Laundromats... Ick...

[AustinTink]

I bought a new comforter that doesn't fit in my washing machine. I'm a germaphobe, so the idea of washing it at the Laundromat in other people's filth makes me hyperventilate. I've been putting it off.

Cut to today, when the dog decides to yack on my new comforter. Time to head to the dreaded Laundromat. I washed it there and brought it home to dry. It's so thick that it took three cycles on high to dry it completely.

Please tell me that three cycles on high is enough to kill germs/mites/creepy crawlies/bed bugs/ anything else that goes bump in the night...

It's 2:02am and I can't make myself go snuggle up under that comforter, nope, not gonna do it. I may never sleep in my bed again...

 

[ronandannette]

Why'd you bother with the trip to the laundromat if you were just going to end up buying a new one anyway... Maybe don't get another comforter; go for a few microfibre blankets - just as warm and they'll fit in your machine. (BTW, I'm pretty sure nobody anywhere ever got bedbugs from the inside of a washing machine. Just sayin'...)

 

[lacrosse_lady72]

I'm a germaphobe too but I wouldn't worry about it AT ALL. How did you wash it when you first got it? Because the germaphobe in me is more concerned about what and who has touched something before I wash it and would never put it on my bed before I wash it. But the laundromat doesn't bother me so long as it looks like it's been kept up.

 

[AustinTink]

Why'd you bother with the trip to the laundromat if you were just going to end up buying a new one anyway... Maybe don't get another comforter; go for a few microfibre blankets - just as warm and they'll fit in your machine. (BTW, I'm pretty sure nobody anywhere ever got bedbugs from the inside of a washing machine. Just sayin'...)

My husband likes comforters. I like the soft microfiber blankets better myself. This is first comforter we have had in 20 years that doesn't fit in our washer.

I don't know what my deal is with germs, but it is getting worse. I started making people take their shoes off in the house in the last few years. I never did that before. I've been over-washing everything.

Two of my friends had bed bugs in the last couple of years. Maybe listening to them set me off.

 

[AustinTink]

I'm a germaphobe too but I wouldn't worry about it AT ALL. How did you wash it when you first got it? Because the germaphobe in me is more concerned about what and who has touched something before I wash it and would never put it on my bed before I wash it. But the laundromat doesn't bother me so long as it looks like it's been kept up.

It's only been washed once prior to this. When I first bought it I shoved in into my washer knowing full well it didn't fit. It overflowed the washer.

What's even more nonsensical it that this is a perfectly clean laundromat and I even know the owners! I know they keep the place well maintained. Still I'm wide awake on the couch.

 

[DisneyWalle]

My husband likes comforters. I like the soft microfiber blankets better myself. This is first comforter we have had in 20 years that doesn't fit in our washer.

I don't know what my deal is with germs, but it is getting worse. I started making people take their shoes off in the house in the last few years. I never did that before. I've been over-washing everything.

Two of my friends had bed bugs in the last couple of years. Maybe listening to them set me off.

I do this because it helps cut down on the dirt that gets tracked through the house. (I have to remember that not everyone does this --- because when I go into someone's home I automatically want to remove mine)

Can you take your comforter to the dry cleaners? We have done this in the past.

 

[Disney Doll]

If a well maintained laundromat owned by people you know, who you know keep it clean, still bothers you and in the past couple of years you have noticed your germaphobic behavior ramping up, then perhaps some therapy is in order?

 

[aprilgail2]

I bought a new comforter that doesn't fit in my washing machine. I'm a germaphobe, so the idea of washing it at the Laundromat in other people's filth makes me hyperventilate. I've been putting it off.

Cut to today, when the dog decides to yack on my new comforter. Time to head to the dreaded Laundromat. I washed it there and brought it home to dry. It's so thick that it took three cycles on high to dry it completely.

Please tell me that three cycles on high is enough to kill germs/mites/creepy crawlies/bed bugs/ anything else that goes bump in the night...

It's 2:02am and I can't make myself go snuggle up under that comforter, nope, not gonna do it. I may never sleep in my bed again...

Laundromats creep me out- I don't feel anything is clean after having them in a machine that just had other peoples who knows what in there. My friend used to take her kids dirty diapers to the Laundromat to wash because she didn't want to put them in her own washer- I don't want my clothes in there after that! I know that most likely stuff gets rinsed out in there at the end but still grosses me out.

 

[Christine]

OP, do you have the same issues with using a dry cleaner? Because if you really think about it, that's much worse....I used to work at one.

Most germs/bugs/etc won't survive the water and rinse cycles in a washing machine. Especially if hot water is used. The heat from the dryer adds another layer of protection. If there is ANYTHING left, it is very minimal and a comforter rarely touches your skin.

If you need to feel better, even though it's dry, put it in the dryer some more and just let it get very hot. That should do the trick.

After that, you probably need to try to work on your fears. They do seem a little bit excessive, but you seem to know that.

 

[kacaju]

I bought a new comforter that doesn't fit in my washing machine. I'm a germaphobe, so the idea of washing it at the Laundromat in other people's filth makes me hyperventilate. I've been putting it off.

Cut to today, when the dog decides to yack on my new comforter. Time to head to the dreaded Laundromat. I washed it there and brought it home to dry. It's so thick that it took three cycles on high to dry it completely.

Please tell me that three cycles on high is enough to kill germs/mites/creepy crawlies/bed bugs/ anything else that goes bump in the night...

It's 2:02am and I can't make myself go snuggle up under that comforter, nope, not gonna do it. I may never sleep in my bed again...

go buy something that fits in your washer...and then work on your fears...
I bought a comforter that does not fit in my home washer and I had to buy a new one...I have no fears of Laundromats...it is just too much of a pain for me to be bothered going to one and with 3 dogs and 2 cats in the house I need a wash and wear blanket...

 

[bballmom56]

If you have the time and money, when you go to the laundromat run an empty (no clothes or bedding) cycle with a cup of bleach added to the water. That should disinfect it.

 

[Laura66]

I'm a germaphobe myself - but

If I knew I'd be grossed out by taking it to a laundromat I wouldn't have bought it.

If it's clean and you know the people - you are washing and drying it on hot right? That would kill any bugs. Do you ever sleep in hotels? How do you suppose they wash their sheets?

 

[MIGrandma]

If a well maintained laundromat owned by people you know, who you know keep it clean, still bothers you and in the past couple of years you have noticed your germaphobic behavior ramping up, then perhaps some therapy is in order?

I agree.

I could understand your feelings if the laundromat was dirty, but one that is owned by people that you know and well maintained...I wouldn't worry at all about washing/drying a comforter there.

We occasionally use a laundromat when on vacation, and DH takes his bulky Carhart coats/bib overalls, etc. to our local laundromat. I've seen the employees wiping out empty machines with bleach water.

 

[Imzadi]

I bought a new comforter that doesn't fit in my washing machine. I'm a germaphobe, so the idea of washing it at the Laundromat in other people's filth makes me hyperventilate. I've been putting it off.

Cut to today, when the dog decides to yack on my new comforter. Time to head to the dreaded Laundromat. I washed it there and brought it home to dry. It's so thick that it took three cycles on high to dry it completely.

Please tell me that three cycles on high is enough to kill germs/mites/creepy crawlies/bed bugs/ anything else that goes bump in the night...

It's 2:02am and I can't make myself go snuggle up under that comforter, nope, not gonna do it. I may never sleep in my bed again...

You'll be fine. I live in a city of crazies. Who knows what they've been doing and what germs they have. However, I've had to use laundromats for decades as having even a tiny washing machine would have taken up too much space in tiny apartments. I'm still alive.

If you Google dust mites and allergens on fabrics, the thing that kills them is a good washing in hot water and high heat in the dryer. It would also be enough to kill any cooties from people. The laundromat dryers will actually have higher heat industrial dryers.

Plus, they are larger and would have more space for the comforter to tumble.

My husband likes comforters. I like the soft microfiber blankets better myself. This is first comforter we have had in 20 years that doesn't fit in our washer.

I don't know what my deal is with germs, but it is getting worse. I started making people take their shoes off in the house in the last few years. I never did that before. I've been over-washing everything.

Two of my friends had bed bugs in the last couple of years. Maybe listening to them set me off.

I bought a new comforter a while ago that didn't fit in my building's laundromat. I had to take it down the street to the industrial size washer. After a few washings, it flattened down enough to finally fit in my building's washers.

I too would be worried about bed bugs, if I heard friends had gotten them. This city has a huge a big bed bug epidemic. I don't go out to movies as much because of it. And when I do, I check the city's bed bug website to see if there have been any reportings of bed bugs there, in which they've had to close down and deal with it.

But being worried about bed bugs getting on laundry while washing? No, if you understand how bedbugs behave, they like narrow crevices to burrow in. Tumbling laundry, with soap, water or high heat are not their things. Seriously, if you were a bed bug, and all the crevices you could be in, would you be hiding in a a place where you'd end up like this? -->

AustinTink, if you are still worried about your comforter tomorrow, after DH gets up. Spray it with a can of Lysol. It's a disinfectant. Then let it air dry really well. It should be fine by tomorrow nite.

 

[Poohforyou]

Seriously, I think you need to get over this phobia of yours. Do you realize the number of germs you pick up from people and bring back into your home every day?

In the future if it skeeves you so much run the washer empty with bleach for a cycle. I don't use laundromats very often but I have for things like oversized stuff.

 

[ronandannette]

My husband likes comforters. I like the soft microfiber blankets better myself. This is first comforter we have had in 20 years that doesn't fit in our washer.

I don't know what my deal is with germs, but it is getting worse. I started making people take their shoes off in the house in the last few years. I never did that before. I've been over-washing everything.

Two of my friends had bed bugs in the last couple of years. Maybe listening to them set me off.

FWIW, where I live it is UNTHINKABLE for anybody to wear their regular shoes inside a house. It simply isn't done and would be considered horrible manners to not take them off at the door so that doesn't sound weird to me at all. Also, when I read your original post I thought it was hyperbole in a joking tone - not something that's become a real issue for you. Sorry if I sounded flippant.

 

[Ponygirl]

I never really thought about laundry mats being nasty or picking up germs there. Then I read on the internet about a woman washing her comforter which was covered in dog vomit and it gave me the willies.

 

[4luv2cdisney]

I bought a new comforter that doesn't fit in my washing machine. I'm a germaphobe, so the idea of washing it at the Laundromat in other people's filth makes me hyperventilate. I've been putting it off.

Cut to today, when the dog decides to yack on my new comforter. Time to head to the dreaded Laundromat. I washed it there and brought it home to dry. It's so thick that it took three cycles on high to dry it completely.

Please tell me that three cycles on high is enough to kill germs/mites/creepy crawlies/bed bugs/ anything else that goes bump in the night...

It's 2:02am and I can't make myself go snuggle up under that comforter, nope, not gonna do it. I may never sleep in my bed again...

I am a property manager and have Laundromat tenants. The best owners disinfect their machines regularly and have staff during all operating hours to keep an eye on what people are doing in there, but you still never know. People bring things they don't want to put in their own machines at home to the Laundromat. While I feel that high heat is the solution to many things, you really would be amazed at the disgusting things people will bring in just to dry - unwashed. So, at least be glad you can dry it at home.

I don't think running a bleach cycle through the washing machine is a bad idea. If you know the owners, you could always ask when they disinfect the machines and be their first customer the morning after they've disinfected them!

As for the shoes in the house thing, I once watched a news report and they said that if you wear your shoes in the house and allow others to do so, your floors are basically a health hazard until you disinfect them. We have hardwood floors, and I love them and hate them at the same time. When we had carpet, people almost always voluntarily took off their shoes at the door. Now, people assume they can just wear their shoes in. I keep shoes and shoe tray by the front door as a "hint", but some people still don't get it.

 

[firecracker725]

FWIW, where I live it is UNTHINKABLE for anybody to wear their regular shoes inside a house. It simply isn't done and would be considered horrible manners to not take them off at the door so that doesn't sound weird to me at all. Also, when I read your original post I thought it was hyperbole in a joking tone - not something that's become a real issue for you. Sorry if I sounded flippant.

I recently moved to a city, and while I've never been one for no-shoes-in-the-house, the dog crap and filth we walk past every day has made me become that way. No shoes past the front hallway.

However, I think OP has a problem, and it isn't a dirty comforter. Get some therapy for that.

 

[chirurgeon]

Embrace the germs. They are good for you. Your immune system needs the exercise.