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Original poster

Our nanny seems to have been using our tumble dryer...

83 replies

PacificDogwood · 01/11/2013 21:28

She has been working for us for 2 years.
She's had some upset in her personal life in the last few months which she has kept close to her chest as is her right of course.

On 3 or 4 occasions now I have noticed that the tumble dryer is still warm when I come in, there had been none of our laundry to be done and the fluff filter was thickly coated in fluff including what I can only assume is dog hair (we have no pets, she has a dog and a cat). I empty the fluff filter after each use so have a fair idea what is usually in there.

Now, if she has a problem getting stuff done at home, I'd be happy for her to use our appliances (we are trying to reduce electricity bills and I only use the tumble dryer for a few minutes to fluff things up and then hang everything on our ceiling pulley thing, but hey ho, if she is stuck I'd be happy to help).

It's the fact she's not asked that does not sit right with me Sad.
And I don't know how to approach this: "According to our fluff filter you have had unauthorised use of the dryer"?? Blush

Any words of advice?

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HeyJudith · 01/11/2013 21:38

You could mention that you've found quite a lot of what looks like pet hair in the tumble dryer and does she know anything about it? See what she says to that. If she denies then she'll know you know and be more careful not to use it, if she admits you can say that you don't mind occasional use of course but you have a bit of a personal thing about using the dryer as little as possible due to cost/environment so would she mind very much if it's just very essential drying only :)

If she's a good nanny then I would turn a blind eye to a bit of tumble drying but keep an eye on your electricity bill of course just in case (for all you know) she is using your dryer to complete her laundry during the day.

Could it be that she is drying a coat or cardigan or scarf etc if she's been caught in a drizzle whilst out with your DC ? (maybe)

Jollyb · 01/11/2013 21:37

I think it's a bit cheeky to dry your own laundry in someone else's tumble dryer without asking.

Maybe you could buy her a Lakeland airer for Christmas

pepperrabbit · 01/11/2013 21:36

Assuming she doesn't live in, she's specifically bringing her washing to your house to do during the day?
After 2 years I'd be a bit surprised she hadn't asked.
You may just have to ask her directly?

Catsby · 01/11/2013 21:33
Grin

I get your point that it would have been the polite thing to do to ask, but you're right, how on earth do actually ask her about it without brandishing the fluff filter?

You might just have to bite the bullet and say that you've noticed it's still warm and ask if she's used it, but that you don't mind if she has.

Then again, if you're going to say keep on using it, it seems a bit of a pointless conversation...

Artandco · 01/11/2013 21:32

Hmm as a nanny it would never occur to me to ask tbh. I mean I would usually ask or mention it in passing but my employers would look at me like I was bonkers for asking permission to use the machine. ( same employers 6 years)

dyslexicdespot · 01/11/2013 21:31

Ask her to empty the fluff filter after she uses the dryer and never mention it again. Assuming that you really are happy to allow her to use it.

Sparklysilversequins · 01/11/2013 21:30

It would not occur to me to mind about this.

ExitPursuedByABogieMan · 01/11/2013 21:30

I should confront her with the evidence.

Garner your fluff balls.