Hello, my dear acquaintances.
I have not spoken to you often. In fact, whenever I see you in that tiny, little closet someone thought should be a laundry room, we usually greet each other with a polite smile or awkward “hi” before promptly exiting the room as quickly as possible. Today I want to address you because I feel like we need to get to know one another a little bit better -- our likes, dislikes, that sort of thing. Since we only know each other by the size, shape and color of our laundry baskets, perhaps we should discuss laundry related things. I’ll start us off.
Did you know I actually live right across from the laundry room? I do. I’m sure you’re aware the walls that divide us are not thick nor soundproof. So when you are on the phone telling your mom or boyfriend every intimate detail of your day while washing a load of whites, I am sitting in my common room hearing every little detail. Don’t get me wrong; I’m not trying to eavesdrop. You are just talking a little loudly over the hum of the washing machine and, like I said before, the walls are very thin. Also, while I'm a fan of music, when you are blasting U2 or Casting Crowns while doing your laundry, I am usually trying to study. Maybe ask for some nice headphones next Christmas.
Whew! I’m glad I finally broke the ice and started off my letter on such an open note! Let’s move on to Laundry Room Etiquette.
First off, I know we only have two washers and two dryers for 40 plus girls. This is a really big pain. If we had more machines, it would solve nearly all of our problems. Alas, we do not, so I’ve come up with some helpful tips.
Tip #1 - Do not take my wet clothes out of the washer and leave them out.
I don't want to come back and find my soaking wet clothes on top of the washer, especially if there are no dryers open! I have to stand there with a sad look on my face and a pile of wet, kind-of-dirty clothes (because they’ve been on top of the dirty washer) in my arms.
Tip #2 - Do not take my clothes out of the washer and put them into the dryer.
Ladies, I don't think I need to explain this to you, but some of my clothes do not do well in the dryer. For instance, my blue lace top has a tendency to unravel, and my black dress pants have a penchant for shrinking when put in the dryer.
Tip #3 - Do not take my clothes out of the dryer.
I do not want my nice clean clothes on top of the dirty washer. Also, I know you did not check if my clothes were all completely dry when you took them out, because they weren't.
Tip #4 - Do not touch my clothes.
Just skip the first three tips altogether, and live by this rule. Do not touch my clothes.
Tip #5 - Be prompt with your laundry.
In order for the previous rules to work, all of us need to be prompt when it comes to moving our laundry around the laundry room. When it is done in the washer, put it in the dryer. When it is done in the dryer, take it out of the room. We have limited space to work with as it is. When you forget your laundry, it’s just lying in the dryer/washer or strewn across the tops on the washers. Also, who forgets their laundry for long periods of time?! I have seen laundry piles in there for days! What are y’all wearing during this time? So please, save your clothes and be on time when it comes to picking it up.
I’m glad we’ve had this little chat.
Sincerely,
A very concerned dorm-mate
