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I live in a senior residence with communal/shared washing machines. This morning as I did my laundry, a resident (who has been here a long time and seems to know everything about everything) pointed to a sign from management that probably had just been posted. It gave some "rules" for using the machines and the FIRST one went like this: "Do not put soiled laundry in the machines. Rinse out these items first before using the machines." I wouldn't have known what this meant had the other resident not informed me. It means that some residents have been "pooping" (that's the delicate term she used) on their bedding and their caregivers most likely have been putting the "soiled" sheets, etc. directly into the shared washing machines. Obviously, some other residents have discovered this when they did their laundry. I don't think there's really any way to stop this, so I'm thinking now the only thing to do is bring in some kind of spray bottle to sanitize the washing machines (and probably dryers too). What sort of a sanitizer would people recommend? Thanks so much.

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If it's really necessary to sanitize the washing machine, think it through and you'll appreciate that spraying the drum and the door would be absolutely pointless. Just consider the anatomy of a washing machine and where any residual bacteria/contaminants might be hiding.

I sympathize, because while I was having to use public machines I once had the infuriating experience of finding out too late that the previous customer had washed her horse blankets. Goodness I was cross.

If you're really concerned, you can:

- ask the management how often the machines are deep-cleaned and disinfected (my domestic instruction manual says to run a 90 degree/boil wash program with the machine empty every so often, but it doesn't say how often). In a communal laundry, the machines' manufacturers probably do say how often this should be done - if the management don't know, they can look it up. If they won't, you can look it up. The brand, model and serial number will be on the machine somewhere. In any case, there should be a maintenance schedule for the machines and that ought to include sanitizing + descaling if you're in a hard water area.

- run a maximum temperature wash empty before you add your clothes

- use an in-laundry disinfectant in the fabric conditioner drawer.

While you're at it, you might want to pull out the fabric conditioner drawer and give it a good scrub with soap and a nail brush. You can find some really interesting moulds growing in there if it hasn't been done for a while.
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MargaretMcKen Jun 2022
CM I've forgotten - do you mean 90 degree fahrenheit or celcius?
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CountryMouse: Thanks for the very thorough response.
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Lysol washing sanitizer added to every load should help.
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Christine44 Jun 2022
isthisrealyreal: Thanks so much. I'm going to buy that on my next trip to Target or a grocery store.
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This may be a long shot but I'd also review the documents recorded and/or delivered to you as a communal resident.   They might be called something like "Reciprocal Easement Agreement", which probably would govern land and community area usages, but from my experience there's also a document governing use of facilities.

Check to see if there's any mention of maintenance of communal laundry facilities.

I would think though that at least the management would post a notice regarding inappropriate substances.

You might even quietly, privately and anonymously notify the management, holding company, or even local governmental facilities.  I would think that this poses a risk to all members.
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Christine44 Jun 2022
Thanks, Garden Artist for the reply. Those are very good ideas. Yes, this situation definitely poses a health risk.
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I very much doubt the complex cleans out the washing machines regularly. Would Running a load of hot water thru first be a cost to you? If not, good idea. I may through a little bleach or vinegar in with the water.
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Doug4321 Jul 2022
Good idea. For what it would cost it would bring peace of mind. Make sure to add a good amount of Clorox to the empty wash-out cycle.
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With nice warmer weather, why use the machines? Wash the clothes and let the sun do the drying.
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cignal Jun 2022
and have sheets covered in yellow pollen (happened to me--never used a clothesline again).
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Christine, one thing you do want to avoid, over loading the machines. This will ensure that any bacteria is being washed away.

For the dryer, I would use a white hand towel or dish towel soaked with white vinegar and run it in the dryer for a few minutes. This will sanitize and the white will show you if the dryer is nasty. (Probably not nasty though)

One thing to remember, bacteria in a washer doesn't hide, it tells you by smell it is there. So you probably don't have any issues besides the icky factor.
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Is this a coin operated laundry? Because if it is I would not want to have to pay extra to run cleaning cycles, that should be provided by management.
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In my municipality, there are rules about this stuff.

I suggest you get in touch with your local department of health.
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I would spray the washer with peroxide or vinegar as a sanitizer before adding your clothes. Add either product with your clothes as well along with detergent.

Better yet run a cycle with these products before adding your clothes. It is well worth the additional price.
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The laundrymat I use uses a commercial spray; the attendants are supposed to spray every morning.  I've actually seen them do it.  That's probably the best reason to get up early and arrive around 7 am to get the machines when they're the cleanest.

The baskets aren't sprayed though, so I wipe them down myself before putting my own baskets in them.
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JLyn69 Jun 2022
Outdoor drying is nice although point taken about the yellow pollen AND this time of the year Mulberry trees are full of fruit........not good to see purple stains on freshly laundered white sheets.
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Might be a good idea to ask if the machines are cleaned/disinfected daily... and when happens, If it was me, I would plan wash day and time for right after the disinfection was completed.
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I wouldn't expect that the caregivers will follow the instructions to rinse out poopy sheets. If they can get away with not doing it, many will continue to not rinse them out.

People are like that.

Lysol Sanitizer is a great idea.
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Christine44: The answer to your question may depend on whether this is a front loader or a top loader washing machine. Imho, front loaders typically have to be cleaned more often. For the 'debris,' for lack of a less harsh word, perhaps you can run a load of just hot water before placing your garments into the machine or perhaps there is a setting on the machine to do so.
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While it may cost extra, they make washing machine drop in tablets designed to clean and sanitize the washing machines -- not the clothes.

https://www.realhomes.com/buying-guides/best-washing-machine-cleaner
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Doug4321 Jul 2022
It's going to cost something, but look at it like insurance.
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