6 Unwritten Rules of Shared Laundry One Etiquette Expert Swears by
I have lived in a number of apartment-style complexes throughout my life. I love the convenience of an urban, walkable area and the community feel they all seemingly share. However, there's another dreaded thing they have in common: shared laundry.
While I typically enjoy shared community spaces, laundry rooms are the exception. I've waited hours to use a machine that's no longer running but still has clothes in it. I've had my laundry removed by another tenant before it was even done. And let's not forget the mess people can sometimes leave behind.
To put it simply, I've seen it all — and I've decided it's finally time to take action and come up with some clear-cut shared laundry guidelines. After speaking to etiquette expert Elaine Swann, I've rounded up a list of six simple rules you should always follow in shared laundry spaces (including what to do if they aren't followed by your neighbors).
The Rules of Shared Laundry
1. Do NOT leave your laundry for more than 15 minutes after it's done.
There is no circumstance where you or your neighbors should leave laundry in a machine for more than 15 minutes after the cycle is done, especially during peak times.
If you think you'll have to leave the building for some time, wait to start the load once you're back and available to either switch your clothes from the washer to the dryer or take them out all together.
"Use your cell phone and set an alarm for yourself," says Swann. "What we have now is an actual alarm clock in our pocket. It's really important for us to utilize our digital assets to keep us on track."
Tip: Set a timer for five minutes before your cycle is expected to finish so you have ample time to make your way to the laundry room.
2. Handle other people's laundry with care.
So the 15-minute grace period has passed. Now what? Swann says it's OK to go ahead and remove the laundry that was left in the machine. However, it's important to keep one thing in mind.
"When you take the laundry out, make sure it's not just strewn to the side somewhere, but that it actually appears as though it's been done with some sort of care. You want to give the impression that you put some thought into moving this stuff to the side," says Swann.
While you don't have to fold your neighbor's clothes, make sure you put it back in the basket next to it or carefully on top of the machine.
3. Stay in communication with your neighbors.
The more neighbors you know and develop a relationship with, the easier shared laundry becomes. Of course, it's impossible to be friendly with everyone in the building. But every time you introduce yourself to someone new, try exchanging numbers or contact information if you're comfortable.
"A lot of things can be taken care of very quickly with a quick text or phone call. I really stress to folks that as you start to run into individuals, share your contact information," says Swann. "You can squash some future conflict just by having their information."
4. Assess the room before doing multiple loads.
While not necessarily ideal for the people around you, it is acceptable to do a couple loads of laundry in one day. But if you're hoping to do multiple loads, ask yourself a couple of questions first: Is it a peak time to do laundry? How many units are available? Are there other people who have been waiting all day?
Make the decision that's best for the people around you. For example, if there are several machines open, you can use two machines at once so you're in and out as fast as possible. If there's only one machine available, stick to the one you have and keep the other open for your neighbors. And if it's extra busy at the moment but you know you'll have time later in the week at a non-peak time, save one for later.
Tip: Swann recommends making sure there are 1-2 machines available before starting your second load.
5. Get out by 9 p.m.
If your laundry room doesn't have any hours listed, try your best to leave by 9 p.m., especially if there are apartment units next to, above or below the shared the space.
"This is when we should stop daytime social activities, everything from doing laundry, playing music, calling people, texting people — that 9 p.m. time frame is when we should be shutting it down," says Swann.
If you're the one being disturbed by late-night laundry noises, Swann suggests involving an authority figure, whether it's management or a landlord.
6. Clean up after yourself.
This should go without saying, but it is essential that everyone cleans up after themselves in any shared space. Whether it's wiping down spilled detergent or cleaning out the lint tray, always do your part. And if you're noticing others aren't, inform management to ensure the laundry room stays clean.
The Bottom Line
Most of the time, there aren't any real rules listed in shared laundry spaces. However, if we're considerate of the people and the space around us, there shouldn't be any issues.
"When we think about etiquette, it's not just about all these rules and guidelines. We should look at it from the perspective of putting others at ease and being thoughtful," says Swann.
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