Laundry Etiquette
What should you never do with someone else’s laundry if it's left in the washer?
Take the clothes out and leave them on the floor.
All the machines are taken. What should you do?
Come back later or wait patiently.
You mix red and white clothes, what can happen?
Whites may turn pink.
How can you stop others from touching your laundry?
Be there on time when the cycle ends.
Scenario: You want to avoid the laundry rush.
Go early morning or late evening on weekdays.
True or False: It’s okay to use someone else’s detergent if you run out without asking them.
False
Your clothes smell funky even after washing. What might be the reason?
You left them in the washer too long.
What can happen if you pour half a bottle of detergent?
Too much soap can leave residue on clothes.
What happens if you leave your laundry in the washer overnight?
It could smell bad or get moved by someone else.
Why should you double-check the washer and dryer before starting a load?
Someone else’s sock or items might be left inside.
This is the polite thing to do if someone's laundry is still in the dryer and you need to use it.
Place it neatly in a basket or wait 15 minutes.
Why would your hoodie come out 2 sizes smaller?
It shrank from high heat in the dryer.
What would happen if you wash towels with your delicate clothes?
Lint can stick to your delicates.
What’s an easy way to remember your laundry so you don’t forget it?
Use phone alarms or timers.
What should you do if a machine eats your coins or doesn’t work properly?
Report it to residence or facilities staff.
What should you do if you spilled detergent all over the machine area?
Clean up your mess before you leave.
What’s the best thing to do if you accidentally take someone else’s item home?
Bring it back to the laundry room or turn it in to your RA.
What would happen if you overload the washing machine?
Clothes won’t clean properly.
How long does a typical wash cycle take?
Around 30 to 40 minutes.
What’s one thing you should always check before using a dryer?
That the lint trap is clean.
This is a good rule for how long to wait before moving someone’s finished laundry.
15 minutes max.
Scenario: You ran out of detergent mid-cycle. What are you going to do now?
Ask a friend and get more - don’t skip it.
Why is using dish soap in the washer a bad idea?
It can overflow with bubbles and damage the machine.
Why is it a bad idea to start laundry right before a class or meeting?
You might forget about it and cause delays for others.
How often should you plan to do laundry in residence to avoid big loads?
Once a week is usually enough.