Are you doing laundry in Japan wrong? You might ask, “How hard can mastering a washing machine in Japan be?” Washing your clothes isn’t hard, but you might use the wrong detergents if you’re still learning Japanese.
It usually won’t hurt. Mistaking fabric softener instead of laundry detergent will make your new clothes (even if they’re thrifted) feel ridiculously soft and scented. However, the wrong kind of bleach may necessitate buying a new wardrobe. These scenarios can be avoided by equipping oneself with some vocabulary for doing laundry and becoming familiar with detergent brands.
Laundry Vocabulary
Here is a quick list of words related to laundry in Japan:
Japanese English Romaji 洗濯機 Washing Machine Sentakuki 洗剤 Detergent Senzai 部屋干し用洗剤 Indoor Detergent Heyaboshiyo senzai 柔軟剤 Fabric Softener Junanzai 漂白剤 Bleach Hyohakuzai 酸素系漂白剤 Oxygen Bleach Sansokei Hyohakuzai 塩素系漂白剤 Chlorine Bleach Ensokei Hyohakuzai シミ Stain Shimi 消臭剤 Deodorizer Shoshuzai 抗菌 Anti-bacterial Koukin
Laundry Culture in Japan
In Japan, laundry days are often scheduled on sunny days for optimal drying. Sunlight is believed to disinfect and freshen clothes naturally. On a nice day, you’ll see tons of futons and comforters hanging from windows and balconies in Japan.
However, people will usually bring clothes in at night. Nights in many parts of Japan can be humid, especially during summer or the rainy season. The moisture in the air can prevent clothes from drying properly and may lead to mildew or unpleasant odors. Leaving clothes out at night can also signal that no one is home, which might attract burglars or, more likely, a panty thief.
Most apartments in Japan have space for a washing machine, but sometimes there is only space outside, such as on your balcony. You’ll typically find two kinds of washing machines:
- Top-loaders: These are the most common type in Japan. You load your laundry by opening the lid at the top. While they offer fewer options and modes, they are generally cheaper than front-loaders.
- Front-loaders: Front-loaders are more expensive than top-loaders but offer a wider range of options and modes. They’re considered the more stylish, modern option and are generally easier on your clothes.
Why Are Dryers Not Common In Japan?
One of the primary reasons for the limited use of dryers in Japan is the lack of space, especially in cities. Japanese apartments, known for their compact design, often cannot accommodate large appliances like dryers. Residents opt for more space-efficient alternatives, such as traditional drying poles (物干し竿, monohoshi sao) hanging from their windows or balconies and indoor drying racks.
Cost also plays a role. Dryers come with a hefty price tag and consume much energy, adding to utility bills. In contrast, air drying is free. However, high-income families might opt for washer-dryer combos like Western homes.
When it rains or snows, people in Japan will dry their clothes inside, sometimes in the shower (where there is often a room dryer for mold) or via a humidifier.
Laundry Detergent in Japan
In Japan, laundry detergents (洗濯洗剤, sentakusenzai) are available in three common forms:
- Liquid: Liquid detergents in Japan dissolve quickly in water and offer refill options to reduce plastic usage and costs.
- Powder: Powder detergents are popular in Japan due to their affordability.
- Pods: Pods are convenient with their pre-measured portions.
Some popular brands are:
- アタック (Attack)
- アリエール (Ariel)
- トップ (Top)
- ライオン (Lion)
- ナノックス (Nanox)
Indoor and Outdoor Detergent
Some detergents, known as heyaboshiyo senzai in Japanese, are specifically formulated to prevent musty odors that can occur when drying clothes indoors, particularly during rainy seasons. Before you use detergent, know whether you will dry your clothes inside or outside.
Fabric Softener
In Japan, where drying machines are rare, clothes often feel stiff. Fabric softener (目的, junanzai) will make your clothes feel softer, smell better and make ironing easier.
Most fabric softeners come in floral scents. However, there are also choices with more neutral fragrances for men or even unscented varieties. Some are specifically formulated for sports clothes to combat sweat odors.
Fabric softeners are typically liquid and come in bottles with refill options similar to liquid detergent. They are also shaped like pearls, though they are pricier.
Bleach
In Japan, there are two main types of bleach:
- Chlorine Bleach (塩素系漂白剤, enso-kei hyohakuzai): This type of bleach is effective at whitening clothes and disinfecting them. However, it can be harsh on fabrics if used excessively. Be cautious and avoid mixing it with colored clothing.
- Oxygen Bleach (酸素系漂白剤, sanso-kei hyohakuzai): Oxygen bleach is gentler on colors. It removes stains and brightens clothes without causing damage.
Coin Laundries
Coin laundries (コインランドリー) in Japan offer convenience for small apartments without space for a washing machine—those living in a studio apartment or only planning a short stay in Japan, such as students or tourists. People without balconies or access to sunlight may also rely on them for drying clothes.
These facilities typically feature spacious machines that fit 8 to 16 kg loads, accommodating bedding and heavy items. They are also equipped with drying machines, making them ideal for when outdoor drying becomes difficult. You might also opt for coin laundry during tsuyu (Japan’s rainy season).
Some coin laundry establishments go beyond the norm (especially in big cities), offering extras such as sneaker washers, free wifi, cafes and even karaoke. However, while these specialty laundromats are a treat, most maintain standard services.
- Price: Typically range from ¥300 to ¥1000 per load.
- Hours: Many operate 24/7.
- Caution: Beware of potential theft, particularly of underwear.
Coin Laundry Japanese Vocabulary
Japanese English Romaji コインランドリー Coin Laundry Koinrandorii コイン投入口 Coin Slot Koin tounyuukuchi スタート Start Sutaato モードを選択する Select Mode Modo o sentaku suru 洗濯＆乾燥 Wash and Dry Sentaku & Kansou 洗濯のみ Washing Only Sentaku nomi 乾燥のみ Drying Only Kansou nomi 上部 Upper Machine Jobu 下部 Lower Machine Kabu
Original article by Lynda Deaver.
Do you own a dryer in Japan? Do you have any tips for getting stains out? Let us know in the comments!
