New cleaning utilities save money, time for students

Olivia Hubert-Allen / Reporter

While lugging bulging bags back into the dorms after holiday break, many Elon students noticed a change had been made while they were gone. Every dorm, except Jordan Center, installed new washers and dryers.

The previous laundry machines varied in ages, but one thing was a consensus among students: they were in need of replacement. During holiday break, crews worked hard to get the new machines installed.

"We had a quality of life survey and laundry facilities were one of the lowest rated items. I think that really helped us get the esteem to change what we had," said Dr. Jerrid Freeman, associate director of Residence Life.

The new Energy-Star rated machines are expected to save students time, but also save the university money.

By switching to front-loading machines, there is approximately 25 percent more space in the washer for clothing. The old, top-loading machines used an agitator in the middle of the tub to create the wash action while the new ones rely on a tumbling motion, negating the need for an agitator. The extra space will allow students to get more laundry done per load.

An e-mail sent out to the student body said the washers would save Elon thousands of gallons of water each year. Though the exact effect of the washers has yet to be determined, it is something administrators will be looking for in the future.

Elon contracts residence hall laundry services to its provider, Mac-Gray Services, so the university did not float the bill for the new machines. Luckily, convincing Mac-Gray Services to provide new machines was not a hard task.

"It's something we've been talking about for a few months, and we decided that now was the time to do it," said Vickie Somers, director of Auxiliary Services.

Students have received the new machines very well.

"I like the washers because you use less detergent so you save money," freshman Stefanie Meyers said. "The dryers are also nice because they're bigger."

Using less detergent is an important aspect of the new washers. A quarter cup is the recommended amount. Using too much detergent could result in over-sudsing, which could ruin clothes and make a mess.

The size of the appliances amazed students as they attempted to push themselves inside of the dryers on the first day back on campus.

"One of my friends actually fit inside one of the dryers," said freshman Catherine Parsons. "We wanted to shut the door and leave her in there, but she wouldn't let us."

Contact Olivia Hubert-Allen at pendulum@elon.edu or 278-7247.

Alicia Krawczak / Photographer

Katie Reese puts a load of laundry in a new washing machine in Staley dormitory. These front-loading washers have 25 percent more space than the previous ones.