Laundry is one of life’s never-ending chores, and if you live in an apartment complex, you’ll probably have to follow laundry room rules while doing it. These laundry room rules for apartments are in place to make the laundry room experience more pleasant for everyone. 

Unfortunately, many people fail to practice basic laundry room etiquette. This negligence makes a chore that’s already time-consuming a little less pleasant for everyone. Whether you’re an apartment newbie or an experienced renter, ignoring your laundry room’s rules will leave everyone’s patience stuck in the spin cycle. 

We’ve rounded up some must-follow laundry room rules for apartments that every renter should know.

 

Shared Laundry Room Etiquette 101

Prep Your Laundry Ahead of Time

Get your clothes sorted before you head to the laundry room. Check your pockets for loose change, tissues and more. Doing so saves you time and ensures that everyone can use the laundry room. Plus, you won’t have to lug your stain remover back and forth with you. 

Clean Up After Yourself

A communal laundry room is a shared space, so it’s up to each resident to keep it tidy. Wipe up any spilled detergent, clean the lint trap and throw away used dryer sheets. Trash receptacles in laundry rooms are for dryer lint and sheets – not household garbage.

Remove Your Laundry Promptly

One of the critical components of shared laundry room etiquette is to remove your completed laundry in a timely manner so everyone has a chance to use the machines. Many people are likely on similar schedules using a limited number of washers and dryers, so you’ll need to be mindful of how much time you’re taking up. 

Typically, washing a load of laundry takes 30 to 40 minutes and drying takes 45 minutes to an hour. Use a timer as a reminder to remove your laundry at cycle end so that your neighbors don’t have to wait around.

Be Considerate of Others

Another essential component of laundry room etiquette is giving your neighbors some grace. If you notice that a washer or dryer has completed its cycle and the owner hasn’t returned to deal with it, try to be patient. They’ll probably be back shortly.

Apartment Laundry Room Rules FAQ

Is it OK to take someone’s laundry out? 

A general rule of thumb is to give your neighbor at least 15 to 20 minutes before removing their laundry. However, you should always check with the property manager. Some apartment laundry room rules specify when it is and is not okay to remove someone’s laundry. 

If you do remove a neighbor’s laundry, be courteous. If their basket is present, place the laundry inside. If not, put it on the dryer or a table rather than leaving it on the floor. 

Can you leave clothes in the laundry room and come back? 

It’s generally best to stay with your clothes at a traditional laundromat. However, the environment is a bit more lenient for apartment laundry rooms. You can spend time in your apartment while the washer or dryer is running, but be sure to set a timer and return promptly. 

Can you catch bed bugs in a laundry room? 

Unfortunately, it is possible to catch bed bugs from a laundromat or laundry room. However, most apartments have strict bed bug policies in place to prevent this from happening. To be extra cautious, ensure you’re using clean laundry baskets and bags and folding your laundry on clean surfaces. 

Communal Laundry Supply Kit

Your apartment management will set the laundry room rules and maintain the space, but it’s up to you to bring the necessary supplies. Here’s what you need to take with you to the laundry room.

  • Travel-sized laundry detergent: When it comes to lugging laundry, it’s best to limit the number of items you carry. Fill a smaller container from your larger detergent bottle to reduce the weight you have to take back and forth.
  • Fabric softener or dryer sheets: If you want to stay static-free, you’ll need to bring these items with you. Again, you may want to consider portioning liquid softener into smaller containers or just get a few dryer sheets instead of the whole box.
  • Bleach: You’ll need bleach to get those whites extra sparkly – but be careful to avoid spills. As a courtesy to the following user, ensure the washer drains completely after using bleach. 
  • Payment method: Many apartment communities use cards you can pre-load to do your laundry. Bring your card and payment method to reload it if needed. If the machines still take coins, save a trip back to your apartment by bringing double the number you expect to use, just in case.
  • Laundry basket: Take a small laundry basket or hamper to leave next to your machine. This way, there’s a place for your belongings if someone needs to move them after the cycle ends.

Make Chores Easier With Laundry Room Etiquette

With a bit of courtesy and some shared laundry etiquette, the communal laundry area can be a clean and friendly place — free of spilled bleach, smelly trash cans and frustration over abandoned laundry.

Southern Management prioritizes creating a comfortable, convenient environment for our residents to live — and do laundry. Browse our more than 75 communities throughout Maryland and Northern Virginia, all of which have laundry facilities in-building, on-site, or in-unit. Contact our team to learn more today!