Officials installed 500 new washers and dryers across campus this summer, the first time the University has replaced some machines in nearly a decade.
Almost every residence hall received new machines, University spokesman Kurtis Hiatt said. He declined to provide the cost of the upgrades.
Halls that had new washers and dryers installed in the last two years, including The Dakota and 2109 F St., did not receive new machines, Residence Hall Association President Ari Massefski said.
Massefski said the number of student complaints have increased as the machines have aged. The upgraded machines allow students to wash clothes in 25 minutes, down from 38 minutes.
“There have been less issues with the machines since they’re new, and we’re hoping it’ll stay that way,” Massefski said.
The University removed machines from rooms in The Dakota in 2011 after an in-room dryer caught fire. Officials then created the hall’s first laundry room for all residents.
“As with any appliances, and especially those that are used at high frequency, washers and dryers must be replaced periodically to maintain good working order and energy-efficiency standards,” Director of Campus Support Services Nancy Haaga said.
Along with the new machines, two residence halls – JBKO and International House – received complete laundry room makeovers.
GW’s professional laundry service Caldwell & Gregory has provided informational posters with laundry tips and magnets to mark faulty machines and warn others that they are waiting to be fixed.
