Unless you really have a thing for smelling stinky, it’s best to learn how to do laundry. Especially in college. No, you can’t just leave your dirty laundry and expect the college god’s to do it for you. And no, your roommate wont do it for you either. So don’t bother asking. It’s not hard, but it’s a chore. Luckily, there are 6 easy steps for getting your dirty clothes clean in college.
Step 1: Separate lights from darks
So you have a pile of dirty laundry staring back at you. Make two piles of clothes from your original heap. One pile will have light colored clothing (pastels, whites, spring colors, etc.). The second pile will have darks (think Christmas colors, nighttime colors, etc.). Put each respective pile into it’s own machine. I know it’ll cost an extra $1.50 or whatever your dorm is charging, but it’s worth it to separate your clothes. Sometimes dark clothes will bleed into light colored clothing. So if you wash your burgundy blouse with your white underwear, don’t be surprised if you end up with pink colored undies.
Step 2: Fill the detergent compartment in the washing machine with detergent
Ok, so this is probably the most complicated part of doing laundry since it can get messy. Use detergent when washing your clothes- not bleach, not fabric softener … use detergent. Detergent is soap for clothes, but that doesn’t mean you can use dishwashing liquid - if you do, you’ll end up filling the laundry room with suds and bubbles - which is not a good thing.
You can use any detergent you wish - liquid or powder - your choice. BUT make sure it says detergent.
If you have a full load of laundry (the entire washing machine is filled to the brim) pour one cap full of detergent into the compartment. If you have less than that, pour ½ or 1/3 of a full cap into the detergent compartment.
Step 3: Set the wash cycle for each washing machine
Wash delicate clothing (silks, under garments, wool) in cold water.
Wash dark colored clothing in cold water. Using warm or hot water can cause fading.
Wash light colored clothing in warm or cold water (Your choice). If you are unsure choose cold water.
If you are washing primarily cottons press "Regular/Cotton."
If you are washing primarily jeans press "Permanent Press."
If you are washing primarily silks and under garments press "Delicates."
