The Ultimate Guide to Laundry Products

College is a major life transition that brings with it a host of new experiences and responsibilities. Although laundry is one of the more mundane changes, it’s a critical chore that college students need to get the hang of if they want clean, fresh-smelling clothes on a regular basis. When you first begin exploring the wonderful world of laundry, you might be wondering about the various laundry products needed to get the job done. Let’s review the various types of laundry tools and their purposes so you can master your laundry needs in college.

Detergents

Imagine washing your hands without any hand soap. Yuck! That’s essentially the equivalent of washing clothes without detergent. This is the key to keeping your clothes clean, smelling fresh, and looking great. The real challenge for most college students is finding the right kind of detergent. In general, there are three primary kinds of detergent: liquid, powder, and pods. Pods are more portable and convenient, but liquid and powder detergents are generally cheaper per wash. The trick is finding the right variety of detergents depending on your specific needs. Standard detergents work great with all clothes while others have a specific use such as removing stains from white clothes, treating delicate materials lightly, or tackling stubborn stains. Make sure to read the labels to make sure you have what you need.

Dryer Sheets

Don’t you hate when freshly-dried clothes stick to your skin like glue with that annoying static? Well, we’ve got a solution for you: dryer sheets! These laundry tools resemble small tissues and significantly minimize the static-cling of clothes. On top of that, dryer sheets make materials feel softer and more comfortable and leave behind a nice scent to give your clothes a long-lasting pleasant aroma. This way, your clothes are ready to be worn immediately after the drying process without any frustrating sticking. All you have to do is toss a dryer sheet or two in the dryer with a load of laundry. The more clothes you’re drying, the more dryer sheets you’ll need. However, usually one is more than enough.

Further Reading: The Ultimate Guide to Doing Laundry in College

Mesh Bags

One of the most underrated and underutilized laundry products is mesh bags. When you need to wash delicate materials but don’t have the time, patience, or money to pay for multiple loads, mesh bags allow you to mix all your laundry together while still protecting more sensitive items. For example, if you need to wash your underwear with everything else, tossing them in a mesh bag can eliminate the potential for snagging, pulling, and ripping. Mesh bags are incredibly affordable, easy to use, and super effective. You can use mesh bags in the washer and the dryer, although you might not want to dry some more sensitive materials such as wool, cashmere, or silk. You can find mesh bags at the vast majority of superstores, supermarkets, and drug stores.

Stain Sticks

Stain sticks are another helpful laundry tool to have in your arsenal for college. These pen-shaped devices are the most convenient way to remove smaller stains to avoid having to do a full load of laundry. Whether you spill some coffee in the morning (or late at night), drop a bit of ketchup at lunch, experience an ink spill, or fall victim to any other kind of stain, you can simply pull out the stain stick and apply it on the stain. These devices aren’t guaranteed to remove stubborn stains, but they can handle moderate blemishes pretty well. They’re a great tool to have at your disposal whenever you’re in a pinch.

Interested in learning more ways to prepare yourself for laundry at college? Head over to www.coinmeter.com for insider tips and tricks for mastering this weekly chore. We offer a host of helpful advice and actionable tips you can use to keep your clothes clean and pristine.

Essential Laundry Equipment for College

College is a massive transition in virtually all areas of your life even in the more mundane and everyday responsibilities. For many college students, undergraduate life is the first time they handle laundry all on their own. As you start making a list of all the items you’ll need to succeed in college, make some room for this essential laundry equipment. These handy, convenient, and low-cost items will make your routine visits to the campus laundry room or local laundromat that much quicker and seamless.

Laundry basket.

The corner of the dorm room might seem like the perfect place to throw your laundry for the first few weeks of college, but you’ll quickly be looking for an alternative solution. That’s where laundry baskets come into play. They come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and materials, but their basic function is identical: to keep your dirty clothes in one convenient place until laundry day comes around. The best laundry baskets for college students are compact, lightweight, and foldable in some way. This way, you can easily store it away when you’re not using it to maximize the limited amount of living space you’re dealing with in college.

Laundry bag.

While your laundry basket is perfect for stowing away dirty clothes, it’s probably not designed to take on the road. As a result, you’ll need a laundry bag to haul everything from your dorm to the laundry room. A large bag of any size will do just fine, just make sure it’s lightweight, comfortable, and spacious. You’ll have to fit days worth of clothing in there and might even have to carry it a decent way if you’re going to a local laundromat. If you can find a hybrid laundry basket-carrying bag that gets the job done, you’re killing two laundry birds with one stone.

Detergent.

Detergent is critical when it comes to keeping your clothes clean and smelling fresh. There are plenty of high-quality detergents that get the job done, but the variety gives you room to choose what fits your needs best. The best detergent will depend on a few factors including your budget, the strength of cleaning your clothes demand, your scent preferences, and any sensitivities or allergies you might have. Some laundromats sell detergent which is convenient in a pinch. However, bringing your own detergent is going to save you a lot of money in the long run while giving you the ability to find a product that works perfectly for you.

Clothes hangers.

One of the most painful laundromat experiences is pulling out your favorite shirt or pair of pants from the dryer only to see them completely ruined. Sensitive materials such as faux leather, silk, wool, and suede aren’t designed to get tumble dried at high temperatures. This is where clothes hangers are essential. Read the tags on your clothes to figure out which items need to get hung up to dry instead of thrown in the dryer. You might find enough space to air dry your clothes in the laundry facility, but you can always move them to your dorm room with hangers.

Mesh bags.

Mesh bags are an effective way to protect more sensitive materials from becoming damaged during the washing and drying cycles. Undergarments, wool fabric, and other sensitive items can get snagged on zippers which can cause irreparable tears and holes. Instead of having to pay extra by separating loads, you can simply invest in a handful of mesh bags that protect your more at-risk clothing. These bags are incredibly affordable, easy to use, and highly effective. No more spin cycles of death! You can rest assured your clothes will remain intact.

Interested in getting more actionable advice for improving your routine trip to the laundromat? Check out CoinMeter’s insider tips and tricks so you can keep your clothes in tip-top shape and smelling great no matter what life throws your way.

Laundry Myths That Are Actually Damaging Your Clothes

There are a lot of laundry room tips and tricks passed along by oral tradition intended to help people keep their clothes clean, stain-free, and smelling fresh. In reality, there are some fairly widespread myths that actually end up damaging your clothes instead of making them cleaner. Let’s pinpoint some of these misconceptions so you can save time and energy by making your laundry trips as efficient as possible.

You can completely fill the washer.

We’ve all been guilty of stuffing the washing machine to the brim in an effort to get as many clothes clean as possible. The general misconception is that if the clothes fit and the washer runs, then the clothes must be clean at the end of the cycle. In reality, you get less clean for your buck the more clothes you stuff into a load. The detergent will struggle to get in direct contact with each item of clothing. Plus, there will be less water for every article. In general, you should never fill up a washing machine to more than 75% of its capacity.

Clothes should be washed after every use.

No matter what you might’ve heard, your clothes don’t need to get washed after every use. Not only is this a great way to run up your energy costs but overwashing can limit the lifespan of your clothes. All fabrics become more susceptible to damage the more they’re washed. The tumbling in the washer and dryer, the high temperatures, and even the detergent can have a detrimental effect when done too often. Other than undergarments and workout attire, most clothes can go multiple uses before needing a wash without smelling bad.

The hotter the water, the cleaner the clothes.

Hot water doesn’t always mean cleaner clothes. In the past, the water temperature was one of the primary ways washing machines killed bacteria and remove stains. However, modern detergents are effective at cleaning clothes even in cooler water. Always setting the washer to the highest temperature setting can ruin some fabrics and even cause stains. Always read clothing labels to know what kind of water temperature is ideal. You’ll keep your clothes in better condition while still ensuring they get the proper and thorough clean you need. When in doubt, a warm setting is a good balance to strike.

The more detergent the better.

The old adage about too much of a good thing going bad is applicable to the laundry room when it comes to using detergent. It’s vital for keeping clothes clean, but there’s a point of diminishing returns. Just because you toss in more detergent doesn’t mean it’s going to work harder to clean your clothes. There is an ideal amount at which point your clothes will get as clean as possible. Beyond that point, you run the risk of having excess detergent leaving residue. Always consult the detergent label to determine precisely how much to use given the load size and type of clothes.

There’s no such thing as too many dryer sheets.

Dryer sheets are the unsung heroes of the drying cycle. They help speed up drying time while leaving your clothes smelling fresh and sweet. These advantages make it tempting to throw in a generous amount of dryer sheets with the expectation that you’ll just get more of those benefits. Instead, your dryer will struggle to operate optimally as the residue from the dryer sheets will quickly clog up the lint trap and lead to congestion. One or two dryer sheets are more than enough depending on how many clothes you’re drying at once.

Interested in learning more about how you can optimize your trips to the laundry facility? Check out Coin Meter to get insider tricks and tips for doing laundry like a pro.

College Laundry Room Etiquette: The Dos & Don’ts

College is an entirely new world of social norms and expectations that newcomers have to learn to navigate. The campus laundry room is no exception to this rule. There are some unspoken rules that govern how you do laundry in college. Catching up on these conventions and expectations can make it easier to transition to the collegiate laundry room.

The dos of the college laundry room.

Do come prepared.
Campus laundry rooms can get pretty cramped when there are too many people in a relatively tight space. A great way to avoid being in the way is to come with your laundry locked and loaded. Prepare beforehand by sorting by colors, removing tags, and getting the right detergent so you can simply load up, start the cycle, and leave. Even if you’re staying around, it’s better to stick to designated waiting areas than hanging out in the aisles.

Do take everything out.
Nobody wants to open up a washer or dryer only to be greeted by a mystery sock or undergarment, a leftover dryer sheet, or a random piece of trash. Make sure you remove everything from the load when removing your clothes. If you’re dealing with front-facing equipment, simply turning the drum is an easy way to ensure nothing is left over. Top-loading equipment might require a bit more effort, but the next user will be thankful.

Do clear the lint trap.
Dryers collect dust, dirt, and debris from clothing which gets deposited in the lint trap. While these traps are critical for keeping your clothes clean, they can hinder the performance of dryers when not cleaned out after every use. You should always clear out the lint trap and toss the remnants in the trash to keep the next person from having to mess with it. It’s a small gesture that only takes a few minutes but can have a huge impact.

The don’ts of the college laundry.

Don’t let your clothes sit.
College laundry facilities see a lot of use given the sheer number of people relying on the same equipment. It’s not uncommon to have fellow students waiting to swoop in and claim your washer or dryer after you’re done. One of the biggest laundry room blunders you can commit is leaving your clothes in the machine far past when the cycle is complete. If you decide to leave the facility during the cycle, make sure to set a timer so you don’t hold anyone up.

Don’t touch somebody else’s clothes.
There are times when you’ll be tempted to move another person’s clothes either because they’re sitting on a chair, taking up the whole table, resting on top of a machine, or sitting inside of the machine you want to use. Regardless of where the clothes might be, it’s a major breach of college laundry room etiquette to touch another person’s laundry. Instead, you can politely address the issue with the individual if you know to whom the clothes belong.

Don’t leave a mess.
Nobody wants to clean up after somebody else when doing laundry in college. As a shared space, it’s common etiquette to clean up after yourself when you’re done. Imagine showing up after a long day at school or fighting to wake up early only to see the laundry room messy, dirty, and cluttered. Don’t contribute to the chaos. Make sure to take all your clothes with you, throw away any trash, remove everything from the machines, and clean out the traps.

Looking for more practical laundry tips to keep your clothes spotless, clean, and smelling fresh? You’re in the right place! Check out all the handy info and insider tricks at Coin Meter today. You’ll find everything you need to master this weekly chore and make your transition to college as smooth as possible.

The Ultimate Guide to Doing Laundry in College

You learn a lot when you’re in college, and the majority of that learning takes place outside of the classroom. You learn how to make new friends, how to deal with difficult breakups, how to navigate disagreements, how to budget, how to cook, and…how to do laundry.

Before moving out, you might’ve done a few loads of laundry on your own, but – let’s face it – you really have no idea what you’re doing. And that’s okay! Everyone starts somewhere. Here’s a little cheat sheet to get you ahead of the game so you can look like a seasoned pro in the laundry room.

The Basics

Read the washing labels.
What if we told you there were clear-cut instructions for washing every piece of clothing you own? Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, it’s not! Every t-shirt, sweater, pair of shorts, pair of jeans, and, yes, even underwear has a washing label that outlines exactly how to properly clean that particular article of clothing. Understanding how to read washing labels can save you from permanently staining or shrinking your clothes.

Suggested Reading: Follow These 4 Steps for Unshrinking Your Clothes

Separate clothes by color or type.
One of the commandments of college laundry is to wash clothes according to their color or type. For example, all your jeans and jean-material clothes should get washed together and all your white clothes should be put in the same load. This matching and organizing help to prevent colors from bleeding and textures from losing their distinct feel. Ignore this one at your own risk.

Washing

Don’t overload the washing machine.
As a college student, you have a lot of responsibilities on your plate with a limited amount of time during the week. Naturally, when laundry day rolls around, you might feel tempted to stuff as many clothes in the washing machine as possible. You might be able to fit in every piece of laundry you have, but that doesn’t mean they’ll all turn out clean…which is the whole point after all. It’s advisable to leave about 25% of space in a laundry load for the clothes to toss and turn since that’s how they actually get clean.

Choose the right detergent.
While using a less-than-ideal detergent won’t harm your clothing, it can certainly keep them from looking, feeling, and smelling their freshest. Whether you want to get out stubborn stains, refreshen white clothing, or keep your favorite sweater looking vibrant, there’s a specific laundry to help you reach those goals. You’ll want to find the best detergent based on what you want to accomplish for the most successful laundry experience possible.

Set a fitting temperature.
There are a seemingly endless number of washing settings, especially on commercial equipment at the local laundromat or campus laundry room. A lot of these options are pretty straightforward, but the most important setting is the temperature. Washing something too cold might not get it clean enough while washing too hot can shrink sensitive clothing. Nearly all clothing has this info on its washing labels so check those diligently before choosing the best temperature.

Drying

Take out anything that can’t be dried.

There are several items that do perfectly fine in the washing machine that can get destroyed in the dryer. Cashmere, silk, rayon, and wool are just a few examples. Consult your clothing’s washing labels before tossing them in the washer and opt for air-drying or sun-drying for clothes that can’t handle the heat of the dryer.

Clear out the filter every time.
All kinds of debris, dust, and lint get picked up and filtered by dryers so your clothes come out looking fresh and clean. However, these filters can end up limiting the drying impact of a machine when they become too clogged with debris and air can’t escape. Before (and after) using the dryer, clean out the filter for an optimized drying experience.

Interested in learning more about how to master laundry days? Check out the Coin Meter site for more insider tips and tricks for making the most of this weekly chore.

5 Tips for Washing New Clothes Effectively

Brand-new clothing looks so fresh, clean, and untarnished that it can feel like a waste to throw newly purchased items in the laundry. Still, the amount of dirt, chemicals, and bacteria on these clothes warrants at least a quick wash before wearing. Most of the washing and drying mistakes people make with their clothes have the worst impact during the first laundry cycle. Let’s explore some simple ways you can effectively wash new clothes while still maintaining their fresh appeal as much as possible.

1. Remove all unnecessary tags.
Start by removing all the non-essential tags, stickers, and add-ons from the new article of clothing. Price tags, size markers, bar codes, and anything else you wouldn’t wash should get placed to the side. Don’t throw them away yet! You might need these items to return your clothes later just in case they don’t fit, were already damaged, or simply don’t match your style. Make sure to leave all essential tags such as washing labels on the clothes. As a general rule of thumb, if the labels are sewn into the article of clothing, they’re not supposed to get removed.

2. Read the washing label.
Read the washing labels carefully. Nearly every article of clothing comes with specific instructions for how it should get washed for optimum results. Sticking to these rules can prevent clothing from losing its size, color, shape, and texture. You can generally find these tags on the inside of clothing sewn into a seam. T-shirts, sweaters, and shirts usually have these tags along the side while shorts and pants generally have them on the back of the waist. These washing labels can tell you everything you need to know about cleaning the clothing. It’s important to know how to read washing tags before attempting to decipher what they mean.

3. Avoid mixing different colors together.
There’s no greater pain in the world of laundry than to pull out a favorite piece of clothing only to see it stained with color from another item in the laundry. New clothes have a much higher likelihood of bleeding in the washer, especially when washed at high temperatures. This can diminish the color of newer clothes and stain other clothes. The best way to avoid this problem is to avoid mixing colors. For example, whites shouldn’t get mixed in with the darks and vice versa. When it comes to specific colors, you’ll have to operate on a bit of a spectrum. In other words, it’s okay to wash a lime green shirt with kelly green pants. 

4. Choose the right detergent.
Choosing the best detergent is another crucial step for washing new clothes effectively. Generally speaking, there are three different kinds of laundry detergent: liquid, powder, and pod. The liquid option is the most commonly used and, as a result, has the greatest variety. Powder detergents are also popular due to their ability to really “sink” into clothing for a deep clean. Laundry pods, also known as single-use detergents, are perfect for doing laundry at a public facility due to their ease of use. When washing new clothes, you want to use a detergent that’s gentle and color-preserving.

5. Select the proper wash settings.
Here’s where things get a little tricker. Looking at a washing machine can sometimes feel like operating a spaceship with all the different setting selections. When washing new clothes, you want to strike a balance between cleaning and preservation. You want to give your clothes a thorough clean to remove common stains, bacteria, or other potential impurities while still protecting the integrity of the clothes. You should always stick to the instructions on the laundry label as these settings have been selected specifically to optimally clean that particular item of clothing. If that’s not possible, it’s advisable to stick with moderate temperatures and average spin cycles to avoid overwashing or overheating.

Want to learn more about how you can improve your laundry cycles? Visit the Coin Meter site today for some insider tips and tricks for making the most of this weekly chore.

Can You Get White Clothes White Again? Yes! Here’s How

White clothes are notoriously difficult to keep…well, white. Whether it was a dress shirt, t-shirt, blouse, sweater, or even a pair of white jeans, we’ve all had the unpleasant experience of watching a favorite piece of clothing slowly (or quickly) fade away from its original color.

Unlike other colors that can hide some discoloration, white clothing wears stains, blemishes, and other imperfections like a neon sign. They’re bright, in your face, and hard to ignore. Unfortunately, there’s a popular misconception that discolored white clothes are a lost cause. We’re here to set the record straight. You can get white clothes white again! Here’s how.

Harness the power of the sun.
The washing cycle isn’t the only opportunity you have to restore white clothes to their original shine. Instead of tossing whites into the dryer, put them through a natural drying process by unlocking the power of the sun. When you hang clothing up outside to dry, they benefit from the bleaching effects of the sun without the harmful side effects of liquid bleach. This is a powerful stain-removing method when used in tandem with other strategies mentioned here.

Use the biting effect of citrus.
Lemons have the ability to zap away stains with their citrus-rich juice. There are a few ways to take advantage of this natural feature. You can simply cut a lemon in half and rub it on the stain to pretreat it before the wash cycle. However, you can also boil your clothes along with lemons. Simply bring a large pot to a boil with the citrusy fruit inside and let your whites soak for around an hour. It’s unconventional, but it’s effective!

Break out the aspirin.
It turns out aspirin isn’t just good for relieving standard headaches. This common medicine can also alleviate headaches of the laundry variety. Aspirin can help break down stains on white clothes to increase the likelihood they’ll get removed entirely during a wash cycle. Dissolve a handful of aspirin in a bowl or small pot and soak the stained clothing. After an hour or so, it should be ready to wash.

How to avoid discolored white clothes.
The aforementioned steps should help you restore white clothes to their former glory. Of course, it’s not possible in all cases. There are some stains that are simply too stubborn to get all the way out. That’s why it’s better to keep white clothes from becoming discolored in the first place. Good news: It’s possible too! Follow these tips to protect your favorite white clothes from getting stained to the point of being unwearable:

Separate whites and colors.
One of the most common laundry mistakes is mixing whites and colors. Dyes have a tendency to run, especially during hot washing cycles. If white clothes are in the same load as other colors, they could come out of the laundry with a hint of pink, blue, red, or whatever color bled during the cycle. Washing whites alone prevents this potential issue and keep whites pristine.

Don’t overload the washing machine.
We’ve all been guilty of stuffing a laundry machine to the brim to save a dime or a few minutes of time. This “hack” can backfire since clothes don’t have the room necessary for a thorough clean. It’s advisable to never fill a machine with more than 75%.

Pay attention to detergent instructions.
Detergents come with clear dosage instructions which have a direct impact on how clean (or dirty) your clothes look after a cycle. You don’t want to use too much or too little, so pay attention to the recommended amount, especially as it pertains to white clothes.

Suggested Reading: How to Choose the Best Detergents

Interested in learning more handy laundry tips and tricks to keep your clothes looking great and smelling fresh? Check out the Coin Meter site for more helpful and effective laundry advice. You’ll never look at this weekly chore the same again!

Dispelling 5 Myths About Adding a Laundry Facility to Your Property

Running a multi-unit property is a tough job. You have to maintain upkeep for entire apartment complexes or campuses and keep residents happy while maintaining a positive budget. Naturally, property owners are cautious about how and where they invest.

Laundry facilities are a popular point of contention within this line of work with some property owners swearing by them and others avoiding them at all costs. Here, we’re going to uncover some of the popular myths regarding shared laundry rooms to help property owners gain a better understanding of their value.

Myth #1: It’s too expensive to run.

As a property owner, you’re only going to make investments that make fiscal sense. And given the perceived cost of running a laundry facility, most people assume it simply isn’t worthwhile. The cost of purchasing the equipment, paying for repairs, and covering utility expenses seems too high for it to be worthwhile.

The Reality: A laundry facility is a significant investment for property owners. There’s no doubt about that. However, many people fail to see the ROI this investment can provide. Not only are properly-run laundry rooms highly profitable, but they also can increase resident retention. It’s an investment that can pay for itself multiple times over the years.

Myth #2: Tenants aren’t going to use it.

Understandably, owners are hesitant about putting money into anything that their tenants won’t use. After all, if renters don’t take advantage of what you provide, it’s essentially a waste of money. Unfortunately, it’s a common myth among property owners that residents will opt for laundromats instead of on-site laundry facilities.

The Reality: Laundry facilities are some of the most commonly used shared spaces in rental properties. The majority of people report doing laundry twice each week with nearly a third doing laundry every single day! Even tenants who currently do their laundry elsewhere will gladly settle for going down the hall instead of down the road. On-premise laundry facilities are incredibly convenient as they help tenants save time and money.

Myth #3: Laundry facilities require a ton of oversight.

Another common misconception about laundry facilities is the amount of time they require from property owners. You already have enough on your plate managing a multi-tenant property, so the idea of bringing on anything that demands more of your attention seems foolish.

The Reality: Modern laundry facilities with state-of-the-art equipment are almost entirely automated, requiring zero daily oversight from owners. You’ll only need to show up to collect cash and coins from the machines, clean up every once in a while, and manage the occasional equipment issue – which leads us to another common myth about laundromats.

Myth #4: Equipment upkeep is expensive and time-consuming.

There are two commodities property owners can never get enough of: time and money. That’s why so many believe a shared laundry facility is a net loss. Horror stories of busted and malfunctioning equipment fuel the myth that commercial laundry equipment requires constant maintenance, resulting in wasted time and investments.

The Reality: Modern, capable, and premium-quality commercial laundry equipment requires minimal upkeep. Property owners can avoid the time and money drains they fear by resisting the temptation to purchase low-quality, used machines. Plus, you can even find providers who offer same-day, affordable maintenance so you never have to worry about repairs.

Myth #5: Commercial equipment costs a fortune.

One of the strongest falsehoods surrounding shared laundry facilities is the cost of adding new commercial equipment. Property owners only have to take a gander at the price tag of a brand-new washer or dryer to get instantly turned off by the idea.

The Reality: It’s true that new commercial equipment is expensive. However, there’s another way for property managers to get the washers and dryers they need to open a shared laundry facility. There are commercial providers that will install equipment completely free while only requiring a fraction of your earnings. That’s free equipment for no extra work on your part!

Wondering where you can find a reliable commercial laundry provider? Look no further! The Coin Meter Company has been supplying local property owners throughout the northwest with state-of-the-art laundry equipment at no cost. We even offer routine servicing to keep things running smoothly. Contact us today to learn more about what we offer.

What College Students Want to See in a Laundry Facility

Whether you’re running an apartment complex specifically for college students or want them to comprise a good portion of your Residents, there are some important things to keep in mind regarding laundry your facilities. Although all of your resident’s main goal is to get their laundry clean, each demographic has unique expectations.

College students are no exception to this rule. When set up correctly, your laundry facility can become the go-to place for students to get their laundry done which can translate into amenity to attract students years after year! Here, we’ll take a look at some things college students want to see in a laundry facility.

Security features
Unless your laundry facility is on-campus or in an apartment building, it’s advisable to implement some safety features. These protective measures can give college students extra peace of mind making them feel more at ease when using your facility. In addition to keeping your patrons safe, these safety measures also work to protect your laundry facility from vandalism.

Door and window locks are the most basic yet effective forms of security. If you really want to take things to the next level, you could install an around-the-clock surveillance system. Adding a list of relevant emergency contacts including yourself, other owners of the facility, campus police, and emergency responders is also a great safety measure.

WiFi Connection
In the 21st century, people have come to expect every public place to offer a WiFi connection. This is especially true of college students who are used to always being connected on campus. Whether they need to get some homework done or want to catch up on their favorite show, college students will appreciate having a reliable and strong connection.

It’s an excellent way to set yourself apart from the competition. Just make sure to advertise it! If you’re worried about having an open network, you could set up a password and post it throughout the laundromat so only patrons can access the WiFi. 

Laundry Tips
College students are often given a hard time for not knowing how to do their own laundry, but there’s some truth to it. College marks the first time that many students will be doing laundry on their own. A great way to establish your laundry facility as the ideal spot for college students is to cater to this need by offering residents some helpful laundry tips.

You could post a cheat sheet of college student laundry tips throughout your facility and on your website to guide these customers through the basics of laundry. If you want to take things a step further, you could even create a grid of different loads with corresponding washer settings so college students know exactly what to do. It’s a small gesture that can go a long way!

Dynamic Payment Options
College students are used to convenience and have come to expect it everywhere, even at laundry facilities. A great way to make your facilities more accessible is by offering multiple payment options. Not only is there a national coin shortage, but college students aren’t always going to have a bunch of spare change on hand to do laundry.

Luckily, it’s not difficult to get your hands on capable commercial equipment that accepts multiple payment options. For example, Coin Meter Company offers industry-leading washers and dryers that accept coins, credit cards, debit cards, and even specialized laundry cards. These dynamic payment options also increase your potential revenue.

If you’re looking to upgrade one your laundry rooms at an apartment or dormitory, you’re in the right place! Coin Meter Company is a leading local provider of commercial laundry equipment. We’ve helped countless housing owners and managers optimize their laundry facilities to increase resident’s retention and boost satisfaction.

What to Look for When Choosing a Service Provider

Finding the right service provider is one of the most important decisions to make as the owner of a laundry facility. These partners set the tone for your business as they determine the type of equipment and the quality of servicing you receive.

The decision might seem daunting at first, but there’s actually a pretty clear answer. To help put your laundry business on the path to success, let’s take a look at some things laundry facility owners should consider when choosing a service provider.

Personalization
Every laundry facility is different. What works for you might not work for another laundry facility owner. As a result, it’s imperative to find a service provider who can accommodate your unique needs. Large providers offer one-size-fits-all solutions that don’t take your facility’s specific circumstances into account.

On the other hand, local service providers such as Coin Meter Company offer personalized services to ensure you get exactly what you need. From the type of equipment you receive to how it’s positioned and beyond, everything is catered to your demands.

Experience
Whether you’re the new laundry business on the block or a veteran in the industry, you want a service provider with a proven track record of success. Working with an experienced dealer comes with a variety of advantages. First and foremost, you can rest assured that their services are streamlined, effective, and high-quality. This limits any costly delays or hiccups.

Your business also stands to benefit greatly from the expertise these providers have gained over the years in the industry. For example, Coin Meter Company is one of the most qualified service providers in the northwest with over 40 years of experience. We know what it takes to run a successful laundry facility and can make sure you have what you need to grow.

Quality
The service provider you choose has a major impact on the overall quality of your services. These professionals will supply your laundry facility’s equipment and provide routine maintenance. The wrong service provider can end up hurting your business, while an excellent partner will help you succeed.

It’s critical to find a service provider that offers high-quality commercial equipment and comprehensive servicing so you can continue providing your clients with the efficiency, standard, and quality they deserve. A great way to determine a provider’s value is to review testimonials from current and previous clients to see what their experiences were like.

Location
National corporations might have superior funding, but these distant, faceless giants can’t compete with local providers in terms of service. When you work with a regional-focused service provider, you’re gaining a major advantage over the competition. Local partners have the flexibility to meet your laundry facility’s specific needs to ensure your business is running optimally.

With active service teams never more than a few minutes away, local service providers can offer quick response times. While national providers will have you waiting days or even weeks, local providers like Coin Meter Company can send a repair team over within the day! This way, you can drastically reduce costly downtime by keeping your machines fully functioning.

Cost-Effective
There’s nothing more draining to a small laundry business than getting nickel-and-dimed by an oversized and unnecessarily expensive service provider. Local service providers are the solution to the scourge of national providers siphoning funds from small laundromats across the country. But you don’t want something cheap either.

Luckily, you want to find a local service provider with a perfect balance between quality and affordability. Coin Meter Company has spent the past four decades perfecting its service offerings to provide local laundry facilities with unrivaled quality without putting undue financial pressures on partners. It’s a win-win!

Looking for a reputable, experienced, and quality service provider? You’re in the right place! Coin Meter Company has been supporting local laundry facilities across the northwest for over 40 years. Feel free to contact us to learn more about how our services can benefit your business.