Tips For The Laundromat

Don't be

• using too much laundry detergent/soap! Machines and clothes actually do not like suds. Suds harm wash performance and are a sign of too much soap. Excessive soap will make drying times longer (and therefore more expensive) and leave residues that the customers after you may not want in their wash. Save money in the wash and dryer by using less! Start by following the soap manufacturer's directions and adjust from there. If you find you may need way more than the manufacturer suggests, you may be
• overloading the washer! Clothes that can't move freely in the washer can't properly circulate in the soap and water. Part of the washing power of a machine is it's ability to rub clothes against the barrel and each other. Overloading will make the washer appear to be less effective at washing than it actually is. If you feel that you have to pay for additional time or use lots of soap, you may be doing this!

Do be

• buying washing soda! It's the main ingredient in all commercial laundry soaps/detergents. Skip the dubious additives and buy the real deal. You'll save money, and be kinder to the environment (and therefore yourself).
• using less (if you can)! Do you really need fabric softener? If your clothes are mostly made of natural fibers like cotton, they won't get static-y after drying. If your clothes are smelly after washing, they are not fully clean; try using more soap, using hotter water, or washing for longer.