful, so thank you!
I’m so happy to hear that, Catherine! 🙂 If you have any questions or posts you’d like to see, let me know!
My name is Tiffanie Suzanne. I do my laundry about twice a week… sometimes more, less often less. I love doing laundry. It really brightens my soul and brings enjoyment to my day! I encourage all of you to do your laundry as often as possible so that you have joy in your lives. My tip for you is FOLD YOUR LAUNDRY AS SOON AS THE DRYER CYCLE IS DONE. In order to do that you must set an alarm. Thank you for coming to my TED talk. May all your days be as happy as your laundry days.