Our laundry equipment in the University Apartments common laundry rooms are energy efficient, high efficiency machines. Here are some tips for better performance and to keep things in good repair. Many of our service requests are actually driven from unbalanced loads or improper use, so learning a few tips can help everyone have more machines available more of the time. While we have recently replaced several machines, we are trying to be good stewards of your rent money by not prematurely replacing equipment.
General good practices
- Empty all pockets: coins, paperclips and other pocket debris plug up the equipment and will shut down a machine and can cause permanent damage to pumps and motors.
- Consider a laundry bag for socks and undergarments- wash those items in the laundry bag. The machines eating your socks is a real thing that happens.
Detergent
- Only use detergent listed as high efficiency (see symbol to the right).
- Liquid detergent should be put in the detergent dispenser that pulls out.
- Laundry pods should be put in the tub with the clothes, not in the detergent dispenser.
- Use amount as directed. Many people use too much detergent.
- Extra detergent ultimately leads to residue that often creates odors.
Don’t overload the machine
- Putting too many items in the machine limits water circulation and is less effective at cleaning.
- Clothes should be distributed evenly and loosely in the machine.
- Even a large load of laundry should not fill the washer tub more than ¾ full.
- Too heavy of a load can result in the machine “walking” and going off balance on the spin cycle.
- Consistent overloading bends the washer’s frame and damages the motor.
Unbalanced Load—Wet clothes in washer
- If you return to the laundry room after a wash cycle and your clothes are still soaking wet, the cycle likely was unbalanced- and the washer shut down to prevent damage.
- Try removing a few items if is it too full or redistributing items and then run another rinse and spin cycle (not a full wash cycle)
After use, leave the washer door open.
- This helps to dry out the washer and minimize bacteria growth that leads to odors.
When machines are not working, please put in a maintenance request with the laundry room number and the machine number so we can service machines in a timely manner.