Three out of six washers plastered with an “out-of-order” sign already creates a problem, but when you have around 180 Point Loma Nazarene University residents living in a dorm with only three washers available, the issue only multiplies. Communal washers have been a consistent point of conversation in Klassen Hall, as the appliances have been causing more problems than solutions, according to residents.
Faulty washers and theft including a missing Urban Outfitters top belonging to Sierra Fischer, first-year marketing major and Lululemon shorts belonging to Annika Spross, first-year finance major, were the first problems for students living in Klassen.
Danny Butler, resident director of Klassen Hall, said via email that he was unable to provide definite answers to information on how old the current washers are and how often inspections and repairs are conducted.
One student called the Department of Facilities Maintenance number listed on the bulletin board in the Klassen third south hallway to submit a work order for fixing the washing machines, but was unable to complete the request as they needed an ID number listed on the washer.
“I went to put in a work order form for the broken washers but was told I had to put in an ID number of the washer for them to come and fix it instead of just coming and looking,” Vauna Derderian, first-year biology major, said.
On WASH’s website, the company of the washers used in Klassen, the business states that most parts should be replaced around every ten years. Unusual noises, mildew smells and water remaining in the tub all show signs of faulty belts and pumps. Each of these complications are exhibited within the Klassen washers, according to residents.
Washers were also being filled with bleach, leaving students’ clothes blotched and ruined; this compelled Butler to write an email with “DO NOT USE BLEACH” plastered in a neon green message box — sticky notes were also placed on the laundry room wall with a similar message.
Some Klassen Hall residents left the washroom irritated and upset beginning the second week of school, with bleach-stained articles of clothing in hand.
“I didn’t even notice until [my clothes] were dry,” Mabry Cole, a first-year graphic design and photography major said. “The bleach only stained my colored clothes — my red shorts had splotches all over them.”
With half of the washing machines being faulty, students who live in Klassen are frustrated as they now have to add one more activity to their already busy schedule: finding one of the three washing machines available to use.
“I put my clothes in the washer and it looked like it worked, and it fills up with water and my laundry detergent — but the washer doesn’t spin,” Victoria Holt, first-year marketing major, said. “So it is locked for twenty-eight minutes, I come back, I open it up and my clothes are just soaking wet and soapy. They weren’t washed. It sucked because I had to manually take out all of my clothes, squeeze them — every single one — and then throw it into another washer and wash them again. The whole process was super tedious and I have other things to worry about.”
Charis Johnston