ETwice a year I bundle up all my bedding – allergy covers, dust ruffle, sheets, comforter and pillows – then I head on down to the laundromat. I could do all this laundry at home but I’d rather get it all done in an hour or instead of running up and down the basement steps all day long.
Since I’ve been schlepping down there for almost 20 years, I’ve realized that there are some rules involved in the laundromat.
- Early is better. Even if I go at 6 a.m. there is usually someone else there at opening. By 9 a.m. it’s starting to get hopping. I’ve driven by later at night and it’s mostly empty.
- Leave at least one machine open between you and the next person. Unless all the other machines full, then you have to squeeze in between others.
- After you have your washers going, don’t stay. Either doze in your car out in the parking lot (with your dog perhaps) or go run another errand.
- But time your nap or your errands. If the machines are all full and people are waiting, you’ll find your wet laundry sitting on a table. (This also applies to still damp laundry in the driers.)
- Take finished laundry out to your vehicle as it gets dry – don’t wait until everything is done to start your departure.
- Don’t look others in the eyes, don’t engage in small talk, don’t’ smile.
I follow most of the rules, although I’ve never taken anybody else’s laundry out of a washer or dryer. I do try to look at others and smile, but it doesn’t do much good, as nobody else looks up. And I don’t sit in my car either – something to drink, maybe a donut and a book and I’m good for the time I’m there.
When do you make your own rules?
Trail Baboon 