Some of this is just good old fashioned common sense and manners, then again, some of this may come as a surprise to a few of our residents…at least so it would seem based on some of the routine complaints the office receives.

·       First and foremost PLEASE DO NOT overload the machines—users have been observed cramming laundry all the way up to the brim! Your clothes won’t get clean this way so your wasting your money, but this can also cause mechanical problems and even leaking or flooding. Instructions are posted warning users not to overload. This not only causes problems for your loads of laundry but mechanical problems and flooding can delay others. If you have a maid service or someone else come in and do your laundry, share this with them this as well. You are ultimately responsible for those who are doing your laundry.

·       PLEASE DO NOT use excessive detergent….you might be surprised to know, that you can likely use a fraction of the recommended dose of detergent for most brands, and your clothes will get just as clean. Oftentimes less soap reduces wear and tear on most fabrics. Especially cotton. Also, excessive suds may result in an error message or the machine may stop mid-load. Clothes will be floating in the water, and sadly, you may have to purchase another load for your wash to finish. A little soap goes a long way; more soap does not necessarily mean MORE CLEAN.

·       PLEASE DO NOT ADD WATER to the machines. Not sure where this idea came from, but again, these machines are calibrated for certain amounts of water and soap for certain cycles, and adding water can cause mechanical problems or failures.

·       PLEASE OBEY THE POSTED RULES, REGULATIONS and all machine instructions. In addition, below we have quoted the Laundry Room rules from the PTCA handbook.

·       And FINALLY, the most frequent complaint lately is that users are taking other peoples laundry out of the machines. Guess what – this is actually SOP (standard operating procedure). PLEASE DO NOT leave your laundry in any washers or dryers for an excessive period of time. Otherwise, it is absolutely considered polite and appropriate for other users who are waiting, to cautiously and considerately remove your laundry to the nearest counter-top. TIP: Make use of the online washer and dryer monitoring capabilities. (See the posted information in the laundry room.) Otherwise, set the timer on your watch or smart phone, to alert you to come and get your laundry a couple of minutes before it is to be done. With all our technology, cell phones, fitbits, apps, etc. this should be easy to do. Or please bring a book and stay in the laundry room and wait it out. If you don’t want people touching your laundry be there to remove it promptly. LIKEWISE, PLEASE DO NOT take other peoples laundry out before it is done, and allow at least a few minutes grace period before you swoop in to annex a machine.

The bottom line, please be respectful of your neighbors and our equipment. Be courteous and mindful that this is an amenity for the comfort and convenience of all residents.

Thank you for your understanding, cooperation and efforts to help maintain a positive living experience for all PTCA residents!

FROM THE PTCA Rules and Regulations Handbook:

LAUNDRY FACILITIES

The laundry facilities are located on 1P and is accessed only by the service elevators. The laundry room is available to residents only and for personal use only. Facilities are open and accessible every day from 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM.

The washers/dryers do not accept cash. Park Tower management uses a vendor to service washers and dryers. Laundry cards may be purchased through the VTM machine located in the laundry room for a $5 fee. Money can be added to the card in denominations of $5, $10, or $20.

In case of a machine malfunction, residents shall place an “Out of Order” sign on the machine and notify the management office of the problem. The service company will reimburse the resident for any money lost as a result of malfunctioning equipment or a defective laundry card.  Management office may be contacted to initiate the reimbursement process.

Residents should contact the management office or the building staff immediately in case the VTM machine is inoperable. 

Smoking and eating are prohibited in the laundry facilities.

Ironing and hand-washing laundry is prohibited. Rinsing and treating stains of individual items can be done at the washbasin.

Tables and countertops are intended only for folding and organizing laundry.

Laundry appliance shall be kept clean including exterior appearances and interior washers and dryer lint traps. Patrons should remove laundry no later than five minutes after the completion of the cycle.

The association does not assume responsibility for any loss or damage associated with the use of the laundry machines and/or any laundry left unattended.