Living in a small apartment is great until you have to do laundry. If you’re lucky, your apartment complex has a laundromat that’s close by. For those who don’t, it’s time to find a public laundromat that has decent machines that don’t cost an arm and a leg. Most laundromat managers are decent about keeping up with repairs if they are notified of a breakdown. You may have to visit two or three before you find one that you like. The following laundromat hacks will help.
Sort Before You Go
Many of us feel awkward airing our dirty laundry in public. The best way to save time and ease the awkwardness is to sort your clothes into individual loads before you head out to the laundromat. Sorting at home allows you to take the time you need to make sure all of your colored clothing is in its own basket. This keeps your whites white and your colors as bright as possible.
Use Pods When You Can
People may be making fun of the pods at the moment, but they are less expensive than the boxes of detergent you buy at the laundromat. They also take up less space when you are carrying everything into the laundromat. No more large bulky bottles to worry about spilling in your car or weighing your clothes baskets down.
Timing Is Key
The key to getting in and out of the laundromat in as little time as possible is to go during hours when other people are less likely to be there. Going early in the morning or late at night can save you a lot of time so you don’t have to wait on machines to become available. Timing your visit so that you can get in and get out quickly will help you get more done with less stress.
Multi-Tasking to Save Time
Since you have about 30 minutes during your wash cycle and another 30 to 40 minutes of drying time, make a list of things you can do. Multi-tasking is the best way to waste less time. Run errands, go to the Post Office, or pick up what you need at the grocery store. If you’re feeling up to it, put in a quick 30-minute workout at the gym.
DIY Dryer Balls
DIY dryer balls are easy to make and will do away with the static cling. Roll a small amount of aluminum foil into a ball and toss it into your dryer. There’s no fragrance or chemicals to be allergic to and the aluminum will take care of any static so you won’t get shocked as you pull your clothes out of the dryer.
Inspect Each Machine
If you are using a public machine, you should inspect it closely before you start tossing your clothes in. Make sure there is nothing in the drum or in the detergent receptacles. It’s also a good idea to check the temperature settings. Washing delicate items in hot water may damage them.
When you are forced to use a laundromat, there are a few tips and tricks you can use to make the chore go much smoother. Following a few of these laundromat hacks will get you in and out in a couple of hours so you aren’t wasting your entire day doing laundry.
