To Get The Most Out Of Your Laundromat Visit, You Just Gotta Think Like A Pirate!

Let’s face it, heading to the laundromat can feel an awful lot like walking the plank. But being as we’ve never heard a pirate complain about doing laundry, we’ve concluded that one must simply think a bit like a pirate to have a painless laundromat experience. So below are some quick tips to 'laundromat like a pirate'.

   

FIND A VESSEL BUILT FOR SPEED.  

Many laundromats now have double front loaders that take only about 20 minutes to run. Oh yes, you read that right - 20 minutes. That’s barely enough time to grab a spiced rum and as long as your laundry comes out lookin’ and smellin’ like that fresh sea air, it’s a win. Just remember that as with any ship built for speed, don’t overload them or you’ve wasted your money. Another benefit to font loaders is that they spin faster than top loaders, so this means a less dry time.  

  

DON'T HAUL AROUND A TREASURE CHEST. 

No smart pirate carries around a chest of gold doubloons, so why would you bother with rolls of coins? More and more laundromats are offering the convenient option of rechargeable cards so this means you'll never be worrying if you have enough coins on hand. Charge, swipe, and recharge Jack! Not only will you have one less thing to stress about, but many laundromats also offer bonuses if you put a significant charge on your card. For example, if you put $20 on your card, you get an additional $2 bonus.    

  

RESUPPLY THE SHIP WHILE YOU WASH. 

  

In the habit of choosing the laundromat just because it’s close to home? Are you still going to the same ol’ place even though you are often forced into a sword fight over the last available machine?  Consider, finding a laundromat next to a market so you can get your shopping done while your laundry is in the works. Just set a timer on your phone for when the wash cycle is up. Leave your basket in the isle, dash over to switch over your load and return to your shopping. Don’t be afraid to do this (a pirate wouldn’t care). But, if the idea makes you feel awkward, just ask if you can leave your cart by the register.

  

INVEST IN LAUNDROMAT CANNON BALLS. 

  

Throw those dryer sheets overboard and get yourself some wool dryer balls (aka cannon balls). They rock! They can cut your drying time by 20-30% and you can re-use them over and over again. You can even put a few drops of essential oils on them for scent. We recommend sweet orange or lavender to give yourself a real air of aristocracy.    

  

BUY ONLY THE BEST STAPLES FOR THE CAPTAIN. 

  

Spend less for more on laundry detergent. You ever notice that those ecofriendly laundry detergents, which seem to cost so much, say they require so little per load? So little in fact that you wonder how they can possibly get the job done?  Well, you might be surprised to know that they work quite, quite well and may actually save you money. Those cheap detergents might seem like a good deal at first glance, but you may be getting hornswoggled and spending more money per load. Next time you shop for detergent, shop by the price per load rather than price per container. Right now, we are loving Method 8X Laundry Detergent. Twenty ounces gets you 50 loads! This makes for a nice and compact container. And priced at about $20, that’s only about 40 cents per load.

  

PACK LIGHT FOR SPEED AND COMFORT.

  

Give up the cumbersome hamper for a one or more large eco shopping bags.  Pirates didn’t haul around a wooden chest when they could just carry a duffel or two, right? Eco shopping bags can be easily throw over your shoulder for convenience and you can easily fold them up when not in use. You can also line them up in a closet and drop dirty laundry in them immediately to avoid sorting later.

  

STREAMLINE.

Try to use a single machine. If you often find you have one big load and that one small load that you feel is a waste, consider hand washing those straggler items at home.  Also, consider streamlining by doing laundry more often. If you can do laundry near where you shop, consider dropping in just a single load every time you shop – killing two albatross with one stone.

WHY FOLD IN THE LAUNDROMAT WHEN YOU COULD BE ON THE OPEN SEA?

Unless you love folding your laundry at the laundromat, consider folding at home. Rather than folding your clean laundry on a table that may or may not be clean, you could be back on the open sea and folding in the comfort of your own cabin.

HANG DRY FROM THE MAST. 

  

Got important ports to hit and villages to plunder? Consider giving up that long drying cycle and hang drying at home. Drying is the most time consuming part of your laundromat visit, so if you’re in a rush, skip the dry cycle. If take this approach, you might consider adding fabric softener to your regiment.  

  

  

ALWAYS BE READY TO WEIGH ANCHOR AND HOIST THE MIZZEN!

Hauling your detergent and dryer cannon balls in and out of the house every time you go to the laundromat? Skip that routine. Consider making the trunk of your car their permanent home if you drive. If you don’t drive, consider just leaving them in the bottom of your laundry bag. That way, they are always there and ready to go when you’re ready to wash.

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