Please read the following information which may answer some questions and alleviate concerns about the machines.

Orchard Court Laundry History
Our University Housing & Dining Services chose the actual machines we currently use because:

• They are the most energy efficient on the market, providing savings in water, power and detergent usage.
• They are reliable, and reports indicate they clean laundry better than any other machine.
• These machines are the commercial version of Maytag’s top-of-the-line Neptune washers (which retail for over $900).

The scope of WEB’s service to us includes maintenance and adjustments when needed.
Now, to answer questions raised by residents:
Where does the rinse water go?
The water used in the two rinse cycles is pumped out at the base of the washing machine.  No water is recycled into the machine.  The sloshing sound you hear when you rotate the drum is a balance ring—this is sealed and is two-thirds full of water.  As the drum spins, centrifugal force causes the balance ring to keep the drum on an even keel.

Why is there a puddle of water in the drum after the rinse cycle?
A couple of things can cause a puddle of water:

• If the door is not shut properly, the high-speed rinse cycle will not operate.  Be sure to SLAM the door (like a car door) before you start the machine.
• Too much detergent—only use as much detergent as will fit into the red cups attached to the machines.  Liquid detergent is best, but powder works fine too.  Do not use detergent tablets as they will not dissolve completely.
• Too many clothes—don’t overload the machine.  If you have to physically push the clothes in to shut the door, you’ve got way too many items in there.

Why doesn’t the dryer completely dry?
Make sure you only put one wash load in each dryer—although it looks like you can fit more in, the dryer needs the extra room for the warm air to flow around the clothes.  Two wash loads will not dry in one dryer in 60 minutes (I know, because I tried it!)

WEB made some adjustments to dryers in the West and East laundries to ensure a full dry within the 60 minutes you pay for.  WEB found that the vents from these dryers were not long enough to allow a buildup of heat in the machine. 

Why don’t my clothes smell clean?
There is a difference between a clean smell and a fragrance smell.  These washing machines have two  high-speed rinse cycles, which ensure that all the detergent is removed from the clothes.  What you may be smelling is the absence of detergent left in your laundry.  To add that fresh-laundry smell, we suggest you use dryer sheets during the dry cycle.

To report any problems with the washing machines or dryers, please contact the OC Manager—be prepared to give the machine number and location, and explain the problem.

Laundry Room Courtesy

It is a common practice in shared laundry rooms (especially laundries that are very busy like ours) for someone to remove your laundry from a machine that has completed its cycle, and place it on the table so that they can use the machine.  Please understand that this is done simply because the next person doesn’t know how long it might be before you come to remove your laundry. 

We all appreciate your promptness and understanding when the laundries are busiest (which are often Sunday evenings).

Last Updated on February 12, 2003

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