Doing laundry in college is a little different than doing laundry at home. Whether you’re using a shared residence laundry room, hauling everything home on weekends, or making an emergency sink-washing attempt because you’ve run out of clean underwear, a few simple habits will make laundry day much easier.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Dorm Laundry Basics: Where Most College Students Do Laundry

Shared residence laundry room

This is the most common setup in college.

• Machines are usually coin, card, or app-operated.
• Bring everything you need with you.
• Set a timer so you can move your laundry promptly.
• Try to avoid peak times like Sunday evenings if your schedule allows.

💡 Pro Tip: Weekday mornings and afternoons are often much quieter than evenings and weekends, so you’ll spend less time waiting for an open machine.

Apartment or suite laundry

If you’re sharing a washer and dryer with roommates:

• Agree on laundry days if needed.
• Empty the lint trap after every dryer load.
• Don’t leave wet clothes sitting in the washer overnight.

Laundromat

If you’re using a laundromat:

• Bring enough detergent for all your loads.
• Wipe out the washer if it looks dirty.
• Stay with your laundry or set a timer so you don’t hold up the next person.

Taking laundry home

If you’re heading home regularly, there’s nothing wrong with bringing your laundry along. Just don’t ask your parents to do it for you, it’s time to learn how to do it yourself. 

What You Need in a Dorm Laundry Kit

Keep everything together in one small basket or tote so you’re always ready for laundry day.

You’ll want:

• Laundry basket or hamper
• Laundry detergent
• Stain remover spray
• Mesh laundry bags for delicate items
• Dryer balls (optional)
• Roll of quarters (if your machines require them)

Find everything you need here: (USA | Canada)

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

How to Do Laundry in College

If you’ve never done your own laundry before, don’t overthink it.

• Separate lights and darks when possible, especially with brand-new clothing.
• Don’t overload the washer. Clothes need room to move around to get clean.
• Use the recommended amount of detergent. More soap doesn’t mean cleaner clothes. It can actually leave residue behind.
• Check your pockets before washing.
• Read the care label if you’re unsure how an item should be washed.
• Use mesh laundry bags for delicate items. (Bras, underwear, socks, swimsuits, and anything with straps, hooks, or zippers.) They’ll be less likely to stretch, snag, or disappear in the wash.
• Choose cool water for most loads. It cleans everyday clothing well while helping prevent shrinking, fading, and wear. Reserve warm or hot water for heavily soiled items, towels, bedding, or when the care label specifically recommends it.
• Clean the lint trap before every dryer load.
• Fold or hang your clothes soon after they’re dry to help reduce wrinkles.

How to Remove Common Laundry Stains

Treat stains as soon as you can. The longer they sit, the harder they become to remove.

Coffee

• Blot the spill, don’t rub.
• Apply either: a stain remover, a little laundry detergent, or soak it in the sink with a dishwasher pod and cool water.
• Wash as soon as possible.

Grease

• Apply a few drops of Dish Soap (or Lestoil® if you have it).
• Let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then rinse.
• Wash normally.

Blood

• Rinse with cold water.
• Apply either: a stain remover, laundry detergent, or hydrogen peroxide.
• Never use hot water, which can set protein stains.

Ink

• Dab gently, don’t scrub.
• Use either: an alcohol-based stain remover, isopropyl alcohol, or even hand sanitizer or hairspray in a pinch.
• Wash after treating.

Makeup

• Apply either: stain remover, a little laundry detergent, or dish soap.
• Gently work it into the stain.
• Wash before the makeup has time to set.

No stain remover?

If you’re in a pinch:

• Dish Soap works well on grease or many other stains.
• Laundry detergent can help with many fresh stains.
• Cold water is best for blood and other protein stains.

Always check that the stain is gone before putting the item in the dryer. Heat can make stains much harder to remove.

What If You Can’t Do Laundry Right Away?

Sometimes laundry day is still a few days away. 

Until then:

• Wash underwear or socks in the sink with a small amount of detergent.
• Rinse thoroughly and hang them to dry completely.
• Spot clean small stains until you can do a full load.
• Air out hoodies and jeans between wears instead of washing them after every use.
• Don’t leave damp clothes sitting in your hamper.

Dorm Laundry Room Etiquette

Sharing a laundry room is easier when everyone follows a few basic rules.

• Set a timer.
• Move your laundry promptly.
• Don’t leave clothes sitting in machines for hours.
• Clean the lint trap.
• Throw away dryer sheets and garbage.
• Leave the space cleaner than you found it.

Dorm Laundry FAQs

How often should you wash your dorm sheets?

Wash your sheets every 1–2 weeks.

How often should you wash towels?

Wash bath towels every 3–4 uses.

How often should you wash gym clothes?

After every wear.

How often should you wash hoodies and jeans?

Only when they actually need it. Unless they’re dirty or smelly, jeans and hoodies can usually be worn several times between washes.

Can I wash underwear in the sink?

Yes. In a pinch, you gotta do what you gotta do. It’s a perfectly reasonable short-term solution if you run out before laundry day. Use a small amount of detergent, rinse well, and hang items to dry completely.

Can I leave my laundry in the washer overnight?

No, don’t do it. Wet clothes can quickly develop mildew and unpleasant odors, and leaving them in a shared machine isn’t fair to other students. Chances are, if you leave your laundry unattended for too long after the cycle is complete, someone will remove it for you and leave it in a wet heap so they can use the machine. 

Final Thoughts

Laundry doesn’t have to be complicated. Build a simple routine, treat stains while they’re fresh, and stay on top of small loads instead of waiting until you’ve run out of clean clothes. Your future self (and your roommate) will thank you.