Our Five Favorite Laundromat Tips! | Mom So Hard, Other

At one point in our lives, we will find ourselves in need of a laundromat and their services!

A laundromat can be a great resource in many different times and seasons of life. 

Maybe you are renting a living space that doesn't have the option for a washer and dryer or laundry areas. Even college dorms have laundromat style washrooms.

Other times may be instances where we are temporarily without our own washer and/or dryer. Like the case of being a first time home owner/renter; both cases you often have to supply your own large appliances. There may even be times you may be required to make a trip or two, to the laundromat due to the fact that your washer and dryer are out of service. 

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My own experience with a laundromat has been about the fact that I needed to wash items that were too dirty, or too big to fit into the washer and dryer in my home. For example, my oldest got sick in her sleep one night, in our bed, and it got all over my king sized bedspread, which didn't fit well in my washer, not well enough to thoroughly get clean. Or, my husband's coveralls. He is tall, and they are thick, and often times, covered in concrete and sometimes, oil and maybe some diesel (#hardworkingman). :)

Maybe you are traveling! If you are, you may or may not have time to sit at the laundromat and wait. And wait. And wait some more. You may have time, especially if your out of town for work, it may give you some time to catch up on work, read the book you have been trying to read for three months, go to the gym next door and workout.

Either way, I have some tips for you! 

Photo: From Athens Commerce Laundromats, Athens, Georgia GO DAWGS!

Five Laundromat Tips For Everyone!

1. Sort Before You Go!

This is one I didn't think about until I asked my husband. He used to use the laundromats weekly when he traveled around the United States as a steel layer. He suggested this  as it sets you up for success. You want to have your clothes sorted however you life to sort them. I prefer to sort, light colors, dark, towels and wash clothes, and delicate items alone. Bring your clothes separated in disposable trash bags, or reusable laundry bags (you know the ones that are breathable and washable, like these).

Some people throw everything into one load, I am not that person, but if you are, I am not judging you! Live your best life! 

2. Work Smart, Not Hard!

• pre-treat
• take only what you need. 

First things first, when you are sorting, go ahead and pre-treat anything you might need to do, before you head to the laundromat. My favorite pre-treatment for laundry is Oxi-Clean or Dawn Dish Soap (only the blue Dawn). I will even add it to my husband's load of work clothes! Dawn especially, it cuts out so much of the oil, grease, dirt and diesel! 

We already talked about having your dirty clothes sorted into bags, load all those bags up into a laundry basket that will fit in your car. That way, you can fold as your sitting there waiting on other loads to finish and will have a neat place to put your clean, folded laundry. 

Also, purchase your favorite pods of laundry soap in bulk. While you are sorting your clothes, add a pod to each bag of sorted clothes, that way its already in there, you can toss it right in with your clothes, AND you save some money and the hassle of trying to get quarters for the laundry detergent machines. 

​Stay organized and keep it light. 

We love these baskets:

3. Multitask

Use the Wash and Fold Services! Most laundromats offer this service. Traveling for work,or maybe you are just busy, this is a great option. Most wash and fold services offer same day return, I would suggest dropping off the laundry you would like washed and folded first thing in the morning when they open. Wash and fold services are priced by the pound in most towns, I know that is how a laundromat in Athens, Georgia has their's set up, check out Athens Commerce Laundromat.

Photo: Athens Commerce Laundromats, Athens, Georgia Drop Off Laundry Service

4. Clean Machines

Another tip I didn't even think about, but you don't want to wash your clothes in a machine that has had a vomit filled bedspread in it from some drunken frat party! Be sure to wipe down your machines,to rid any residue of the vomit, or maybe even mud, or worse! Smell it too, make sure there is no sour smells in the drum, that could transfer over to your clothes!

5. QUARTERS!

Yes, there are change machines at the laundromat, Sometimes it is just easier and faster to just have a roll of quarters on you!

I hope these tips leave you ready to jump straight into the laundromat, and knock out your laundry, speedily and efficiently. Maybe I have convinced you to try the wash and fold services, I mean if its not too terribly expensive, WHY NOT!?

Do you have any laundromat tips?
Drop them in the comments below!