Quick guide to laundry at university

When you’re away from home, the simple tasks that you’d never normally do suddenly become your responsibility.

One of these tasks is washing your own clothes. Once your parents role, it’s now down to you to pick up and clean your dirty laundry.

Before you begin

The good news first. Most university washing machines have a limited number of settings, so the dials will be far less complicated than the ones you are used to at home. The simplest things on the machine to easily navigate around are the handle, the on button and the dial.

How to work a washing machine

The substantial amount of buttons may appear confusing, but there are some simple options which will allow you to wash your clothes without giving you a confusion based headache.

Step 1: Pick what clothes to wash

One of the first things to think about is how many clothes want to pile into the machine. Don’t overload it with months worth of laundry, nothing will happen apart from maybe a bill for a new washing machine and badly washed clothes.

And of course, classic lesson: never mix colours and whites.

Step 2: Make sure you have a card loaded with credit, or another payment method the machine accepts

Chances are, if you're living in halls you'll be using a laundrette, meaning you'll pay per wash. Most washing machines at unis now are paid for by contactless card payment or by loading money onto a prepaid card. Whatever method the machines use, make sure you've got that figured out and follow the instructions in the laundrette to make sure you use your payment method at the right time.

Step 2: Determine the temperature

This is where the label reading comes in handy. Each item will require a different temperature, so don’t overdo the heat for certain items as they won’t survive the wash and will end up being in a very different condition to when you last saw it.

Step 3: Pick a cycle

Depending on the fabrics you’ve put inside the machine, the cycle will differ. A gentle cycle is preferable for all your delicate clothes, although a heavy duty wash can be used when your clothes have tough stains or are really disgustingly dirty.

Step 4: Decide on the detergent

Of course you may pick the cheapest one possible, but they all do offer different features, from stain removal to fabric softeners. So depending on the clothing on the day, your choice in detergent will differ.

Step 5: Don't hog the machine

There's no need to wait in the laundry room for your washing to be done, but do set a timer so you know when to come back. There are limited machines in uni laundry rooms, so it's not fair to keep other people waiting for you to empty the machine. You can also leave your laundry basket by the machine you're using (often students put their basket on top of the machine) so that if your laundry finishes and someone else needs the machine, they can put your clean laundry into your basket.

How to work a tumble drier

You don't have to use a tumble drier to dry your clothes, you might prefer to hang them on an airing rack. However, airing clothes inside can lead to damp or mould, and it can take a long time for clothes to dry, especially if it's cold.

If you're using a laundrette or laundry room to wash your clothes, chances are there will be tumble driers available to use.

Step 1: Check the labels on your clothes

To make sure you're only putting in items suitable for tumble drying, check the care label. Tumble driers get very hot, and can shrink clothing if it's not suitable for the tumble drier. We'd advise playing it safe here and keeping your favourite jeans to one side.

Step 2: Check the payment method

Again, in a laundry room or laundrette, you'll pay per use of the machine. Check the instructions on or near the machine to see when to pay and how the payment works.

Step 3: Remove any lint from the filter

There should be a filter to remove lint (fluff) from. Usually you'll find this by the door of the machine. Ideally, the person before you will have removed the lint from the filter ready for the next user, but best to check they've done their due diligence.

Step 4: Pick a cycle

Tumble driers usually have fewer settings than a washing machine. You may also choose how long the machine runs for. The heavier the load you're putting in, the longer you'll want the machine to run to ensure everything comes out dry.

Step 5: Be considerate to the next users

Make sure you remove your laundry from the machine shortly after it's finished. That means no leaving it in the laundry room overnight! Empty the lint filter for the next person (after all, that fluff came off your clothes) and take your fresh, clean, dry laundry back to your room.

How to use an iron

We’re not sure how likely it is that you’ll be using an iron at uni, but it is always handy to know anyway. Here are its basic features so you can avoid any injuries when you’re rushing to get ready for a job interview/swanky night out...

Sole plate

This is the metal part at the bottom that transfers heat to your clothes. Basically the bit you shouldn’t touch, no matter how tempted/drunk you are.

Thermostat

The thermostat can change the heat. Often found on the handle.

Water reservoir

No this isn’t a lake near the campus, but an essential part of the iron where you fill the hot water into the device. Normally a measuring appliance is offered to avoid overflowing the iron, and remember not to tip the iron when pouring the water as it will spill out.

Once you know these simple rules, you won’t be forgetting them in a hurry. As long as your clothes all come out their intended colour and haven’t shrunk horrifically, you’re doing a fine job.

When it comes to using an iron, the most important thing is to check the label to see if the clothes can actually be ironed and at what temperature level you can iron them at.

It might be worth ironing your clothes inside out too - just in case.