In college, laundry is something that gets so overlooked. But honestly, there is nothing better than putting on an outfit that just smells so fresh. But there is a lot that goes into laundry, and getting all the right supplies can kind of (almost) make doing laundry fun. (OK, folding and putting away clothes is my literal enemy, but clean clothes mean everything to me.)
If it’s your first time doing your laundry, it can be kind of stressful, and you’re probably thinking to yourself, “Do I have to separate the darks and whites?” Yes. “Should I splurge on a better brand of detergent?” If you have sensitive skin, probably. “Do I actually have to fold my clothes after they come out of the dryer?” Yes, unless you don’t mind having wrinkles literally everywhere, and if you don’t, slay bestie — that basket can wait.
Now, if you’re getting ready to live in a dorm, I know your checklist is overwhelming AF. It’s a lot trying to figure out everything you need to get before the semester starts (not to mention, it’s expensive). But don’t worry, I got you. Here is an extensive list of every laundry item you could ever need for your dorm room. You’re welcome.
Steamer
Personally, I think a steamer is way easier to use than an iron. You can even grab a mini one, like this one, to store it easier in your dorm.
Travel Handheld Garment Steamer, FEELGREA, $24
Laundry Detergent
If you only get one thing from this list, please have it be the laundry detergent! While some people prefer pods, I like to use traditional, liquid detergent. It just hits different, TBH.
Liquid Clean Laundry Detergent, Tide, $14
Hamper
You need a place to store your dirty clothes rather than your dorm floor. Opt for one of these two-sided hampers, so your colors and whites are already separated when you head to the laundry room.
Double Laundry Hamper, WOWLIVE, $39
Dryer Sheets
A scented dryer sheet is essential to your clothes smelling good. Plus, stores sell so many different scents. My favorite is lavender.
Calm Dryer Sheets, Downy, $5
Stain stick
Girlie, you need a stain stick. You never know when you’re going to be spilling food on your clothes and won’t be back to your dorm to change for hours. (Guilty!) Stain sticks are the best because they’re portable — shove one in your backpack and you’re good to go!
Stain Remover Pen, Tide, $3
Wrinkle Release Spray
This spray is a godsend. If you’re in a rush and don’t have time to steam or iron your clothes, spray some wrinkle release over your clothes, and you’re golden!
Wrinkleguard Wrinkle Releaser Fabric Spray, Downy, $6
Bleach
As a certified messy girl, bleach is my best friend. It can be used to remove stains or revamp your faded white clothes.
Disinfecting Bleach, Clorox, $5
Scent Booster
Scent boosters are a great way to make your clothes smell fresh. It’s sure to give you a lot of compliments, and literally, what’s better than someone telling you that you smell nice?
Unstopables In-Wash Scent Booster, Downy, $10
Wool Dryer Balls
Wool dryer balls are reusable, which we love. But they can also reduce drying time by 25%, which means less time you have to spend in the laundry room. (Love!)
Wool Dryer Balls, Public Goods, $10
Drying Rack
There are some clothes that just can’t be thrown in the dryer (Lululemon, I’m looking at you). So opt for getting a drying rack — bonus points if it’s foldable, so you can easily store it in your dorm.
Butterfly Drying Rack, Brightroom, $16
Mesh Bags
You need mesh bags for delicate clothes that can’t go directly into the washing machine. I’m talking lingerie, bathing suits, and anything lace or silk. Simply throw those clothes in a mesh bag and wash them as you normally would, then put them in the dryer after the wash cycle. So easy!
Mesh Laundry Bag, Mamlyn, $6
Fabric Softener
You need a little fabric softener that you can throw in when you do your laundry. It’s going to make your clothes and sheets so soft. Nothing is better than climbing into bed with the softest sheets wrapped around you. (Except if you just shaved your legs, because clean sheets and shaved legs are heavenly.)
Laundry Fabric Softener Liquid, Downy, $10
Dye-Trapping Sheets
I never had these, but I wish I did. It would’ve saved me a lot of money. (The amount of white tops I ruined freshman year is wild!) Anyways, these sheets grab any loose dyes and prevent them from spreading to other clothes in the wash. An actual game-changer.
ColorCatcher Dye-Trapping Sheets, Shout, $13
Laundry Bag
Who wants to carry their hamper all the way to the laundry room? Answer: no one. You need a laundry bag to carry your laundry down the hall without hurting your back. Maybe it’s just me, but I exclusively do five loads of laundry at a time, and it’s heavy. One of these bags would’ve saved me freshman year.
PURRPINGLA Laundry Bag, IKEA, $20