COOPERATIVE KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY FACT SHEET

Information about the Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension Program 2020

Dr. Allison P. Young, Associate Extension Professor, Family and Consumer Sciences

Millions of people in the United States use public laundry facilities, also called laundromats. It is important to take steps to ensure the safe handling of clothing items while using a laundromat. It is in your family's best interest to consider ways to limit exposure to germs and viruses while using laundromats. Please consider the following guidelines to ensure the safety of yourself and your family while at the laundromat.

Ask the laundromat management about their procedures for sanitizing the washers and dryers. Each machine should be wiped with a sanitizer between customers. Chlorine bleach should not be used to sanitize the laundry equipment as it is harsh and can damage many clothing items.

Try to schedule your use of the public laundry facility during off-peak times if possible, and inquire about limits on customers within the facility at one time.

Contact the laundromat to ask for information on its disinfecting procedures.

To minimize your time in the laundromat, sort and pretreat your items prior to leaving your home. It is best to proceed as if the laundry facility has been exposed to germs and viruses and minimize your contact with surfaces, practice social distancing and be mindful of touching the following:

contact with surfaces, practice social distancing and be mindful of touching the following: