5 ways Amazon can help Alexa on laundry day
Laundry is an essential part of your weekly, if not daily, routine. This can include washing your sheets and bedding, doing your laundry according to the symbols on your clothing tags, and even cleaning your washing machine every week.
You probably already know how handy Alexa is around the house, but have you ever used your Amazon Echo device to help you do your laundry? If not, you’re really missing out.
Here are some handy ways to use Alexa commands and skills to make laundry day easier. For more tips, explore these popular laundry products to ditch and the most energy-efficient way to do your laundry to save money . And for all your cleaning needs, consult this cleaning cheat sheet for best practices.
1. Set wash timers
If you don’t normally hear when your washer or dryer hums, you can have Alexa send you a notification.
First, you need to measure the time each load takes in your machine. Instead of standing in front of your washing machine the whole time, check the machine after half an hour or 45 minutes to get a general idea.
Next, go to the Alexa app and tap the menu button (the three horizontal lines) and tap Routine. Tap the plus sign to create a Routine. Alexa doesn’t let you just set a timer in a Routine, but there is an easy workaround. In the When this happens part of the Routine, select Voteand then type what you want to say to Alexa to start the timer, for example, “Alexa, start my washing machine timer.”
Then tap Add action and select To wait. Select the amount of time your washer or dryer needs to complete a load of laundry. Finally, tap Add action, Alexa sayand type what you want Alexa to say when the time is up.
The next time you throw a load of laundry in the washer, start the routine by saying the trigger phrase.
2. Get new cleaning tips
Don’t know how to clean something? Turn on the Laundry buddy skill so you can ask Alexa. First, you have to say, “Alexa, open Laundry Buddy,” every time you have a question. Then, all you have to do is ask your question.
Unfortunately, the skill doesn’t seem to answer specific questions about stains. However, it does give you detailed answers on how to clean things like jeans, car seats, and jackets. If you have specific questions about stains, you can check out our stain removal guide.
Check this out: Let Alexa take care of your laundry for you
3. Ray spots
Although Laundry Buddy does not help against stains, Stain remover skill does. The skill has instructions for removing dozens of the most common stains, including laundry, coffee, and grass stains. To use the skill, say something like, “Alexa, ask Stain Remover how to remove coffee stains.”
4. Check for open washers and dryers
If you live in a dorm, some universities offer Alexa skills that you can use to check the availability of open washers and dryers in the laundry room. Some of these skills include: Illinois Laundry Checker, Check laundry And Terp Laundry.
If you do a quick search for “laundry” and the name of your university in the search box, you’ll find the skill for your dorm (if available).
5. Skip the sniff test
Can’t remember the last time you washed your sheets or your favorite hoodie? Just let Alexa remember for you using the Skill of the laundry mate.
If you’re doing laundry, say, “Alexa, tell Laundry Mate I washed my laundry [bedding/or other item] today.” If you need a reminder, ask, “Alexa, when was the last time I washed my (item)?”
If you want to know how often you should wash your sheets or clean your bathroom, consult these guides.
