Laundry Off Site Training for CDS Caregivers | Advantage Home Care BYOC

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Advantage Home Care: Off Site Laundry Training for CDS Caregivers

Welcome to the Advantage Home Care training series. In this video, covers the importance of, and best practices for, doing your client's laundry. There's a separate video covering laundry at home, this training focuses specifically on doing laundry at a laundromat.

With Consumer Direct Services (CDS), the consumer or client directs the hiring, training, supervision, and direction of the personal care attendant. These trainings are designed to guide attendants on best practices for washing laundry in a laundromat.

Providing laundry services for your client is crucial. Clean clothes on a regular basis contribute to their self-respect, the respect of others, and their physical and emotional wellness. When doing your client's laundry, it's important to communicate in advance regarding any chemical sensitivities or specific care instructions they may have. It may also be beneficial to research in advance to find the nearest, safest, and cleanest laundromat. Sometimes, cheaper isn’t better.

Since you’re taking your client’s clothes off-site, be sure to gather everything you need before you go. You can bring detergent or purchase single-use packs from the vending machine at the laundromat. However, if your client has sensitive skin or a sensitive sense of smell, be sure to account for that in advance. If your client wants you to use bleach, make sure to use it only with whites, and double-check to ensure no colored items are mixed in by accident. Fabric softener or dryer sheets can help soften clothes and reduce static while adding a fresh scent.

Don't forget to bring a laundry basket for transporting clothes, and ensure you have a way to pay. Most laundromats use coin-operated machines or prepaid laundry cards, so be sure you have plenty of quarters or that your card is loaded.

Once at the laundromat, start by sorting your client’s laundry into different loads, such as whites, colors, and delicates. Be sure to check labels for specific washing instructions and empty all pockets to avoid damaging the clothes, the machine, or washing items like tissues or electronics. Closing zippers can prevent snagging or tearing other items, and pre-treating any visible stains with a stain remover or detergent before washing is a good practice.

Select a washing machine that’s appropriately sized for your load. While it may be tempting to use a smaller machine, overloading it can prevent clothes from washing properly. Check that the machine is clean and empty, as laundromats typically state they are not responsible for damaged clothes.

Now, you’re ready to load the washer. Place the clothes evenly inside, avoiding overloading. Add detergent according to the type of machine—directly into the drum for top loaders or in the detergent dispenser for front loaders. Select the correct wash cycle, such as cold water for colors or warm water for whites. Start the machine by inserting quarters or using your laundry card.

During the wash cycle, which can take 25-45 minutes, it’s important to stay on-site to prevent theft or damage, as laundromats usually won’t take responsibility for these issues.

When drying the clothes, this is the time to use a dryer sheet or dryer ball. Before using the dryer, make sure it’s empty and clean the lint screen. Again, management likely won’t accept responsibility for any damage. The drying cycle can take 35-45 minutes, so stay on-site and keep yourself occupied. Once the clothes are dry, remove them promptly to avoid wrinkling, and use the provided tables to fold your client’s clothes before placing them back in the laundry basket.
After returning with your client’s clean laundry, take the opportunity to find out how they would like their clothes to be cared for—whether folded or hung in a specific way. These small details matter.

By following these steps, you’ll ensure that your experience at the laundromat is as efficient and stress-free as possible, all while contributing to your client’s well-being. Thank you for your attention and consideration.

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