What Campus Laundry Rooms Get Wrong (and How To Fix It)

What Campus Laundry Rooms Get Wrong (and How To Fix It)
  • Opening Intro -

    Picture this: a student wraps up a packed day of classes, meetings, and group projects, then heads out—laundry basket in hand—for what should be a simple task.

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Instead, they find themselves navigating the same hassles they’ve dealt with all semester.

Laundry is a process that feels more frustrating than it should be, but the reasons why often go unnoticed by campus decision-makers. Here’s what campus laundry rooms get wrong and how to fix it.

Poor Laundry Room Placement

Laundry rooms located far from dorms or in out-of-the-way buildings create barriers for students. When students must walk so far, it discourages laundry facility use and creates bottlenecks in more visible locations. Placing laundry rooms near dorms or central student hubs improves accessibility and spreads usage more evenly across campus.

Campuses should assess laundry room usage patterns every two years to determine whether relocations or additional facilities are needed. Strategic placement enhances convenience and encourages more responsible use of machines. Clear signage directing students to laundry locations can further ease access.

Outdated Payment Methods

Many campus laundry machines still rely exclusively on quarters, which can be inconvenient and frustrating for students. The hassle of finding coins, especially in small amounts, can slow the laundry process and lead to skipped loads or delays.

Upgrading to modern, cashless payment systems such as mobile apps or prepaid cards is a seamless solution. Facilities should review and update payment technologies every three to five years to keep pace with evolving student preferences and reduce maintenance calls related to coin jams or payment errors. In addition, offering multiple payment options can accommodate a wider range of users and increase overall satisfaction.

Inefficient Equipment Maintenance

Regular laundry maintenance is often overlooked, resulting in machines breaking down more frequently and longer wait times for students. Lint traps should be cleaned after every five loads or at least daily during peak usage periods. Additionally, monthly inspections should include checking hoses, belts, and electrical components to identify potential issues before they cause downtime.

Reliable equipment directly improves student satisfaction and reduces operational headaches. Scheduling maintenance on a fixed monthly calendar promotes consistency and accountability.

Poor Detergent and Supply Choices

Selecting incompatible detergents or supplies can damage machines and compromise wash quality. Using harsh chemicals or low-quality detergents may cause residue buildup that clogs internal parts or leads to corrosion. Choosing the right commercial laundry detergent supplier is imperative so products meet equipment specifications and fabric care standards.

Facilities should review supply contracts annually to evaluate performance, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact. Training staff on proper detergent usage further safeguards equipment and ensures clean laundry.

Listen to Student Feedback

Regularly collecting student input (at least once a month) can reveal emerging problems or inefficiencies that might otherwise go unnoticed. Simple feedback methods, such as QR-coded surveys or suggestion boxes, encourage participation.

Understanding what campus laundry rooms get wrong and how to fix it means staying engaged with the students who use these facilities. Acting on feedback signals a commitment to improvement and can enhance the overall college experience.

Image Credentials: By Victoria Antre, 1016447733

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