No college student signs up for an education in how to do laundry. But between classes, extracurricular activities, and a burgeoning social life, it’s the crash course that can’t be avoided. And with spring break season upon us, we’ve gathered a few tips that should help any college student conquer their laundry like a pro — wherever they are — with clean clothes in tow.
Just remember to take SaltyLama laundry detergent strips with you — they’re lightweight, slim, and easy to slip into your backpack. Armed with these eco-friendly strips, grappling with the intricacies of washing and drying clothes is nothing to stress over, especially with the right advice. Read on to learn how to avoid any mishaps.
1. Sort your clothes
As you gather your clothes, you might be tempted to just throw everything into the washing machine and get it over with. But hold on a second! Before you start the cycle, take the time to sort your garments into piles of whites, lights, and darks. Not only will this help you avoid the heartbreak of discovering your favorite white blouse has turned pink, but it will also prevent darker colors from bleeding into lighter clothing. Trust us, taking this extra step is well worth the effort in the long run.
2. Read the care labels
If you care about your clothes, as you should, reading the label is an essential laundry tip every college student needs to know. Reading the care labels on your clothes may seem like a tedious task, but it can make all the difference when it comes to keeping your fabrics in top condition. By deciphering the symbols and instructions on those tiny tags, you'll know which items require delicate care, cold water, or even air drying. Armed with this knowledge, you can confidently tackle any load of laundry and ensure that your clothes look their best for years to come.
3. Use cold water
Cranking the heat up on your clothes is almost always unnecessary. Treat your clothes with the utmost care by washing them in cold or cool water. This will help prevent shrinkage and color fading.
4. Use a laundry bag
If you’re washing delicate items or clothes with straps or strings, put them in a laundry bag to protect them from snagging or stretching. Do you have silk or wool garments, or have items with straps or long ties? You’re going to need laundry bags — they're like a shield for your delicates! By placing delicate items, like bras or silk tops, in a laundry bag before washing, you can protect them from snagging, tangling, or stretching.
A lot of college students forget this tip and regret it when their favorite pieces are tangled or ripped. Get yourself a laundry bag for wash day!
5. Don’t overload the washer
Cram for your exams, but don’t cram the washing machine! This can lead to uneven washing and damage to your clothes. A good rule of thumb is to fill the washer about two-thirds of the way, then add your laundry strips.
6. Use the right amount of detergent
This is a big laundry tip to keep in mind! Use the recommended amount of detergent for your load size. Using too much can leave residue on your clothes, while using too little may not effectively clean your clothes.
SaltyLama laundry strips simplify this, and that’s why college students love them. Pre-measured strips take the fuss out of using thick, messy liquids and keep your laundry day fast and efficient – just what a college student needs. For a regular loud, use one strip. For an extra-large load, use two. If you have a tiny load, of just a few items, use half a strip. It’s that easy. Here are more tips on using laundry strips.
7. Don’t leave wet clothes in the machine
College life gets busy but set a reminder if you have to! After the wash cycle is complete, you need to transfer your clothes to the dryer ASAP. This will help prevent mildew and odors from developing and keep your clothes fresh and clean. Plus, it’s one less thing to worry about later! So, be vigilant and keep an eye on that washer — your nose (and your clothes) will thank you.
8. Dry clothes properly
Continue to follow the care label instructions even when drying your clothes. If a garment says to hang dry, don’t put it in the dryer, as this can cause shrinkage and damage. You’ll also want to read the label for any specific instructions on using a dryer. Most will say “tumble dry low” but if you have delicates, revert the label before tossing them into the dryer automatically.
9. Use a laundry hamper
A laundry hamper will help keep your room tidier while also serving to transport dirty and clean clothes to and from the laundry room. This is especially helpful if you live in a college dorm as you will need a sturdy basket to carry your laundry. You don’t want to be that person who drops their underwear as they’re walking down the hall carrying a heap of laundry. Talk about a potentially awkward moment.
10. Fold and put away clothes
Ah, the sweet satisfaction of freshly laundered clothes! Now don't let them get all wrinkled up. You’ve just worked so hard! Taking the time to fold and put away your clothes may seem like a hassle, but it’s a great way to develop healthy habits and keep your clothes in great shape. Plus, there is nothing quite like the feeling of opening a neatly organized drawer and seeing all your clothes nicely folded and easy to find. So, channel your inner Marie Kondo and embrace the joy of folding — your clothes will thank you!
Shop SaltyLama laundry strips and start maximizing your laundry day! Free shipping and delivered straight to your door (or, at the very least, your college’s post office).