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Original poster

To want to cry at my sister's washing?

287 replies

summeroccupation · 30/06/2024 20:08

She has three girls and is currently on holiday with them. I'm house sitting until next weekend and there's washing everywhere. I've filled four ikea bags and still have a pile that's filled the bath. I'm planning to get it washed and dried for her but I'm honestly looking at the pile and don't know where to start. She has a washer dryer and it's taking ages per load (no laundries around here, just forecourt washers that are like £10 a wash!)

No she hasn't asked me specifically to do it but she was complaining about the state of her house last week so I know she won't mind. She's been struggling with her MH lately and having it looming over her can't be helping! And she's starting a new full time job next week so if I leave it it'll never get done!

OP posts:
Galliano · 30/06/2024 20:29

On the options button is there an option for something g like power wash? My machine is a Miele so not the same but does have an option which halves the time of the standard cottons wash if you scroll through

Choochoo21 · 30/06/2024 20:29

If she’s not coming back until next weekend then you’ve got plenty of time to get it all washed and dried.

Put a load on in the morning for 2 hours and then put it in the sun.

If it’s anything like where I am it’ll be dried in no time.
Then put another load on.

I wouldn’t use the drier or heated clothes horse unless it starts raining, else you will cost her a large electricity bill.
You shouldn’t need to in this weather anyway.

It will feel amazing coming back from a holiday and having your washing done.

You sound amazing 💐

Sahara123 · 30/06/2024 20:29

Purplestorm83 · 30/06/2024 20:15

If possible it might be kind to change the kids’ bedding as well as long as they won’t mind? Don’t go in your sister’s room though!

Show quote history

I’m sure I’m in the minority here but I’d love it if someone changed my bed and cleaned my room for me in this situation.
Imagine coming home and finding everyone else had a clean bed but not you.
I’m sure OP knows her sister best though.

OhcantthInkofaname · 30/06/2024 20:28

Dearg · 30/06/2024 20:12

can you dry it outside? Not used a forecourt laundry, do they have separate dryers that are a bit cheaper.
Presort and try to prioritise. Sorry, washer-dryers are shit when you have a lot to get through.

Washer/dryers are only good when you do a load a day!

FluffyJellyCat · 30/06/2024 20:27

The weather is nice, I have been line drying everything.

I have four kids so I can easily wash hang two loads out a day and it all be dry.

I normally wash everyday. Don't feel overwhelmed. Even 7 loads will be doable. Just wash it and leave it on the line over night. By tomorrow lunch time it will be dry. Anything that can go on a hanger, hang it outside as you take it off the line. I don't iron anything ever. Not even kids school shirts as I fold and streach it out of the washing machine then hang it up on the line when it's dry.

Viscoelasticity · 30/06/2024 20:27

Wow, you’re a nice sister!

Also I’m a bit jealous, I like organising other people’s stuff (much more fun than my own!) and it comes with the feel good factor!

Sort it all into loads by colour. You’ll definitely get it done in a week! Air dry most stuff, but suggest you tumble dry towels and bedding.

Good luck and try to enjoy!

RoseDog · 30/06/2024 20:26

I think you can use the quick 15 but change the temp to 40 degrees and the spin speed to the fastest and it should take about 45 minutes

dementedpixie · 30/06/2024 20:26

Fast 15 would have a low weight limit and would be for very small loads. Does the machine say what make/model it is?

Youdontevengohere · 30/06/2024 20:26

OhBumBags · 30/06/2024 20:19

Threads don't auto delete themselves when people return from holiday.

Besides, do you never go on your phone when the kids are in bed and it's time to relax?

Show quote history

Not on holiday generally, no. I drink wine and chat to my husband, or have sex, or do something else fun.

Even on the very small chance she reads this thread, so what? The OP hasn’t identified her, or said anything horrific.

Pepsipepsi · 30/06/2024 20:26

summeroccupation · 30/06/2024 20:19

I'm not sure if I'm just being daft but the fastest wash I can find still takes two hours? Mine has everything from a 15 min wash to a 60 min wash.

Will attach a pic of the washer shortly.

You could set a normal wash then stop it after about an hour and switch the setting to rinse/spin. You got to be on it with a phone timer set though with so many loads to keep track of. 2 hours plus for clothes only worn for one day is a waste of time imo. Maybe underwear etc should go on a full wash but Tshirts and trousers don't need hours.

Icantremembermyusername · 30/06/2024 20:25

Don’t think anyone has mentioned it, but put through an extra cycle when the washing cycle is done. Makes a massive difference to the drying time.

Summerfreezemakesmedrinkwine · 30/06/2024 20:25

Try the mix load and don't overload it.

Summerfreezemakesmedrinkwine · 30/06/2024 20:24

What model of washing machine are you using?

Original poster
summeroccupation · 30/06/2024 20:24

Washer pic.

I tried the fast 15 but nothing felt very clean so have gone for the mix which is the next shortest at 2 ish hours.

  • [Pic removed by MNHQ at OP's request]
OP posts:
coralpinkduckegg · 30/06/2024 20:24

Will you be my sister 😂

PeanutCat1 · 30/06/2024 20:23

This is so kind of you, Im sure she will appreciate it, it can be very easy for some people to get overwhelmed by washing when struggling with MH, I'm sure she will really appreciate it.

I would start by dividing into loads by type I.e colour whites etc as it will seem less daunting when you can see how many loads there actually are. Air dry as much as possible and get outside if warmer weather. Another option would be washing the clothes at home and then taking the bags to the laundrette for drying, their dryers will be huge so may fit into two or 3 loads. Might be a good option if her dryer isn't very efficient. I think it will be a big relief for her to come home to it all sorted for her.

goingdownfighting · 30/06/2024 20:23

Double spin the sturdy clothes- they'll dry quicker.

HeddaGarbled · 30/06/2024 20:23

You wonder what they’re all wearing on holiday if they have that much dirty laundry still at home. People have way too much stuff.

TheYearOfSmallThings · 30/06/2024 20:22

Use the forecourt ones - they are huge. If necessary use two, and stay to tumble dry everything that won't shrink. It will still take you hours to sort and fold and iron it all though.

DaughterNo2 · 30/06/2024 20:22

summeroccupation · 30/06/2024 20:19

I'm not sure if I'm just being daft but the fastest wash I can find still takes two hours? Mine has everything from a 15 min wash to a 60 min wash.

Will attach a pic of the washer shortly.

Is there a Fast+ button separate to the dial?
it takes mine from 2.18 to 1.15🤷‍♀️
obviously depends on the washer.
You’re being lovely to try and sort this OP

dementedpixie · 30/06/2024 20:21

summeroccupation · 30/06/2024 20:19

I'm not sure if I'm just being daft but the fastest wash I can find still takes two hours? Mine has everything from a 15 min wash to a 60 min wash.

Will attach a pic of the washer shortly.

Definitely let is know the machine and there might be a faster wash on it. Are the clothes particularly dirty or just need freshening up?

ForgettingMeNot · 30/06/2024 20:21

I had a washer dryer and starting early most I could do is 3 loads a day. Now I have separate machines and the difference it makes being able to dry one load whilst the next is washing. Mind blown!

You're an awesome sister to help. Doing the wash and cleaning, I'm sure she would be so grateful when she comes home

MrsPinkSky · 30/06/2024 20:20

Singersong · 30/06/2024 20:16

I really don't understand what is so stressful about doing washing. Or am I missing something and you're hand washing it all?

I'm at a loss too.

But it seems no good deed goes unpublished these days.

Original poster
summeroccupation · 30/06/2024 20:20

Youdontevengohere · 30/06/2024 20:16

I also have 3 kids OP and I wish someone would do my washing! You sound like a fab sister.

Thank you! I've also tidied the girls' rooms and ran the hoover around so it looks a lot better already.

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 30/06/2024 20:19

I'd pick out similar colours for each wash so mixed light colours, darks, whites, etc and just trawl your way through it.