Professional Laundry Laundry Instructions and Tips

Laundry machines are convenient for washing not only blankets, plaids and curtains, but also other bulky items that don't fit in standard home washing machines. However, instructions on the proper procedure for paying for laundry, loading the machine, and selecting a mode may not be so simple at first glance.

In this article, we would like to share with you information on how to properly wash your laundry in a self-service laundry machine to effectively remove stains and avoid damaging the fabric.

Restrictions on laundry in a laundromat

Some items are made of materials that are susceptible to fading, stretching or petrifying when exposed to water and detergents. For this reason, they should be dry cleaned rather than laundered. One of the surest ways to identify such items is to pay attention to the instructions on the label.

In case there is no label, here are some items that should not be washed:

1. Pillows and blankets filled with feathers or down. Washing such items in the washing machine may cause the feathers to stick together, forming large clumps. Also, if there is inconspicuous damage on the cover, some of the filling may fall out during washing. It is recommended that feather pillows and blankets be given to a dry cleaner to ensure that they are safe after cleaning.
2. Shoes, items with oil stains and cleaning rags are also not recommended to be washed for hygiene reasons. Dirt and sand from shoes can remain in the washing machine drum after washing, and oil, paint and other corrosive substances can stain other items inside the machine.

However, it's worth noting that there are other items that should also be excluded from laundry room washing. I suggest familiarizing yourself with this additional list:

• Items with a high wool or cashmere content. These materials require more care and it is not recommended to wash them in a regular washing machine. It is best to go to a professional dry cleaner to preserve the quality and texture of these items.
• Clothes with delicate details and embellishments such as sequins, beads or embroidery. Mechanical impact during washing can damage these decorative elements and ruin the appearance of the garment. Hand washing or dry cleaning are more appropriate methods for cleaning such garments.
• Leather goods including jackets, coats, bags and shoes. Leather is prone to deformation and loss of its qualities when exposed to water and detergents. To clean and care for leather items, it is recommended to use special products and contact a specialized dry cleaner.
• Items with a water-repellent coating, such as down jackets or jackets with a Gore-Tex membrane. Washing in the laundry can adversely affect the hydrophobic properties of such items and reduce their effectiveness. You should follow the instructions on the label and contact a specialized service to maintain the quality and functionality of such items.

Now, with more information about items that are not recommended to be washed in a conventional laundry, you will be able to take care of your clothes and household items carefully and properly. Remember that proper care of various materials helps to extend their life and maintain their attractiveness.

Step #1: Adding laundry detergent or laundry gel to the machine

Standard laundry services include powder, rinse aid and bleach, which may be included in the cost of laundry or purchased separately. Sometimes you may need to bring them with you or find out in advance by phone or on the laundromat's website.

For your convenience, it is recommended that you choose laundromats where you can purchase or receive detergent free of charge. Professional products are usually more effective at removing stains and less likely to affect the color of fabrics compared to those sold in supermarkets.

Inside your washing machine, you'll find a container with three compartments designed for pouring in or pouring out detergents. If you need to figure out which products to use, the laundry manual will help you figure it out. Remember that powder and rinse aid are mandatory, and bleach should be used with caution for wool, silk and colored fabrics.

Step #3. Selecting the washing mode

Various factors play an important role in setting the wash mode. The degree of soiling of the laundry, the water temperature and the spin intensity must be taken into account. The interaction of these parameters determines the optimum conditions for a more efficient and quality wash.

Rapid progressive technologies of modern washing machines provide the possibility of automatic mode selection based on the type of laundry. A variety of preset programs provides convenience and efficiency in washing different materials and soiling.

However, if you prefer manual mode selection, it is important to know how to properly set the washing parameters. For this purpose, it is recommended to refer to the manual, which contains information on selecting the optimal programs for each type of laundry.

1. Level of contamination:

• Minor - for items that have no noticeable stains on them. For example, when you wash a new sheet before its first use or a T-shirt that has only been worn once.
• Moderate - for items that have light soiling due to everyday use. For example, when your pants are dusty after a walk or there are traces of powder on the collar of your blouse.
• Strong - for items that show obvious and persistent stains. For example, if you spilled coffee on your shirt or your dog ran his dirty paws over your blanket.

1. Temperature and spin. When selecting this parameter, it is best to refer to the information on the label.

If there is no label, follow the general rule:

• For silk and wool - temperature 30-40 ℃, spin up to 600 rpm.
• For synthetic materials - temperature 40-50 ℃, spin up to 800 rpm.
• Bright cotton and linen items - temperature 40-60 ℃, spin up to 1,000 rpm.
• Bright cotton and linen items - temperature 60-90 ℃, spin up to 1,000 rpm.
• After selecting the mode, the washing machine display will show the number of coins required for washing.

Step #2. Loading laundry into the drum

When structuring the load of laundry to be loaded into the washing machine, it is important to take several factors into account. Firstly, each machine is designed for a certain weight of dry laundry, and the maximum load in kilograms is indicated on the body of the machine. To find out the weight of the laundry, you can weigh it at home by putting it in a basin and putting it on a scale. In the absence of such an opportunity, you can be guided by approximate values.

For example, bed linen and towels have the following weight:

• Duvet cover - 700 grams;
• Sheet - 500 grams;
• Pillowcase - 200 grams;
• Large terry towel - 600 grams;
• Face towel - 200 grams.

Clothing also has its own weight characteristics:

• Pants - 450 grams;
• Men's shirt - 300 grams;
• T-shirt - 150 grams;
• Women's thin blouse - 100 grams;
• Skirt - 250 grams;
• Socks - 40 grams.

When it comes to curtains, plaids, blankets and covers, their weight specifications are as follows:

• Curtains - up to 7 kilograms;
• Blanket - up to 2 kilograms;
• Plaid - up to 4 kilograms;
• Mattress cover - 700 grams.

The general rule when loading laundry into the machine is not to fill it more than 2/3 of the drum volume. That is, there should be about 10-20 centimeters of free space inside the drum. For example, if you plan to wash two sets of bed linen in the laundry, you should choose a machine with a maximum load of up to six kilograms.

It is also important to properly distribute the loaded laundry inside the machine to avoid it getting tangled or pinched by the door. Here are some tips on how to do this:

• If washing clothes, make sure all pockets are empty and each item is turned inside out so that pictures and decorations are not damaged.
• Load laundry unfolded rather than folded several times to avoid creases and uneven washing.
• Large items, such as sheets and blankets, should be loaded first and placed in the depth of the drum so that they do not get pinched when the door is closed.
• Smaller items, such as underwear and socks, should be placed in the special mesh laundry bag. In this way, they will not get tangled in the sheets, caught on the door or forgotten inside the machine.

Step #4. Buying tokens

Georgia laundromats require special tokens, not regular coins, for use in the washers and dryers. Tokens can be purchased from a special machine located in the laundry room. They are available at prices starting from 2 Georgian lari, and the cost of one wash is usually between 9 and 20 Georgian lari.

To purchase tokens, you just need to select the required number and make the payment. It is better to have cash with you, as most machines do not accept card payments.

Be strict about using the correct tokens in the appropriate machines. There are times when the machines for washing and drying are different and labeled accordingly. This is important to remember so that you don't make a mistake: if you accidentally drop a drying token into a washing machine, it will be impossible to get it back.

But there are a few other interesting details to know about buying tokens at a Georgia laundromat. Some laundromats offer a variety of token options that can give discounts on future washes or be used for additional services, such as the use of bleach or conditioner. By purchasing these tokens, you can not only pay for your laundry, but also receive additional benefits.

In addition, in some laundromats you can find machines that accept not only cash, but also payment cards. This is convenient for those who prefer not to carry a large amount of cash. However, it should be taken into account that not all machines support payments with cards, so it is better to clarify this information in advance.

When you make a purchase of tokens in the laundry, it is worth paying attention to their quantity. Often the price of tokens becomes more favorable when buying more. If you plan to use the laundry service on a regular basis, it may be more cost-effective to buy more tokens at once and save on laundry costs in the long run.

It's also helpful to know that some laundromats offer loyalty programs for their regular customers. With these programs, you can receive additional bonuses or discounts every time you purchase tokens or use laundry services. This is a great way to save money and get additional benefits from visiting a laundromat.

Step #5. Waiting for the end of washing

Before starting the machine, you must first make sure that it is thoroughly prepared. Make sure that all the necessary detergents are put in, the laundry is loaded and the door is securely closed until it clicks shut. Only after these simple but important steps are completed can you begin the washing process.

One of the advantages of using professional washing machines is that they are fast. Unlike home units, washing in them takes relatively little time. On average, this process takes about 50 minutes. However, it should be noted that the duration can vary depending on the selected washing mode. If the soiling of the laundry is more intense or a higher temperature is required, the washing time may be increased.

The time while the machine is doing the laundry can be spent in a useful way. Some laundries provide comfortable chairs where you can relax and unwind. If you want to take a short walk or do some shopping, you can leave the laundry without any problems. The nearest store or cafe will always be at your fingertips.

Waiting for your laundry to finish can be made more enjoyable and entertaining. Many modern laundromats offer a variety of entertainment and amenities for their customers. Some are equipped with televisions or other forms of entertainment to make the time fly by. You can also use this time to read an interesting book, watch the news, or just enjoy a moment of peace.

When the laundry is finished, the machine will beep so that you don't miss the moment. Open the machine door and carefully remove the laundry from the drum. Don't forget to check for any forgotten little things.

Step #6. Drying the laundry

Clothes made of leather, silk, nylon, fur, as well as clothes with metal and PVC jewelry should not be dried in the machine, because the material may deteriorate due to the temperature. If you do not have any of these things, the laundry can be dried.

1. Load your clothes into the dryer and select the temperature from the label. General rule for selecting the temperature:

• Tulle, fine wool - up to 50 ℃.
• Synthetics and fine cotton - up to 58 ℃.
• Cotton, linen and thick synthetics - up to 65 ℃.
• Plaids, covers, mattress covers made of durable fabrics - up to 72 ℃.

1. Buy tokens from the machine - you will see the exact number on the display of the dryer after selecting the temperature. On average, one drying will cost 3 Georgian lari.
2. Close the machine door tightly, drop in the token and press the "Start" button. Depending on the mode, drying will take up to two hours.
3. If you have large items in the machine, redistribute them every 10-15 minutes so they dry evenly. To do this, open the machine door, take the clothes out, shake them and put them back in a different order.
4. Take the items out of the machine when you hear the end of drying signal.

Checklist:

1. Prepare the machine for washing, fill or pour in the required amount of detergent. Make sure that the selected detergent corresponds to the type of fabric and the manufacturer's recommendations.
2. Carefully load the laundry into the drum of the washing machine. Make sure that the items are not overloaded so that they can move freely during the wash.
3. Choose the appropriate washing mode according to the type of fabric and the degree of soiling. Modern washing machines offer a variety of modes, including standard wash, delicate mode, sportswear mode and others. Choose the best mode for your laundry.
4. Purchase the required number of tokens to use the dryer. Tokens are usually available from vending machines in laundromats. Make sure you have enough tokens to complete the drying process.
5. Drop the tokens into the dryer, then carefully close the door and press the start button. Make sure that the drying mode selected is appropriate for your laundry.
6. Wait for the drying process to finish, following the instructions on the display of the dryer. Drying usually takes a certain amount of time, which depends on the selected mode and the amount of laundry.
7. When drying is complete, carefully remove the laundry from the dryer. Check that the laundry is completely dry and ready for use. If some items are still wet, you can continue drying or use other methods to complete the drying process.

Remember to fold and put away the dried laundry neatly to keep it in order and prevent possible creases or wrinkles. Now your laundry is freshly washed and ready to use!

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of clothes can be washed in a laundromat? 🧦👕👖

Various types of clothes can be washed in a laundromat, including shirts, t-shirts, jeans, socks, and many others. However, you should avoid washing very delicate items such as silk or cashmere garments. It is important to read the instructions on the clothing tag or consult with the laundry staff to make sure that the type of clothing you choose is suitable for machine washing.

How do I prepare clothes for washing in the laundry machine? 📦👕

Before sending clothes to the laundromat, make sure all pockets are empty to avoid losing items. Separate clothes by type and color to avoid stains or over-dyeing. Make sure all fasteners (buttons, zippers) are closed to prevent damage to other items during laundry. If there are stains on the clothes, it is better to pre-treat them with a special stain remover.

How to choose the right laundry mode in the laundry room? 🔄🧺

Before loading clothes into your laundry room washing machine, read the instructions on the machine. There are usually different programs and wash modes on the control panel. Choose the program appropriate for the type of fabric and the recommended wash temperature on the clothes tag. If you are not sure which mode to choose, ask the laundry staff for help.