Coin-Op Machines

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by Janelle Coleman Originally posted on Janelle’s blog, Crunchy At Home, and reposted here with permission.

So I have lived in an apartment with shared, coin-op washers for more than 2 years. I certainly haven’t let that stop me from using cloth and neither should you!
When using coin-op facilities you have 3 options.

1) Use the washing machines. Run *2* full cycles.

  • Always wash a full/large load. Whether you use the HE Washer or the Standard Top Load Washer the machine will be expecting you to wash a full load… So do it!
  • Use the cycle with the longest/strongest agitation. Heavy duty or similar cycle.
  • Add 1/2 the recommended dose into the first cycle.
  • Add the full dose of detergent + water softener (if needed) + any boosters (Biz, Oxiclean, etc) that you choose into the second cycle (main wash).
  • Dry by your chosen method.

2) Prewash by bucket and run *1* full cycle in the machine.

  • The prewash will be done camp washer style, in the bathtub, with a bucket and plunger.
  • Be sure not to overfill the bucket. Usually 1/2-3/4 full of diapers is perfect. Because you cannot do many diapers at once, I advise doing this every day to make life easier.
  • Add 2-3 TBS detergent along with the water, warm or hot is best.
  • Plunge the diapers 50 times. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes. Plunge them again, 50 times.
  • Rinse the diapers well under the faucet. Then squeeze out the excess water and transfer to diaper pail or wet bag until wash day.
  • Wash day – Always wash a full large load.
  • Use the cycle with the longest/strongest agitation. Heavy duty or similar cycle.
  • Add the full dose of detergent + water softener (if needed) + any boosters that you choose.
  • Dry by your chosen method.

3) Hand Wash – Camp Washer Style

Good luck with your laundromat washing adventures!