Claire Muffett-Reece on laundry tips and tricks that every student can follow
“If you’ve not had to use a washing machine before (lucky you!) then the first step is to check out the appliance you’re using”
“The fabric of your clothes needs different cycles, while some can’t be washed in a machine at all, to prevent them from shrinking and fading. The answer? Check your labels!”
“A lower temperature costs you less as it doesn’t need as much energy to heat your water, resulting in a lower electricity bill. Newer machines also have an eco-setting for you to use”
Facts/stats
18% of students would pay more to improve laundry facilities in their accommodation
(Global Student Living)
60% of students living independently for the first time have rarely or never done their own washing (Birmingham City University)
Students often resort to washing clothes by hand, in the shower or sink to save money (Accommodation for Students)
Doing laundry: no one really wants to do it. But it’s one of life’s chores we all have to tackle, keeping clothes clean and fresh and keeping us clean and fresh in the process. As well as the physical benefits regarding tackling our fashion favourites, from lingering smells to preventing skin irritations, it impacts your mental wellbeing, too. Because who doesn’t feel happier and more confident in freshly washed clothes? But what do you do if you’ve left home and had your family look after that chore instead of you? Here’s some easy tips to ensure you’ll soon become a laundry pro.
KNOW YOUR MACHINE
If you’ve not had to use a washing machine before (lucky you!) then the first step is to check out the appliance you’re using. Washing machines in halls tend to be easier to follow, as they have less settings and simple controls. Still struggling? Ask someone doing their laundry at the same time as you – they’ve been there before so will happily show you what’s what so you can use uni machines without future worries. If, however, you’re using a machine provided by your landlord, things may be a little different. An all singing, all dancing appliance will have many more settings for you to choose from – and many aren’t particularly clear what means what. Don’t panic; all you need to do is key in the name of the machine online for a guide of how to use it. It should even show you what compartment to put your detergent and fabric softener in.
KNOW YOUR DETERGENT
Next on the agenda when it comes to doing your laundry is to figure out what detergent and fabric conditioner’s best for you. As a student on a budget, it’s tempting to go for the cheapest, but it’s worth bearing in mind lower prices might not result in your clothes being as clean as you’d like. This can be due to a number of factors, like not having as much enough active cleaning ingredients such as surfactants and enzymes. If possible, go for more moderately priced options, and consider whether you’ve any additional needs, such as those suited for more sensitive skin. As for fabric softener itself, you could choose to remove this from the equation altogether, as it doesn’t actually wash but simply softens the feel of the fabric (the clue’s in the name). There are also some clothes that tell you not to use it at all – it’s all down to you reading your clothes’ labels. Speaking of labels…
KNOW YOUR LABELS
You might think bunging everything in on the same setting and temperature is quicker, easier and will result in clean clothes. OK, so that might be slightly true – but the end results certainly won’t be. Why? The fabric of your clothes needs different cycles, while some can’t be washed in a machine at all, to prevent them from shrinking and fading. The answer? Check your labels! Again, here the internet is your best friend, as apart from the temperature (which should be clearly printed for you to see) other symbols can be a little confusing. For example, there’s hand wash only (a hand in a tub), do not tumble dry (a square with a circle inside crossed out), and do not wring out (a twisted or tied garment again crossed out).
KNOW YOUR COLOURS
Just as important as reading your labels is to separate your washing. Whites and colours in separate piles are essential – the last thing you want is for your favourite white top to come out not-so-white anymore. It’s also an idea to wash new jeans separately for the first few times, to prevent any dye transfer to other clothes. Then there’s the more delicate items like wool, lingerie and silk, as these need to be treated with care. Towels should also be separate, as they shed fibres that cling to other items in the machine. And if your item is soiled pre-treat it with a stain remover; again, checking the brand you use is compatible with the garment you want to use it on.
KNOW YOUR LOAD
It can also be confusing knowing the right amount for loading in your machine. For a start let’s talk underloading: just a handful of items is uneconomical and bad for the planet. Look at it this way; why wash two loads when the same amount can be done in one? However, there’s also the problem of overloading, with it affecting the spin cycle leaving you with clothes that aren’t as clean and wrung out as they should be. Then there’s the fact that an overloaded machine could break down – something no one wants to replace! This is where the internet is yet again your friend, as in the manual itself you’ll see the maximum capacity it can take.
KNOW HOW TO LOAD
No, we’re not talking about overloading here: in fact, it’s the best way to pop clothes in the machine so you don’t end up with fading or even that fear of again harming the appliance. Check all pockets first – keys and coins can easily damage the drum, while tissues result in tiny bits of cotton everywhere that are never fun to remove. Close zips, Velcro and unbutton garments to stop button holes tearing and turn clothes inside out. Yes, it’ll take a few minutes of your time but it’ll stop colours running as much and certain graphics fading. Throw bunched up socks in the laundry bin? Pop them back to their original shape, making all the difference in how clean they end up. Speaking of socks, why is it when you put a pair in the machine sometimes only one comes out? They don’t really disappear of course, but it’s frustrating when you want them together. Here a laundry mesh bag’s your friend, keeping one from ‘vanishing’ while giving them enough space to be washed freely.
KNOW YOUR BUDGET
Want to save money but still ensure you’re doing your laundry right? Wash your clothes at the lower temperature of 30 degrees whenever you can unless heavily soiled. A lower temperature costs you less as it doesn’t need as much energy to heat your water, resulting in a lower electricity bill. Newer machines also have an eco-setting for you to use. It might seem odd that it’s a longer cycle but again it uses less energy and water. You should also check your bill to discover if you’re on an economy 7 or economy 10 tariff. Why? The former provides a lower rate for seven hours at night, while the latter offers 10 hours of cheaper electricity, often split between night and afternoon periods.
KNOW YOUR DRYING AND FOLDING
Now on to how to dry and fold your washing correctly. Our first tip? Dry it outside as it’ll cost you nothing! If the weather’s not on your side, dry indoors on a clothes rack, just making sure it’s warm enough inside. And while it may seem a good idea to dry on radiators, in fact it could damage clothes as well as seeing those energy prices rise. Want to use a tumble dryer? It’s going to be the most expensive option, but if you’re in a hurry then a low cool setting helps prevent shrinking, damage and colour fading, again checking labels first to see if they can in be popped in there at all. As for folding, as a general rule lay your garment flat then apply pressure to smooth away wrinkles, before folding in half or a third, depending on space. Sticking with limited space, roll up your underwear or socks, and where possible hang items up, especially those prone to stretching or becoming wrinkled.
5 laundry apps
Circuit Laundry (iOS, Android, free)
Make laundry less of a hassle with a mobile app that lets you top up your Circuit app account in seconds – just turn up at your nearest Circuit launderette, load your laundry, scan a machine’s QR code and select the programme you want to start with no need to stay and watch your washing.
Love2Laundry (iOS, Android, free)
With a seamless ordering service, open the app, describe what you need, and schedule a pick-up for your laundry and dry cleaning.
Wash.ME (iOS, Android, free)
Wash.ME is the largest launderette provider in the UK, with eco-friendly self-service washing and drying machines in over 800 locations plus promo codes on your washing and drying cycles.
HomeWhiz (iOS, Android, free)
With HomeWhiz smart home application you can connect your smart appliances and other smart devices to your mobile device, allowing you to control and monitor them from anywhere.
Loop Energy (iOS, Android, free)
Save 15% or more with this app which integrates with your smart meter and helps you monitor energy use, see where to use less, and understand appliance running costs.
