Iowa University has installed special software in its laundries that lets students communicate with washers and dryers. The software, called LaundryView is an Internet-based system that sends e-mail alerts to students for the availability and current status of washers and dryers.

According to the University officials, the system will help save the time of students who visit laundry to find the washers and dryers already booked. Moreover, it will be an alarm for those who forget to remove their clothes once they have loaded the machines.

"We're hoping with the notification that your clothes are done, people will get down there and remove their clothes more quickly," Kate Fitzgerald, the assistant director for Iowa's residence life, told the AP.

LaundryView was developed and is maintained by Mac-Gray Corporation, a leading laundry facilities contractor in North America.