Rhode Islanders, like others in coastal New England, may face some unique laundry challenges due to the state's climate, environment, and lifestyle. Here are a few common laundry challenges for Rhode Islanders:
1. High Humidity: Rhode Island's coastal location means it experiences high humidity, especially in the summer. This can make it difficult for clothes to dry properly, leading to musty odors or mildew if laundry is left too long in a humid environment.
2. Salt and Sand: With so many residents enjoying the beaches, dealing with sand and salt stains on clothes and towels is common. Saltwater can cause fabrics to deteriorate more quickly, and sand can get embedded in fibers, especially in towels, swimwear, or beach clothes.
3. Winter Weather: In winter, Rhode Island experiences snow, sleet, and freezing temperatures. Clothes may pick up salt stains from road treatments or get damp from snow and slush, which can make laundry harder. Wet clothes take longer to dry, and extra care may be needed to prevent salt from staining fabrics.
4. Hard Water: Some areas in Rhode Island have hard water, which can make it difficult to get clothes fully clean. Hard water minerals can build up on fabrics, causing them to feel stiff and dull over time. It also reduces the effectiveness of detergent.
5. Pollen and Allergies: Spring and summer bring high pollen counts, which can lead to pollen collecting on outdoor-dried clothes. For allergy sufferers, this can be a challenge, requiring extra washing or avoiding air drying.
6. Limited Outdoor Drying: Coastal communities, with their compact housing and limited yard space, may not have ideal spots for hanging laundry outside. This makes residents more reliant on dryers, which can wear out clothes faster over time.
7. Mold and Mildew: Humid and damp basements, common in older homes in Rhode Island, can lead to mold or mildew growth on laundry that is left in basements or poorly ventilated areas for too long.
8. Energy Costs: Rhode Islanders often face higher-than-average energy costs, which can make frequent use of dryers expensive. Many people look for energy-efficient appliances or drying solutions to mitigate this cost.
By using City Bubbles’ laundry services—such as wash and fold and pickup and delivery—Rhode Islanders can keep their laundry fresher and better maintained.