Using a washing machine in Japan can be overwhelming the first time, as they differ from the others in Europe and USA.
When using a washing machine, the first step is to separate clothes into categories such as whites, colored garments, dark clothing, delicate fabrics, denim, underwear, and heavily soiled items. Sorting laundry correctly helps preserve colors, protect delicate materials, and achieve better washing results.
Before placing garments in the washing machine, it is also important to prepare them properly. Zippers and buttons should be closed to prevent snagging or damage to other clothes, while pockets should be emptied of coins, tissues, or other objects that could harm the machine. Delicate garments, underwear, and items with metallic or decorative elements should preferably be placed inside protective laundry nets. Turning clothes inside out, especially jeans, printed shirts, and dark garments, can also help reduce fading and protect the fabric during the wash cycle.
Japanese washing machines are known for combining compact design, advanced automation and water efficiency. For Japanese washing machines, people commonly use low-foam concentrated detergents because many Japanese washers (especially drum/front-load types) use less water. Popular brands include Attack, Ariel, Bold, and Nanox.
In Japan, laundry detergents can be easily found in many different types of stores:
Supermarkets such as Aeon or Seiyu
Japanese drugstores, including Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Sugi Pharmacy, and Welcia
Convenience stores such as 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson, although the detergent packages sold there are usually smaller
100-yen shops like Daiso and Seria, where small detergent bottles and laundry accessories are commonly available
Here are some of the most popular Japanese laundry detergents:
Best for everyday washing
Gel-ball / pod type detergents
These are convenient because you just drop one pod into the washer.it saves time and removes odor.
High-capacity gel balls for intense sessions.
Best for indoor drying (“heya-boshi” 部屋干し)
In Japan many people dry clothes indoors, so detergents are designed to reduce damp smells.
Japanese detergents are usually:
- Highly concentrated
- Low suds / low foam
- Designed for cold water washing
- Strong against sweat and humidity odors
In Japan, the traditional way to dry clothes is by hanging them outside using metal brackets and long poles called sao. Small items like socks are hung on a clip frame called a pinch hanger.
To maintain both the hygiene and longevity of the washing machine, laundry should be removed promptly after the wash cycle and dried thoroughly. Leaving damp clothes inside the machine for extended periods, even with the door open, can lead to unpleasant odors, mold formation, and bacterial growth.
Shoes should not be washed directly in a standard washing machine unless the manufacturer explicitly states that the appliance is suitable for this purpose. Footwear can damage the drum, create excessive vibration, and place unnecessary stress on the motor. Likewise, overloading the machine with too many garments should be avoided, as it may reduce washing performance and potentially damage the appliance over time.
It is also recommended to use protective laundry nets when washing delicate items or clothing with metallic components such as zippers, hooks, or decorative parts. Laundry nets help protect both the garments and the inner drum of the machine from scratches, impact damage, and tangling during the wash cycle.
At TokyoStay, doing the laundry has never been easier. You will find a washing machine inside every guesthouse/apartment/sharehouse, and you won’t need to worry about drying them as there are coin laundry shops at every corner.
You can contact us at : info@tokyostay.co.jp