Laundry for Beginners

For all those new college students who don't know how to do their laundry, read up! Okay, first of all it is crucial to do your laundry, cause it's gross if you don't and sooner or later you're going to have nothing to wear. But, you don't have to do your laundry as often as you think, some clothes don't need to washed as often - you just have to be able to take care of your clothing. Now, all machines are different so you might need to learn about how to specifically work your machine, but by and by doing your laundry is about the same anywhere you go.

1. Laundry Supplies
You will definitely need:
detergent (and softener), dryer sheets, a laundry basket or laundry bag, quarters or college charge card.
Additional items may include:
hangers, stain remover, etc.

**Avoid multiple trims!**
Aim for a basket/bag that is easy to carry - you may have a lot of clothes and stuff to wash, but you have to remember that you have to bring your own detergent and such too. Whatever you do, don't forget your room key either!

2. Separate Your Clothes
Sort your clothes between light colors, dark colors, and whites (you can usually combine light and white together). You can further sort them by delicates and towels/bedding. Never, never, never toss a new dark top (mainly red and purple) in a load of whites or lights - it will bleed and stain all your light clothes. Everything will probably come out a little pinker...

Whites - cottons, cotton blends, light colors, anything that can be washed without damage in high temperature. (can include towels and sheets)

Darks - dark colors that will fade in repeated hot washing or fabrics that shouldn't be washed in hot water. If in doubt (like a white striped shirt) always choose the colder, more gentle cycle! Blue jeans should be washed with the darks.

Unsure? Check the garment label for recommened care.

3. Pre-Laundry Ritual
If there are some stains on your clothing, use a stain remover now or put some laundry soap on the stain and rub it in - use a bleach pen on white clothing. Then, empty all your pockets in your clothes! You can find a whole lot of things: money, hair pins, paper, gum! You really want to make sure you get these out cause it can get pretty disastrous if you forget! For screen printed tops and sweatshirts and delicate clothing, turn it inside out to secure the design. Also, secure the drawstrings on items like your hoodies and track pants. Seriously check tags of clothing - some actually need different care and washing it regularly can destroy it.

4. Select the Machine
It's always nice to try to get all your laundry done at once, instead of multiple trips and hours. So, aim to get machines that are next to each other. Also, read the detergent's label's directions. It states the recommended amount of detergent for the machine - don't put too much as it might actually hinder the cleaning.

5. Doing Your Laundry
Start the machine as directed. Put clothes in the machine - do NOT stuff it too full. Your clothes will not get clean and machine might break! Allow room for clothes to agitate during the wash cycle. And then there are all those buttons! Don't Worry, Alpha's here to help. Here are the main choices:

Water Temperature - hot for whites, linens and towels/cold for anything you don't want to shrink or fade, warm or cold for anything else.

Size of the Load - If this is an option. This will determine how much water will be used. Unsure, go for bigger.

Type of Wash - Most labels are Regular, Delicate/Knits, or Perm Press.  Base this on what type of clothes you are washing, it will typically be "Regular"

Okay, after you have your clothes in and everything set to a specific wash, it's time to add the detergent. There's powder or liquid and add the proper amount (read the label!). Close everything - detergent, handle/door, etc. - and it takes from 30 to 45 minutes so make sure you have something to do, homework is usually the best!


And don't leave your clothes unattended!!


6. Drying Your Clothes
Before you transfer all your clothes to the dryer, wait! Some of your clothing should be air-dried! Like cardigans, knit wear, silk, check the tag and use your best judgement. (If you dry some clothes they will shrink! Better to be safe than sorry!) Okay, like the washing machine, don't over fill the dryer too much or it will take forever to dry your clothes completely. After you place all your clothes in dryers, check the lint catcher to clean any leftovers from prior use - really do it.

If you didn't you fabric softener during the washing, or if you really like soft fabrics, add one or two fabric softener sheets to the dryer to keep your clothes from coming out really stiff. Once again, you have many choices to choose when drying your clothes.

Whites - Normal/high setting (for cotton T's, sheets, and towels). Careful for shrinkage or scorching!

Darks - Medium setting , if you're washing lots of dark cottons though you can use a higher setting.

Fine Washables (Delicates) - Lowest setting or air-dried.

When in doubt, dry at a lower setting - it prevents shrinking of clothes. So, after you made your decision start the dryer! Now you have some more time to chill or study. This will take from 30 to 60 minutes.

7. Fold Your Clothes
To avoid wrinkles and other messy clothing, it is vital to fold your laundry immediately after it is done drying. If you don't fold, then hang it up! Folding is really helpful because it reduces the bulk you'll have to carry back up, and well it looks better. ((Didn't fold your clothes and now you have wrinkles? Invest in an iron and a small ironing board))

8. Almost Done!
Double-check the dryer for any clothes you may have missed (usually socks are left behind!). Also check if you have everything of yours: change, cash card, room keys, laundry supplies. Also, be sure to clean the lint catcher for the next person - It's a polite and nice thing to do! And then you're done. Congratulations you have done your laundry all by yourself. (Call your parents - they'll be proud!)

Pick a good time for you that is most convenient - and when it isn't that crowded too. Doing your laundry when other college students are sleeping is often the quickest way to get it done. You don't want to wait and wait, wait. Try doing it early in the morning early in the week, or early in the week at night. Just do your laundry!

Love,
ALPHA