5 Laundromat Tips for Beginners | The Dutchman’s Laundry

If you are one of the millions of people that use a laundromat every week, you probably wonder how to streamline the process. Going to the laundromat can be a big chore. However, you can do several things to make laundromat trips less time-intensive and less expensive.

So today, the Dutchman’s Laundry will review some quick tips on how to make laundromat trips easier. Feel free to read our blog for more laundromat tips and tricks.

1. Pre-sort Laundry

One big time waster involves waiting until you get to the laundromat to sort your clothes. Pre-sort your clothing before leaving home, so you can immediately start throwing in loads as soon as you get there. The more you organize, the more efficient—and shorter—your trip will be.

Consider splitting lights and darks into separate piles with another load separated for bedding and towels. Things will go quicker if you wash similar items with one another rather than everything all at once.

Also, make sure that you have the right amount of change or cash. Most laundromats have coin exchanges, but they might be empty. Modern laundromats may also accept card payments for washers and dryers.

2. Bring Detergent

Most laundromats sell single-use detergent at dispensers, but they can be significantly more expensive than store-bought detergent. Dispenser detergents get the job done but might be harsh on your clothes and skin. Moreover, bringing your own detergent ensures that you have enough cleaner for all your loads.

You don’t have to bring the entire bottle or box for each trip either. You can pour liquid detergent into a separate bottle or put portions of powdered detergent in plastic bags. In that case, you just need a small measuring cup to determine the amounts. You can also bring single-use pods or tablets from home if you appreciate their convenience.

3. Bring Some Rags

Make sure to double-check the washer and dryer you use. Detergent residue on top of machines can make your clothes sticky or, at worst, cause stains and discoloration. Bring some rags so that you can wipe down surfaces and panels before putting a load in the machine. You can also wipe out the inside of washing machines with paper towels beforehand.

Be sure also to check the interior of each machine before you add your clothes. Previous users may have left their clothes and other items inside, which can affect your clothing. For example, a leftover red shirt can unexpectedly stain your whites if you are not careful.

4. Find a Warm Dryer

After washing your clothes, try to find a dryer that is already warm from the previous cycle. The warmer the dryer, the faster you’ll be able to dry your clothes, which saves you time and money. Of course, you need to clean the lint trap, too, or else your clothes might not dry properly.

Don’t just toss your clothes straight from the washer into the dryer. Instead, shake them out and separate clothes. Your clothes will dry quicker and with fewer wrinkles.

Lastly, don’t open the dryer to check your clothes until the cycle finishes. Opening the door during cycles allows heat out, making the drying process longer. Bring a separate bag to put your clean clothes in after the drying cycle ends.

5. Fold Clothes Right After

After drying, you might want to just toss your clothes in your bag and get home as quickly as possible. However, it’s in your best interest to resist this urge and fold your clothes before leaving the laundromat. Start folding your clothes as soon as they come out of the dryer for best results.

Folding your clothing right after drying ensures that they stay clean and wrinkle-free. That way, you won’t have to iron as many clothes when at home. Folding your clothes also prevents fraying and wearing on shirts and pants.

Going to the laundromat can be an annoyance, but it doesn’t have to be. You’ll spend less time doing your laundry and spend less money the more you prepare.

Contact Us Today!

Since 2015, the Dutchman’s Laundry has been serving the Clarksville area. Our state-of-the-art machines make laundromat services fast and cheap. We also offer drop-off laundry services and commercial laundry services for your business and products.

Feel free to contact us online or give us a call today at (931) 896-2600 if you have any questions. We also offer drop-office laundry services and a customer rewards program!