So, you’re an ambitious student. Every checklist warned you not to bring your entire wardrobe, but you did anyway. Now it’s all in the dirty laundry pile. It’s time to head home for the holidays and you can’t decide whether to bring it with (can you possibly fit it all in your extra suitcase), get it done, or leave it for next semester.
True, you braved the laundry room about 4-6 weeks ago and you just don’t feel like doing it again. The machines ate all of your quarters, and by the time you finished you could have studied twice for that biology exam.
But it does have to be done eventually. Here are some tips, straight from my mother, on the quickest and best way to get it done.
1- Separate the colors from the whites.
This is common sense, the butt of every classic sitcom joke. But why do you have to do it (besides turning everything pink) Because the whites will turn gray if they’re repeatedly washed with dark colors and your dark clothing will pick up a lot of white lint. So it’s generally a good idea to take the time and sort it out.
2- Just do it already.
Don’t wait until every single thing you own is dirty. Everybody does that, but then, when you finally do get around to the laundry, it’s a major project and a major expense.
3- Forget the big bottle.
Nobody enjoys lugging around two gigantic, leaking bottles of detergent and fabric softener, so don’t do it. Get those 3 in 1 detergent sheets that you just toss in the washer. Click here to check them out.
4- Don’t be cheap.
Just take your sweaters to the dry cleaner. It’s a lot easier, and it really doesn’t cost that much when you consider all the quarters you’re using. Plus you can throw in anything that needs to be ironed or look professional and save yourself a lot of time and stress.
5- Act now.
If you spill something on your favorite jeans you don’t have to run straight to the laundry room, but before you drop it in your hamper put a little stain remover directly on the spot. That way if you don’t wash them for a day or two the stain won’t set.
6- Think ahead.
If you have a few items to hang dry it’s not very hard, but hanging everything on the side of your bed or your wardrobe can be a real nuisance. So, keep that in mind when you decide what to toss in the washer or drop at the dry cleaners.
7- Protect your stuff
Mesh lingerie bags are a miracle worker. If you have anything delicate from sweaters to lingerie this bag will help protect it from getting snagged or accidentally thrown in the dryer.
Photo Credit: hercampus
