Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Would you rather do a load of laundry every few days or 2-4 in a row over a day- or two

109 replies

washerr · 09/02/2025 16:52

Just having this discussion with my mum.

She's the type to always want an empty laundry basket and it bothers her to have a full one / or anything in it really.

I let it build up and do it all over the weekend. It would stress me out to be constantly doing laundry / putting away laundry.

We have enough clothes to do this and I use a dryer. For example this weekend, I've done 4 loads of laundry. My mum would have done that during the week. It makes no sense to me because I like to have all my DD's school uniform clean for the week ahead.

OP posts:
Puddleclucks · 09/02/2025 17:54

I do a load a day, but I'm very lucky to have a utility with loads of hanging space, so it's not in the way, and it goes in people's baskets to be taken up, so I don't need to put it away straight away. If I left it all to the weekend I'd feel tied to the laundry, but my way is 10 minutes effort in the morning, and 10 minutes in the night, so it hardy feels like effort

Coconutter24 · 09/02/2025 17:54

I just put a load in every day

fallingrocks · 09/02/2025 17:50

Charlize43 · 09/02/2025 17:43

With the cost of living crisis, I can't afford to run the washing machine as often as I'd like to... so I tend to handwash and hang things in the bathroom every couple of days. On days over 10 degrees (rare in winter) I'll hang it outside...

It’s been done for quite a few years before, so that is absolutely fine. And probably what more people should do instead of washing half a load or a couple of items in the washing machine (guilty).

SnoopySantaPaws · 09/02/2025 17:49

I like my washing to dry outside, so if it's a day where it will dry outside, I put a load on. I get quite a through breeze where the washing line is so even if it's not terribly bright the washing will mostly dry outside and then it finishes drying quickly on the airer.

I don't have a dryer because I don't like them, but I do have one good spot in indoors for an
airer that getsgood air circulation and if the heating is on the heat from that.

I separate my washing out a lot so can usually make use of a bright sunny day!

In the winter, all I need do one load so that it can fit on the indoor area if necessary in the summer all bets are off and if you stand still, you take the risk of getting shoved in the washing machine!!

Flossflower · 09/02/2025 17:45

I don’t mind washing at all. I never have. I do 1 to 2 loads a day. I love it in the summer when it goes on the line.

Charlize43 · 09/02/2025 17:43

With the cost of living crisis, I can't afford to run the washing machine as often as I'd like to... so I tend to handwash and hang things in the bathroom every couple of days. On days over 10 degrees (rare in winter) I'll hang it outside...

Peaceandquietandacuppa · 09/02/2025 17:40

So many variables.

  • are you home during the day
  • do you use a dryer
  • do you have enough uniform etc

I wash on days where I’m WFH, hang it up and finish in the heated airer. Don’t have a dryer so I can’t let it build up too much. Weekends end up being about 2-3 loads even though I’ve done some in the week.

I love it when it gets warm enough to hang outside!

morellamalessdrama · 09/02/2025 17:39

We do a load every day. And then multiple loads at the weekend as we will do the sheets and towels.

I think if we left it all until the weekend then I would struggle to get the sheets and towels done. It's just part of our daily routine and I can't remember the last time we didn't have a day doing some washing!

MikeRafone · 09/02/2025 17:38

I check the weather forecast and do it on the brighter dry days - that way its all done and inside airing off, then put away.

Hate wet washing hanging around, love the smell of clean dry washing

its rare there isn't a fe3 days a week without some dry windy spells

Hiccupsandteacups · 09/02/2025 17:38

I do a load every day or every other day. Prefer it that way

NameChangedOfc · 09/02/2025 17:37

dairydebris · 09/02/2025 16:54

Exactly this question occupies my thoughts way more than it should. I've no idea what the correct answer is. Sorry!

Same here 🥴

Drylogsonly · 09/02/2025 17:37

I genuinely don’t think we have an iron! Everything is washed and hung or tumble dried

shuffleofftobuffalo · 09/02/2025 17:36

I try and keep on top of it through the week (try being the operative word...) I don't like having to do back to back loads especially as I don't have a dryer. I use a heated airer that goes on overnight.

ChompandaGrazia · 09/02/2025 17:36

Sheets on a Friday, clothes on a Saturday, towels in the week.
I have a dryer so that makes it easier.

DiscoBeat · 09/02/2025 17:36

I hate anything on the baskets and we all like to be able to grab what we need so I do a couple of loads every day.

Autumndayz77 · 09/02/2025 17:36

I typically do a wash a day (from start to finish) so it never feels like a big chore! Probably my least favourite job! We are a big family tho.

occasionally have to do more so use who ever is visiting the other parents room!

User79853257976 · 09/02/2025 17:35

We don’t have a dryer so it’s 1 wash a day usually.

Drylogsonly · 09/02/2025 17:35

Each bedroom/ bathroom has a laundry basket so the clothes aren’t obviously piling up.

Muchtoomuchtodo · 09/02/2025 17:34

We don’t have this problem. Family of 4 who all have work / school uniforms and go to the gym / play sport.

If I don’t do at least a load a day we get behind. I do like to blitz towels, bedding etc on my day off though. The washing machine barely stops on a Friday!

Drylogsonly · 09/02/2025 17:34

Ours in done in one day usually, a lovely little assembly line of washes in and out.
Woe betide the adult or child who lets it grind to a halt… if the dirtier clicks off you check the clothes, if the washer beeps you out a new load.
The secret is teaching kids to do laundry as soon as they are able!

CoffeeCakeAndALattePlease · 09/02/2025 17:33

I usually do it all at the weekend, so 4+ loads after leaving it all week. It’s not necessarily a preference, more what seems to work for me best.

EmmaEmEmz · 09/02/2025 17:32

I have to do a minimum of one load a day, more if I'm doing dog stuff, towels, bedsheets etc, so if I don't do one load a day it would be chaos very quickly...and i wouldnt be able to dry it all either

Gizlotsmum · 09/02/2025 17:32

I do a mix as getting enough drying space is a pain, so I will do 2-3 loads on the weekend ( either sat or sun) and the odd load during the week to keep on top of it all.

WellsAndThistles · 09/02/2025 17:31

I don't care, just put a load on when it's needed.

Mrsgreen100 · 09/02/2025 17:30

I do it when I have enough for a full load ,
always separate colours whites etc
so end up doing it then ,also plan it around sunny days , as I don’t use a dryer