Laundry Connect: Settings, Products, and Timing

You want to connect your laundry to smart home systems. Maybe you want to monitor cycles from your phone, get notifications when laundry is done, or schedule washes remotely. Laundry connect technology makes this possible. But you need to know how it works, what products to use, and how to set it up. Here’s what to know about laundry connect.

Laundry connect is the practice of connecting washing machines and dryers to smart home systems, apps, or networks for remote monitoring, scheduling, and control. Laundry connect uses Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or smart home protocols to link machines to phones, smart speakers, and home automation systems.

To connect your laundry, check if your machines have built-in Wi-Fi or smart features, download the manufacturer’s app, connect the machines to your Wi-Fi network, set up notifications and schedules, and integrate with smart home systems if desired. Don’t forget to update firmware, don’t use unsecured networks, and don’t ignore error notifications.

What Works

Check Your Machines for Smart Features

Many modern washers and dryers have built-in Wi-Fi. Check your machine’s manual or look for a Wi-Fi button or smart logo on the control panel.

Download the Manufacturer’s App

Each manufacturer has their own app:

• LG: LG ThinQ
• Samsung: SmartThings
• Whirlpool: Whirlpool app
• GE: SmartHQ
• Bosch: Home Connect

Download the app for your machine’s brand.

Connect to Wi-Fi

Follow the app instructions to connect your machines to your Wi-Fi network. Make sure your Wi-Fi signal is strong in the laundry room.

Set Up Notifications

Enable notifications for:

• Cycle complete
• Cycle time remaining
• Error alerts
• Filter cleaning reminder
• Detergent low reminder

Schedule Washes

Schedule washes for off-peak energy hours (usually late at night) to save on electricity costs. Make sure you’re home to transfer clothes to the dryer.

Integrate with Smart Home Systems

Connect your laundry to smart home systems:

• Amazon Alexa: “Alexa, is the laundry done?”
• Google Assistant: “Hey Google, how much time is left on the washer?”
• Apple HomeKit: Check cycle status from your iPhone

Use Smart Outlets for Non-Smart Machines

If your machines don’t have built-in Wi-Fi, use smart outlets to monitor energy usage and schedule power on/off.

Use Smart Sensors

Add smart leak sensors near the washing machine to detect leaks. Add smart humidity sensors to monitor laundry room humidity.

Update Firmware

Check for firmware updates regularly. Updates fix bugs and add features.

Recommended Laundry Products

Even with smart laundry, you need the right products:

Detergent: Tide Free and Gentle

Stain removers: OxiClean Max Force Spray, Dawn Ultra Dish Soap, Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam

Odor absorber: Arm and Hammer Baking Soda

Machine cleaner: affresh Washing Machine Cleaner

Laundry sanitizer: Lysol Laundry Sanitizer

Ink remover: Amodex Ink and Stain Remover

What to Avoid

Using Unsecured Wi-Fi Networks

Unsecured networks can be hacked. Use a secured Wi-Fi network with a strong password.

Ignoring Error Notifications

Error notifications can indicate serious problems. Don’t ignore them. Check the machine and fix the issue.

Not Updating Firmware

Outdated firmware can have bugs and security vulnerabilities. Update regularly.

Scheduling Washes When You’re Not Home

Don’t schedule washes when you’re not home to transfer to the dryer. Wet clothes left in the washer can develop odors.

Using Smart Outlets on High-Power Machines

Make sure smart outlets are rated for the power draw of your machines. Washers and dryers draw a lot of power.

Forgetting to Clean the Machine

Smart features don’t replace machine cleaning. Clean monthly with affresh.

Comparison: Smart Laundry Features

Feature	What It Does	Benefit
Remote start	Start wash from your phone	Convenience
Cycle notifications	Alert when cycle is done	No forgotten loads
Error alerts	Alert when something is wrong	Prevent damage
Energy monitoring	Track energy usage	Save money
Scheduling	Schedule washes for off-peak hours	Save on electricity
Smart home integration	Control with voice or automation	Hands-free operation
Leak detection	Alert when water leaks	Prevent water damage

FAQ

What is laundry connect? Laundry connect is the practice of connecting washing machines and dryers to smart home systems, apps, or networks for remote monitoring, scheduling, and control. It uses Wi-Fi to link machines to phones and smart home systems.

How do you connect your laundry to your phone? Check if your machines have built-in Wi-Fi, download the manufacturer’s app (LG ThinQ, Samsung SmartThings, etc.), connect the machines to your Wi-Fi network, and set up notifications and schedules through the app.

Can you start laundry from your phone? Yes, if your machine has smart features. Use the manufacturer’s app to start, stop, and monitor cycles remotely. You can also schedule washes for off-peak energy hours.

Can you connect laundry to Alexa or Google Assistant? Yes. Most smart washers and dryers integrate with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. You can ask about cycle status, start cycles, and get notifications through voice commands.

What if your washing machine doesn’t have Wi-Fi? Use smart outlets to monitor energy usage and schedule power on/off. Add smart leak sensors for leak detection. You won’t get cycle notifications, but you can still monitor and control power.

References

1. LG. “ThinQ Laundry Guide.” lg.com.
2. Samsung. “SmartThings Laundry Guide.” samsung.com.
3. Whirlpool. “Smart Laundry Guide.” whirlpool.com.
4. The Spruce. “Smart Laundry Guide.” thespruce.com.