A recent conversation with one of our granddaughters sparked today’s Laundry Day post. I really disliked using the laundromat, but it was a more tolerable process when I was well prepared. I hope this helps to make the laundry day chore a bit easier. Of course, most of these tips can be used by everyone, with or without a home laundry room. It’s important to have the right tools for any job, and laundry day is no different. For college-bound teens or those who must use a laundromat, this is for you.
I spent plenty of time at laundromats when I was younger. I was so excited when I said good bye to the laundromat and used my own washing machine. My first washing machine had a scrubbing board and one agitation speed, “super-duper aggressive agitation”. No, I’m not that old but it was within my budget, so I purchased a used one. I got a dryer the following year. It was, used, pink, and barely heated. But, it was better than hanging everything on the line.
I used to hang most of the laundry on the clothesline way back then. I know some people love it. But I never did. I hated having to inspect the dry laundry for bugs and bird droppings before folding. I disliked the “crunch” of the clothes when they had dried outside, and the sun would fade the clothes so quickly. Do you hang yours on the line?
Okay, let’s get ready for laundry day at the laundromat!
Laundry Labels
Paying attention to the labeling (washing instruction) of your laundry is essential. But do you know what all the laundry symbols mean? Below is a printable chart for quick reference. I added a few more at the last minute ( wink).
lclick to download the laundry symbols printable
Laundry Day Organization
Invest in a simple organizer with a handle that can be carried easily. You need a sturdy one that can be used, moved and carried without buckling or bending. *note- the dollar store is great for all kinds of bargains, but not for this.
What you need in your Laundry Tool Kit:
If it is within your budget, purchase the large big box store laundry soaps, etc. Then purchase some small refillable containers, or buy a small size of each laundry necessity, and refill them as needed before you head to the laundromat. Keep them in your organizer ready to go. This will lessen the weight of your laundry day chore.
• Detergent– one you can use for almost everything ( I use ERA with Oxi clean) and a detergent for delicates (I use Purex or Woolite). Did you know there’s actually a 1-2-3 sequence that’s best for washing your clothes? 1- Add the water first, 2- add detergent, 3- add the clothes. If you put the detergent into the water before adding your clothes it will dissolve easier and distribute more evenly through the washing cycle
• Stain Removers- there are a lot of choices (I use Shout for everything and a Clorox stain stick for white clothes).
• Bleach- (I’ve used Clorox for years and years).
• Fabric Softeners- (I use Downy and have never been disappointed) liquid or dryer sheets. But, there are a lot of softeners to choose from and some that are eco-friendly too. You need one that releases wrinkles, softens clothes and reduces static. *Less is more when using a fabric softener for towels. Don’t use too much softener on your towels it will lessen the absorbency. Follow the directions on your softener label.
• Lingerie’ bags- wash bras and delicate pieces in lingerie bags (you can get them at the dollar store) to keep your delicate laundry from snagging or being beaten in the washer. Always hang bras to dry never toss them in the dryer (the dryer will break down the fibers quickly). See other uses for lingerie bags HERE.
Optional-Clothes Hangers-if you can, grab your clothes while they are still warm and hang them straight away. This will keep the dreaded ironing to a minimum. You can see my ironing post HERE.
Before Laundry Day, Sorting System
A sorting system of some kind is a must. I know it is all about available space. But if you have the room, a three to four bin system is great. Drop clothes in the right bin before laundry day. Darks, Lights, Delicates and Bleach-ables. Are my “go to” bin selections. Our grandchildren each have a laundry basket in their rooms. They do their own laundry when their bins are full.
If you are fortunate enough to have a laundry room, make it look and feel comfortable. You will spend a lot of time there! I shared our laundry room in the past, you can see it HERE. I love this galley style laundry room in my friend KariAnne’s home (Thislewood Farms blog) and the window at the end makes it extra special. Imagine doing laundry in the natural light that shines through this window….nice right?
and this one with a dog washing area!!!
I have no idea where this originally came from. If you know where this photo is from please let me know. 
I hope these tips will help you or someone you know on laundry day. Do you use the laundromat? I’d love to read your laundromat story. Please leave me a comment below.
I look forward to seeing you back here on Thursday for the TFT blog link party for blog writers and blog readers. xo
Janine Huldie says
August 14, 2018 at 11:20I am so thankful that I don’t have to use the laundromat in all honesty. Did a handful of times in my youth. so this brought me back. But still just grateful those days are behind me, as well. But thanks for the great tips for those in need. And Happy Tuesday now, Katie xoxo <3
Alex J. Cavanaugh (@AlexJCavanaugh) says
August 15, 2018 at 05:37I remember those days of going to the laundromat. Not fun!
Our laundry room is tiny. My wife would love either of those.
Oh My Heartsie Girl says
August 15, 2018 at 15:47I remember my grandmother hanging clothes when there was snow on the ground and that she would never switch from a wringer washer to an automatic, I used to help her, even got my arm caught in the wringer once, lucky it didnt break. And then came my turn at the laundermate, one thing was, you got it all done at once. And when I had my first washer. ‘only”, I used the clothesline, loved the fresh smell. But I sure dont miss it! Thanks for reminiscing!!