Living in an apartment building with shared facilities can be very convenient, including having access to a washing machine and dryer within your building. While it's natural to have concerns about sharing these amenities with your neighbours, following a few simple laundry etiquette guidelines can help ensure a harmonious laundry experience for everyone.
Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind while sharing your building's washing machine and dryer:
Respect Others' Time
One of the most important aspects of laundry etiquette is being considerate of others' time. Try to avoid monopolizing washing machines and dryers for extended periods, especially during peak times. If your building has a laundry schedule, make sure to follow it. However, if you need to do multiple loads, try to space them out over a few days.
We also suggest being mindful of the time it takes to complete a cycle and remove your laundry promptly once it's finished. But if you need to leave your laundry unattended for a brief period, make sure to set a timer or alarm to remind you to return. This helps ensure that the machine is available for others to use and reduces the likelihood of your laundry being removed by a fellow resident and keeps your laundry from sitting in the machine and becoming musty or wrinkled. It also shows consideration for your neighbours and helps maintain a positive laundry experience for everyone!
Use Proper Amounts of Detergent
Using too much detergent not only wastes money, but can also create problems for the next individual using the machine. Excess suds can cause machines to malfunction, resulting in necessary repairs or replacements. Therefore, follow the detergent guidelines on the package and use only the recommended amount for your quantity of clothes.
Clean Up After Yourself
Taking good care of the laundry machines in your apartment building is a benefit to you as well as your neighbours. Nobody wants to deal with the inconvenience of a broken machine or mess left behind by a previous user! Therefore, it's essential to clean the machines after each use.
Also, make sure to clean out the lint trap after each use and dispose of used dryer sheets in the trash. If you notice the lint trap is full from a previous user, take a moment to empty it before starting your next load. This helps improve the efficiency of the machines and reduce the risk of a fire hazard.
Additionally, if you spill detergent or fabric softener, clean it up promptly to prevent staining or damage to the machines. If left unattended, spilled detergent can cause sticky residue that accumulates over time and can damage the machines. To avoid this, keep a cloth or paper towel handy to quickly wipe off any spills or drips. Also, consider using spill-proof containers for your laundry supplies to prevent accidental spills. By taking these simple steps, you can help maintain a clean and efficient laundry room for everyone in your building to enjoy.
Be Mindful of Noise
Laundry machines can be noisy, and the sound can carry throughout the building. In consideration of your neighbours, try to do your laundry during the day and avoid running machines early in the morning or late at night. If your building has quiet hours, make sure to adhere to them.
Be Careful with Delicates
Taking special care of delicate and fragile items is crucial to ensure the longevity of your clothing. Delicate fabrics such as lace, silk and cashmere can easily become damaged or stretched out when washed with heavier materials including denim and towels. So, make sure to pay attention to the care label on each item to determine the best method for washing and drying. If the label indicates the item should be drycleaned, it’s best to take it to a professional cleaner rather than risking damage to your property’s washing machine.
If you're unsure about how to care for a particular item, don't hesitate to seek advice from a professional cleaner or do some research online. Taking the extra time and effort to properly care for your delicate items can extend your clothing's lifespan and remove the risk of ruining items in your property’s washing machine.
Don't Overload the Machines
By following the recommended load size for washing machines and dryers, you can help maintain their efficiency and prevent potential malfunctions. Overloading these machines not only consumes excess energy and costs more money but also prolongs drying times, which can be frustrating. However, by following the recommended load size, you can save time, money and energy while also ensuring that your laundry is cleaned and dried effectively.
In addition, properly loading the machines also helps to reduce wear and tear on your clothes. By avoiding overcrowding and allowing your clothes to move freely in the machine, you can prevent unnecessary stretching, tearing or snagging. This not only helps to keep your clothes looking better for longer, but also saves you money in the long run by extending the lifespan of your clothes. Always be mindful of the recommended load size and give your clothes and the machines the care they deserve.
Report Malfunctions
If you notice a machine is not working properly, it's important to report it to the Residential Property Manager or Maintenance Associate right away. Avoid attempting to fix the problem yourself, as this can lead to further damage or safety hazards. By reporting the issue promptly, you can help ensure the machine is repaired as soon as possible, allowing everyone in the building to have access to a fully functioning laundry room. And as a plus, Avenue Living Communities aims to complete any maintenace request within three business days!
Additionally, reporting the issue can prevent others from unknowingly causing damage to the machine or wasting their time and money trying to use a malfunctioning machine. Remember, a little proactive reporting can go a long way in maintaining a positive and functional laundry room for everyone to use.
By embracing these easy tips, you can make sure laundry day is a happy day for everyone in your apartment building!