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Housing and Residential Communities

Beginner’s Guide: How to do Laundry

Doing laundry for the first time? Follow this step-by-step guide to help you wash and dry your clothes with ease.

Washing Machine Instructions

  1. Sort Your Laundry
    • Light colors and whites together.
    • Dark colors together.
    • Towels separate if possible.
    • Sheets separately if possible. 
  2. Load the Washer
    • Fill the washer about two-thirds to three-quarters full so clothes can move freely. Do not press or pack them down.
    • Spread items evenly around the tub.
  3. Add Laundry Detergent
    • Use HE (High-Efficiency) detergent
    • Follow the measurement line on the cap—using too much detergent can cause residue or poor cleaning.
    • Add detergent to the detergent drawer or directly into the drum (depending on your machine). Pods don’t go in the drawer; pods go in with the clothes.
  4. Select Your Cycle
    • Normal: Everyday clothing.
    • Delicate: Light fabrics or items that say “gentle wash.”
    • Heavy Duty: Towels, bedding, or very dirty items.
  5. Choose Your Water Temperature
    • Cold Water: This is best for most loads (everyday clothes, dark colors) to prevent shrinking, fading, and damage to fabrics.
    • Warm Water: Use for man-made fabrics (like synthetics) and mildly dirty loads. It provides a better cleaning boost than cold water.
    • Hot Water: Use for heavily soiled items, towels, bedding, and white items that need to be sanitized or bleached.
  6. Start the Washer
    • Close the door securely and hit Start.

Dryer Instructions

  1. Clean the Lint Filter
    • Pull out the lint filter (usually inside the door or on the top of the dryer).
    • Remove lint before every load.
  2. Load the Dryer
    • Shake out clothes before placing them inside
    • Don’t overload so the air can circulate.
  3. Choose the Right Cycle Setting
    • Normal/Auto Dry: Everyday clothes.
      • Auto-dry settings help prevent shrinking.
    • Delicates/Low Heat: Light fabrics.
    • Heavy Duty: Towels or bedding.
  4. Start the Dryer
    • Close the door fully, select your cycle, and press Start.

exclamationAvoid drying items that are flammable or likely to melt

  • Rubber items, like bath mats or shoes with rubber soles 
  • Foam items, such as mattress toppers
  • Plastic-coated items, like rain gear or backpacks
  • Fabrics soiled with flammable liquids (gasoline, cooking oil, motor oil, paint, or cleaning solvents)

Extra Tips

  • If your machine isn’t running, check that the door is fully closed.
  • Don’t use bleach unless the care label says it’s safe.
  • If something smells off, run an empty hot cycle with a washer cleaner.
  • When in doubt, ask your RA who can point you in the right direction.

Save Time with the Speed Queen App (Except Bryce Lawn)

Want to check machine availability in your laundry room or get notified when your load is finished? Download the Speed Queen mobile app so there’s no more guessing! Here’s how to get started:

  1. Download the Speed Queen mobile app.
  2. Create an account using your Crimson email.
  3. Add the location pin UA0001.
  4. Select your residence hall, and you’re ready to go!