Laundry 101: A Laundry Guide for College Students, New Adults, & Beginners

Doing your own laundry for the first time, especially away from home, can feel a little intimidating. But don’t you worry - this happens to be our area of expertise. This quick guide is packed with tips to make laundry day way less dreadful (and maybe even a little - dare we say - satisfying).

Before long, it’ll just be part of your weekly routine.

What You’ll Need

• Laundry Basket or Hamper: Look for one with handles to make the trip to the laundry room easier.

• Laundry Detergent: A non-toxic, concentrated, and amazing-smelling detergent like Wishing Well is ideal. It's compact, easy to carry, and lasts up to 74 loads.

• Dryer Balls: A reusable alternative to dryer sheets that helps soften clothes and reduce static.

Nice-to-Haves

• Garment Bags: These mesh bags help protect delicate items in the wash.

• Drying Rack: Perfect for air-drying anything that shouldn't go in the dryer. We love this portable option for optimal mobility and space saving. 

Laundry Day Basics

Step 1: Prep Your Clothes

Before tossing everything in the washer, do a quick check and sort:

• Sort by color: Wash light and dark clothes separately.

• Keep it balanced: Wash clothing items separately from towels and blankets - they’re heavier and can cause damage or lint transfer.

• Set delicates aside: Anything that needs a garment bag should be kept out of heavy loads.

• Check care labels: If you’re unsure how to wash something, the tag usually has all the answers (and might save your favorite tee from shrinking!).

Step 2: Wash Your Clothes

Once sorted, here’s what to do:

• Add clothes to the washer. Try to fill it about 80% full to clean efficiently without overloading.

• Choose your settings:

  • Normal cycle: Most clothing

  • Delicate cycle: For delicate items

  • Cold water: Best for clothing

  • Warm water: Ideal for towels or blankets

• Hit start and let the machine do its thing.

• Pro tip: be sure not to let your clothes sit wet in the washing machine for too long post-cycle, since that can cause them to smell a little musty! Setting a timer is a great way to avoid this common mistake. 

Step 3: Dry Your Clothes

After the wash is done:

• Move clothes to the dryer.

• Hang up anything that should be air dried (use a drying rack or hanger in a well-ventilated spot).

• Toss in a few dryer balls for softness and reduced static.

• Select your drying cycle:

  • Normal/regular: Most clothing

  • Low heat: Delicates

  • High heat: Towels

• Don’t forget to clean the lint filter before starting the dryer!

• Once dry, check your clothes, add extra time if needed, and fold them soon after to prevent wrinkles.

Finding Your Routine

As you settle into college life, pick a regular day or time each week to do laundry. Making it part of your routine keeps it from piling up and feeling overwhelming. And with the right detergent (like Wishing Well), it can actually feel like a little act of self-care.

Doing your own laundry is a great way to take care of yourself and your clothes. It gets easier every time you do it, we promise. <3