A Beginner’s Guide to Choosing the Right Settings on Self-Service Washers

Liam Smith • March 28, 2025

Walking into a self-service laundromat for the first time can be a little intimidating—rows of machines, flashing buttons, and a whole bunch of settings you may not be familiar with. But don’t worry—we’ve all been there! At Blue Leaf Laundromat, we want to make laundry day simple and stress-free, even if you’re brand new to it. That’s why we’ve put together this easy guide to help you choose the right washer settings for your laundry.

1. Know Your Fabric Types

Before you pick any settings, take a quick look at your clothes. Are they mostly cotton t-shirts and jeans? Or do you have delicates like silk or athletic wear?

Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

Normal/Regular: Great for everyday cotton clothes, towels, and bedding.

Delicates/Gentle: Use this for lighter fabrics like lingerie, silk, or lace.

Heavy Duty: Perfect for jeans, sweatshirts, and bulky items

Whites: Use this setting with hot water and detergent with bleach to get your whites bright and clean.

Colors/Cold Wash: Ideal for dark or bright-colored items that might bleed.

At Blue Leaf Laundromat, our machines come with clearly labeled settings to help you make the best choice quickly.

2. Water Temperature Matters

Choosing the right water temperature makes a big difference in how clean your clothes get—and how long they last.

Hot Water: Best for whites, heavily soiled clothes, and items like socks or towels.

Warm Water: Good for synthetic fabrics, light colors, and mixed loads.

Cold Water: Gentle on clothes, saves energy, and is best for dark or bright-colored items.

Pro Tip from Blue Leaf Laundromat: If you’re unsure, warm water is a safe middle ground for most laundry loads.

3. Load Size and Washer Capacity

It’s tempting to stuff the washer full, but overloading can lead to poor results and damage your clothes. Check the drum—if it’s more than 3/4 full, split it into two loads.

Our machines at Blue Leaf Laundromat range in size from single-load to extra-large, so whether you’ve got a light load or a mountain of laundry, there’s a machine just right for you.

4. Spin Speed Settings

Not all machines will ask you to choose a spin speed, but if they do, here’s what to know:

High Spin: Removes more water, great for towels and heavier fabrics.

Medium Spin: Ideal for mixed loads.

Low Spin: Best for delicates or clothes you want to air-dry.

Our self-service machines at Blue Leaf Laundromat are built to handle all these settings, and we’re always here if you need help choosing the right one.

5. Use the Right Amount of Detergent

Too much detergent can leave residue on your clothes, while too little won’t clean them properly. Most loads need about a quarter cup of liquid detergent, or follow the instructions on the pod or powder you’re using.

Need detergent? No problem! We’ve got single-use detergent, softener, and dryer sheets available in vending machines right inside Blue Leaf Laundromat.

Make Laundry Day Easy at Blue Leaf Laundromat

Don’t let laundry settings overwhelm you. Once you understand the basics, it’s smooth sailing—and your clothes will thank you. The team at Blue Leaf Laundromat is always here to help if you’re unsure, and our high-efficiency machines make the process faster and more effective.

Ready to tackle your next load with confidence? Visit Blue Leaf Laundromat today and experience a cleaner, smarter way to do laundry. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, we’ve got the tools, machines, and friendly service to make your laundry day a breeze.

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