When you don't have access to a washer or dryer in your apartment and only have laundry mats (laundromats) available, you can follow these steps to clean your clothes:
Sort your laundry: Separate your clothes into different piles based on their colors and fabric types. Common sorting categories include whites, lights, darks, delicates, and heavily soiled items.
Gather your laundry supplies: Before heading to the laundromat, make sure you have all the necessary supplies, including laundry detergent, fabric softener (if desired), stain remover (optional), laundry bags or baskets to carry your clothes, and some quarters or a card to operate the washing machines and dryers.
Load the washing machine: Once you arrive at the laundromat, load your sorted clothes into the appropriate washing machine. Follow the instructions on the machine to add the detergent and any other laundry additives. Make sure not to overload the machine, as this can affect the quality of the wash.
Select the right settings: Choose the appropriate wash cycle based on the type of fabrics and the level of soiling. Many machines offer different cycles for different types of clothes, such as delicates, whites, or heavy-duty.
Start the wash cycle: After setting the machine, insert the required coins or use your laundry card to start the wash cycle.
Transfer clothes to the dryer (if needed): If the laundromat has dryers available, transfer your clean, wet clothes to the appropriate dryer after the washing cycle is complete.
Set the dryer settings: Choose the appropriate drying cycle and temperature settings for your clothes. Some clothes may need low heat or delicate cycles to prevent damage.
Start the drying cycle: Insert the necessary coins or use your laundry card to start the drying cycle.
Fold and store your clothes: Once your clothes are dry, remove them from the dryer promptly to avoid wrinkles. Fold or hang them accordingly and place them in your laundry bags or baskets for transportation back to your apartment.
It's essential to be mindful of your belongings while using laundromats, as you'll be sharing the facilities with others. Don't leave your clothes unattended, and make sure to clean up any mess you create during the process.
Using laundromats may require a bit of planning and time management, but it's a reliable way to keep your clothes clean and fresh when you don't have access to a washer and dryer at home.