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How to Do Laundry in a College Dorm
Doing laundry in college is often one of the first independent tasks students have to manage, and it can feel confusing at first, especially in a shared dorm laundry room. Once you understand the basics though, it becomes a simple routine. This guide will walk you through how to sort clothes, choose the right wash settings, and how to use the right laundry products with confidence.
Before you start: Sort your clothes
Taking a few minutes to sort laundry can help prevent color bleeding, shrinking and fabric damage.
Separate lights and darks
Wash white and light-colored clothing separately from dark or brightly colored items. This helps prevent dyes from transferring and keeps lighter clothes looking their best.
Separate towels and bedding
Towels, sheets and blankets are often heavier than everyday clothing. Washing them separately can improve cleaning performance and help prevent overloading the machine.
Check clothing care labels
Before washing any item, check the care label for specific instructions. It's important to know what laundry symbols mean to properly care for your laundry.
| Item | Wash Setting |
|---|---|
| T-shirts | Cold, normal cycle |
| Jeans | Cold, normal cycle |
| Towels | Warm, bulky cycle |
| Delicates | Cold, delicate cycle |
| Sheets | Hot, normal cycle |
| Shoes | Cold, delicate cycle |
College laundry supplies
Laundry detergent
Laundry bag or basket
Dryer sheets or fabric softener (optional)
• Quarters or a laundry payment app
How to do laundry in college: Step-by-step
Check pockets and close zippers
Empty all pockets and remove any items left inside. Zip up jackets and pants to prevent snagging and damage during the wash cycle.
Load the washing machine
Place clothes loosely in the washer rather than packing them tightly. Overloading the machine can prevent clothes from getting fully cleaned and may increase wear on fabrics.
Dorm laundry tips for shared laundry rooms
Add detergent
First use the amount of detergent recommended on the product label into the detergent dispenser. Then pick the best additive for your needs:
- For white, bleach-safe fabrics, add Clorox™ Disinfecting Bleach to whiten clothes and kill 99.9% of bacteria. Tip: For a spill-free solution, try pre-dosed Clorox™ Zero Splash™ Laundry Bleach Packs™.
- For colors, add Clorox 2™ for Colors Laundry & Fabric Stain Remover into the detergent dispenser with detergent to remove tough stains and brighten colors.
- For tough odors, add Clorox FreshGuard™ Laundry Odor Remover to remove odors at their source by adding into the fabric softener dispenser.
Choose wash settings
Most everyday clothing can be washed using cold water and a normal cycle. Cold water helps protect colors, reduce shrinking and save energy.
Start the cycle
Double-check that the machine settings are correct before starting the washer. Once the cycle begins, set a timer on your phone so you remember to return when it's finished.
Move the clothes to the dryer
Transfer clothes to the dryer as soon as possible after the wash cycle ends. Leaving wet clothing in the washer for too long can lead to unpleasant odors and mildew growth.
TipIf the washing machine smells like it could use a refresh, run a rinse cycle with Clorox FreshGuard™ Laundry Odor Remover.
Select dryer setting
Use medium heat for most everyday clothing and lower heat settings for delicate fabrics. If you're unsure, choosing a lower heat setting is generally safer than using high heat.
Fold or hang clothes
Once clothes are dry, fold or hang them as soon as possible. This helps prevent wrinkles and makes it easier to stay organized in a small dorm room.
Dorm laundry tips for shared laundry rooms
- Choose off-peak laundry times like weekday mornings or afternoons when machines are more likely to be available.
- Set a timer a few minutes before the cycle is complete to return when your laundry is finished.
- Check machines before using them for leftover items or anything that could affect your laundry.
- Clean the dryer lint trap to help improve drying efficiency.
How often should college students do laundry?
A simple laundry routine helps keep clothes from piling up in a dorm. Most everyday clothes like t-shirts and jeans can be washed about once a week. Underwear, socks and workout clothes should be washed after each use. Towels are typically washed every few uses, and bed sheets every one to two weeks. Larger items like blankets can be washed every one to three months. And for that barely worn, clean-ish clothes pile, Clorox™ Refreshables™ In-Dryer Clothing Refresher gently freshen items, no washer needed.
Tips for using bleach in laundry
- Not sure what bleach-to-water ratio you need? Check out our handy bleach dilution chart.
- Use freshly mixed solutions. Bleach degrades over time when diluted.
- Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia or any other cleaner; doing so can create dangerous fumes.
- Wear gloves and ensure good ventilation during use.
What to avoid when doing laundry in college
- Don't overload the washer — clothes won't clean properly.
- Don't ignore care labels — they help prevent damage and shrinking.
- Don't leave wet clothes sitting — they can develop odors and mildew.
- Don't use too much detergent — it can leave residue on clothes.
- Don't forget to clean the lint trap before using the dryer.
- Don’t leave folding for later — fold clothes shortly after drying to help prevent wrinkles.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best laundry basket or laundry bag for college?
The best choice depends on how you'll carry your laundry. A laundry bag is ideal for walking to a shared laundry room, while a sturdy basket with handles is better for heavier loads. Choose one that's durable, easy to clean, and large enough to hold about a week's worth of clothes.
- What is the best way to do laundry in college?
The best way to do laundry in college is to sort your clothes by color and fabric, check the care labels, and use the right laundry products for each load. For white, bleach-safe items, Clorox™ Disinfecting Bleach helps remove stains, whiten fabrics, and kill 99.9% of germs when used as directed. For powerful whitening and stain removal, Clorox™ Scentiva™ Scented Bleach combines trusted bleach performance with a fresh, long‑lasting scent. For colored clothes, Clorox 2™ for Colors Laundry & Fabric Stain Remover helps remove tough stains while helping keep colors bright. To target tough odors, try Clorox FreshGuard™ Laundry Odor Remover for fresh clothes, fresh scent and a fresh machine.