The laundry never stops, even during a pandemic. If you need to take your dirty clothes to a local laundromat, here are some tips on how to stay safe and protect yourself and your family.
Check the Hours
Going to the laundromat at off-peak hours can reduce your interactions with others and keep you safe. Try going first thing in the morning or on your lunch break when there’s a good chance fewer people will be around. The hours may have changed since the pandemic started, so know your opening and closing times to plan the best schedule.
Know the Rules
With social distancing rules in effect, it’s important to know what other policies your laundromat has in place.
- Do they require face masks?
- Are only a certain amount of patrons allowed in at one time?
- What are their cleaning and disinfecting procedures?
Finding out the answers to these key questions can help you assess the safety of your local laundromat.
Staying Safe Inside
Once you’re inside the laundromat, there are a few more precautions you can take to keep yourself safe.
- Actively practice social distancing.
- Wipe down the washer and dryer before you use them. The CDC has some tips on what to use to clean and disinfect, and also how to handle laundry from a sick person.
- Wash your clothes on the highest setting
- Set a timer for when your clothes will be finished and leave the laundromat in between washing and drying. Make sure to wash your hands when you go. While you may be nervous leaving your laundry unattended, limiting your time in confined spaces reduces your chance of exposure.
- Take your laundry home to fold it. You may have a few more wrinkles, but you reduced your time spent around others.
- Immediately wash your hands or use hand sanitizer when you leave.
