First Year Experiences: How to do Laundry

While some people might find this remedial, I did laundry for the first time EVER by myself when I arrived at Wellesley and I thought I would type up this quick guide for those who have no had this experience yet. Here we go:

Step 1: Put your quarters into the washing machine to make sure that it's working; machines are rarely labeled when they are out of order. A load of laundry costs $1.00 USD and the machines only accept quarters. There is a change machine in the Campus Center for you to use.

Step 2: Load the washing machine with your clothes; be sure to unroll sleeves and socks to make sure they are washed properly. 

Step 3: Insert detergent. For the first couple of months, I used laundry sheets that contained detergent, softener and anti static. Those can be put in right where you put your clothes. For liquid detergent, there is a labelled opening on the top of the washing machine where you can pour the detergent. Liquid detergent can be measured out using the cap of the bottle.

Step 4: Select appropriate setting. I usually use cold water to reduce the probability of leaking dye or shrinking clothes.

Step 5: Insert quarters into the dryers to ascertain working machines.

Step 6: Transfer damp clothes into the dryer.

Step 7: CLEAN THE LINT SCREEN BEFORE YOU START THE DRYER. If you do not, the dryer will BURN your clothes.

Step 8: Select appropriate setting. I usually use "White and Colors" but this depends entirely on what you're washing. 

Step 9: Clean the lint screen after you're done too.

And you're done!

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A few notes:

1) Yes, you can wear things more than once. Thicker items (like jeans and sweatshirts) and basically anything that doesn't touch your body directly can be worn 2 or 3 times before needing to washed. 

2) Be careful about what you put together in a load. Wellesley washers and dryers are highly unreliable and if loaded with a lot of thick objects(like during the winter), some of your clothes may not come out completely dry. Alternatively, some of your items(especially new clothes) may leak dye or other chemicals so if you're unsure, use a bit of detergent and wash them with warm water in the sink to test them out.

3) Try to keep track of how much time left you have before your laundry is done. There is a time on top of each of the machines to tell you this. If it's a busy day and you've abandoned your laundry, there is a good chance that someone will come and take your laundry out and place it somewhere else so that they can do theirs. If they're nice, it will be in your hamper. If they're mean, it will be on top of the machine with the most embarrassing items clearly visible.

4) Stock up on underwear and socks: These are usually the limiting factor for when I want to do laundry, not my actual clothes. I usually do laundry about once every week and a half. 

I think that's about everything, hope that was helpful :)