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AIBU?

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Original poster

AIBU to ask my lodger to cut down on washing machine use?

243 replies

Member869894 · 11/08/2026 11:22

More of a WWYD really and I'm aware this is a first world problem. I have a lodger. He's nice enough but he uses the washing machine 4-5 times a WEEK. This morning I've come downstairs to a lone pair of shorts in there swishing around.
I'm not good at confrontation. How do i broach this without offending him?

OP posts:
AbbieLexie · 11/08/2026 11:33

Upfront with the lodger. Deep breath and politely but firmly - say -
That is ridiculous. I would be asking if he knew how much it cost to run the washing machine with 1 article of clothing - water, energy costs and detergent if you are supplying it; wear and tear of your washing machine.

I would ban him from using the washing machine and unless its a full load.

I’m presuming you have a lodger to help with your budget not subsidising the lodger’s budget.

Host family for foreign language students so have experience of this situation.

Ansells · 11/08/2026 11:32

Is he doing a quick wash or a full wash? I can imagine a scenario where he may need those shorts to be clean to wear today so puts them on a quick 20 minute wash, which isn’t unreasonable.

CuteOrangeElephant · 11/08/2026 11:31

I don't think washing 4-5 times a week is excessive. Washing 1 pair of shorts at a time is though.

4-5 times a week that is:
1 load of bedding
1 load of towels/gym gear
2 loads of clothing

Supportbritishfarmers · 11/08/2026 11:31

So was it a 2+ hour intensive wash, or a small load quick wash for 30 minutes?

ApolloandDaphne · 11/08/2026 11:31

Dobeebeedah · 11/08/2026 11:27

Tell him straight one load a week of outer clothes and one load of underwear sheets and towels on hot wash at 60 degrees. That's it. Any more and it's £1 per wash.

That's not really on. I would want weekly to be able to do a light load, a dark load, towels and bedding.

McSpoot · 11/08/2026 11:31

Dobeebeedah · 11/08/2026 11:27

Tell him straight one load a week of outer clothes and one load of underwear sheets and towels on hot wash at 60 degrees. That's it. Any more and it's £1 per wash.

Depending on what’s in the signed agreement, probably too late for that now.

user1492757084 · 11/08/2026 11:30

He can seek out a laundromat.
Washing machine for full loads and his allocated times are xxxxxxxxx.

Sparrowsandbudgies · 11/08/2026 11:29

Hmm if his rent includes electricity (?) I’m not sure you can say anything really even though a pair of shorts is bonkers!

Cherrysoup · 11/08/2026 11:28

I’d be very unhappy with that and would tell him to only use the machine when he has a full load. One item is frankly obscene.

Lomonald · 11/08/2026 11:28

purplecorkheart · 11/08/2026 11:24

`Tell him that the washing machine is to be used for full loads and not single items.

I mean just this!

Dobeebeedah · 11/08/2026 11:27

Tell him straight one load a week of outer clothes and one load of underwear sheets and towels on hot wash at 60 degrees. That's it. Any more and it's £1 per wash.

Lomonald · 11/08/2026 11:27

I would say you are doing up a rota to save on water as you are noticing a pattern of single item being in the machine. How do you normally communicate with him ?

Mulledjuice · 11/08/2026 11:25

I think it's fair that you ask him to consider whether it's necessary to machine wash for ess than half a load. If it's a single item could hw hand-wash instead

Iamateadrinker · 11/08/2026 11:24

Maybe use the current water shortages as a reason?
Tell him you are very much against waste ( power and water) ?
I don't think it's an unreasonable ask at all

purplecorkheart · 11/08/2026 11:24

`Tell him that the washing machine is to be used for full loads and not single items.

rubyslippers · 11/08/2026 11:24

Doesn’t need to be a confrontation.
just suggest he saves his washing to do a full load which is more economical - there’s a cost in terms of water and electricity plus detergent and I’m sure he’s aware of cost of living stuff
just mention and ask him to do the above
if there’s a single item to wash he can hand wash

Lomonald · 11/08/2026 11:24

Oh absolutely tell him a pair of shorts ! My god im twitching just thinking about a pair of shorts.

Original poster
Member869894 · 11/08/2026 11:23

I suppose I should be glad he's clean...

OP posts:
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