How was I supposed to know that you can't throw the red sweatshirt and the white t-shirts in the same load of laundry?

STORAGE I: How to deal with your clothes.

• Before you start:
• Make sure you have enough quarters, detergent, and a laundry bag or basket.
• Empty all pockets.
• Zip all zippers.
• Turn patterned clothing inside out.
• When in doubt, read the labels. Inside every garment is a care instruction label, usually on the inside back collar or on an inside seam. Follow the instructions there. (If it says, "DRY CLEAN ONLY," they're not kidding.)
• Put pre-wash spray on: food stains, spots, grease, ballpoint pen stains, collars and cuffs.


• Sort Clothes: Wash each load separately.
• WHITES - 100% cotton underwear, socks, towels, washcloths (of course all of these are white).
• DARK COLORS - navy blue, black, brown, dark gray, maroon, red, dark green, dark plaids or stripes, and blue jeans.
• LIGHT COLORS or whites with polyester, light blues, greens, pink, yellow, light plaids or stripes, some sheets, towels, and blouses.


• Select the water temperature on the washing machine. Do not use the HOT setting unless you want your clothes to bleed, fade or shrink. Everything will last longer and get just as clean in warm or even cold water.


• Don't use too much detergent or overload the machines - they won't work as well and they may break. (Hint - if you haven't done laundry for 3 weeks, it won't all fit in one machine.) Check the detergent box or bottle for the recommended quantity - they come with a measuring scoop inside or on the cap of the bottle. Usually ½ cup is plenty.


• Only use bleach on 100% WHITE cotton articles. Be careful - liquid bleach can ruin your clothing.


• Check the temperature setting on the dryer.
• Don't use the hottest setting - put it on warm or medium.
• Fabric softener sheets make your clothing smell nice.
• Leave a laundry basket with your name on it on top of the machine in case it finishes before you return. Otherwise you may find your clothes on the floor where they may get dirty. Then you'll just have to wash them again.
• Bring hangers with you. If you fold or hang your clothes as soon as they are dry, you can eliminate a lot of wrinkles.


• Set a timer to remind you when your load is done. Be there when the dryer stops or you may see your clothes walking across campus on somebody else!