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Public Washing Machines Tutorial

Typical Washing Machine Display

Know the Settings

There are 6 settings on all public washers at Brandeis. Each corresponds to a temperature, either hot, warm, or cold, and in some cases, a special cycle (see the table below). Most of the time, it is not necessary to wash clothes in hot water with the exception of very large and oily loads. Although the buttons are labeled whites, colors, etc., these stereotypical names are based on out-dated assumptions and technology. Many undergarments that were traditionally white and washed in hot water and bleach for sanitary reasons are now sold in a multitude of colors and end up just as clean after warm or cold washes. At Brandeis, new side-loading washers are being installed in many laundry rooms. These Energy Star-rated models are more efficient users of detergent and get clothes cleaner, further reducing the need for higher water temperatures.

You can find the chart below on the wall in most laundry rooms and on the inside of some washer lids. Use these tips and information above to help make Brandeis' laundry rooms more environmentally friendly.