10 Laundromat Etiquette Rules Everyone Should Know

1. Remove Your Clothes Promptly When Cycles Finish

The Rule: Remove your laundry from washers and dryers within 5-10 minutes of the cycle completing.

This is arguably the most important rule in laundromat etiquette. When you leave clothes sitting in a finished machine, you're preventing others from using it. During busy weekend hours, this can mean someone waits an extra 30-45 minutes for a machine while your clothes sit idle.

Why it matters: Laundromats have limited machines, and during peak times (Saturday mornings, Sunday afternoons), every available machine counts. Leaving clothes unattended creates bottlenecks and forces other customers to either wait indefinitely or touch your belongings to move them.

How to do it right: Set a timer on your phone for 2-3 minutes before your cycle ends. This gives you time to finish what you're doing and be ready when the buzzer sounds. If you must step away, return within 5 minutes maximum.

2. Clean Lint Traps After Every Dryer Use

The Rule: Always clean the lint trap before or after using a dryer.

A clogged lint trap isn't just inconsiderate - it's dangerous and costly. Dryers with full lint traps take 30-50% longer to dry clothes, wasting your money on extra cycles. More importantly, lint buildup is a leading cause of laundromat fires.

Why it matters: When you use a dryer with a clogged lint trap, your clothes take longer to dry, costing you extra quarters. The next person faces the same problem. This creates a cycle of frustration and wasted money.

How to do it right: Before starting your dryer cycle, open the lint trap and remove any accumulated lint. After your clothes are dry, check again and clean any lint your load produced. It takes 10 seconds and saves everyone time and money.

3. Don't Overload Washing Machines

The Rule: Fill machines to about 3/4 capacity, leaving room for clothes to move and clean properly.

Cramming too many clothes into a washer seems efficient, but it's counterproductive. Overloaded machines don't clean clothes properly, often leaving soap residue and dirt behind. They also put excessive strain on the machine, leading to breakdowns that inconvenience everyone.

Why it matters: When you overload machines, you're likely to need a second wash anyway, wasting time and money. You're also contributing to machine wear and tear, which leads to out-of-order machines that reduce availability for all customers.

How to do it right: Follow the capacity guidelines posted on machines. A good rule of thumb: clothes should have room to move freely when the drum rotates. If you have to force the door closed, you've overloaded it.

4. Respect Others' Space and Belongings

The Rule: Don't monopolize folding tables, crowd others at machines, or rifle through someone else's laundry.

Laundromats have limited space, and everyone deserves their fair share. Spreading your belongings across multiple folding tables, standing too close to others at machines, or touching someone's laundry unnecessarily creates discomfort and conflict.

How to do it right: Use only the folding table space you need. If tables are full, fold clothes directly from your basket. Give people at least 2-3 feet of personal space when possible. If you must move someone's finished laundry (after waiting 10-15 minutes), handle it carefully and place it in a clean, visible location.

5. Supervise Your Children

The Rule: Keep children close and prevent them from playing on or near machines.

Laundromats have heavy equipment, hot surfaces, and cleaning chemicals that pose serious safety risks to unsupervised children. Additionally, children running around, opening machines, or making excessive noise disrupts other customers.

Why it matters: Industrial dryers can reach temperatures exceeding 150°F. Washing machines have powerful drums that can cause serious injury. Beyond safety, unattended children may accidentally stop others' cycles, open machines mid-cycle, or create disturbances.

How to do it right: Bring activities to keep children occupied (books, tablets, quiet toys). Explain that laundromats aren't playgrounds. Never let children play hide-and-seek in or around machines, climb on folding tables, or operate equipment unsupervised.

6. Keep Noise Levels Reasonable

The Rule: Use headphones for music/videos and keep conversations at moderate volume.

Laundromats are already noisy environments with machines humming and spinning. Adding loud phone conversations, speakerphone calls, or blaring music creates an unpleasant atmosphere for people trying to read, work, or relax while waiting.

How to do it right: Always use headphones for any audio content. Take phone calls outside or in designated areas if available. If you're with friends or family, talk at conversational volume - if someone 10 feet away can clearly hear your discussion, you're too loud.

7. Clean Up Spills and Messes Immediately

The Rule: Wipe up detergent spills, pick up fallen items, and leave machines/folding areas clean.

Detergent spills create slippery hazards that can cause falls. Leaving debris, dryer sheets, or trash behind creates an unkempt environment that reflects poorly on all customers and makes staff's jobs harder.

How to do it right: If you spill detergent or fabric softener, ask for cleaning supplies or use paper towels to wipe it up immediately. Pick up any items you drop. Throw used dryer sheets, lint, and packaging in trash bins. Leave folding tables, machine tops, and your work area as clean as you found them - or cleaner.

8. Don't Save or Reserve Empty Machines

The Rule: Only occupy machines you're actively using - don't place baskets or items on empty machines to "claim" them.

Some customers try to reserve multiple machines by placing baskets on them before they're ready to start washing. This creates artificial scarcity and forces others to wait unnecessarily. It's similar to saving seats at a crowded restaurant - it's inconsiderate and unfair.

How to do it right: Only start loading a machine when you're ready to immediately begin the cycle. If you need multiple machines, load and start them one after another without significant delays. Don't claim machines you won't use for 10-15 minutes.

9. Be Mindful During Peak Hours

The Rule: During busy times, work efficiently and be extra considerate of others waiting for machines.

Peak hours (typically Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons) see 3-4x normal traffic. During these times, every machine matters, and minor delays cascade into major bottlenecks. Extra consideration during busy periods helps everyone get in and out faster.

How to do it right: If possible, visit during off-peak hours (weekday mornings, early evenings). During peak times: sort laundry before arriving, have payment ready, remove clothes the instant cycles finish, fold at home if tables are full, and work quickly without rushing or making mistakes.

10. Follow Posted Rules and Payment Procedures

The Rule: Read and follow facility-specific rules, payment instructions, and operating guidelines.

Every laundromat has specific rules about which machines to use for certain items (pet bedding, heavily soiled work clothes, etc.), payment procedures, and facility-specific guidelines. Ignoring these rules creates problems for staff and other customers.

Why it matters: Some laundromats have designated machines for pet items or heavily soiled clothes to prevent cross-contamination. Payment card systems have specific procedures. Operating hours and service availability vary. Following posted rules prevents conflicts and ensures machines work properly.

How to do it right: Spend 2-3 minutes reading posted signs when you first arrive. Ask attendants if you're unsure about any rules. Don't assume your previous laundromat's rules apply - each facility may have different policies.