We're a family of 4, and dh being very sporty, wears a lot of stuff that needs a low setting, no fabric conditioner etc, so he's always preferred to do his own washing. That way it's all kept separate and doesn't get mixed up with ours. I do my washing (obviously!), and our two teenagers, plus towels/bedding etc, so quite a lot!
We stayed with dh's family recently and as we were packing his mum commented my washing machine will be in demand once we're back! Dh chipped in 'I'll be first, van get all mine dine in about 2 loads'! His mum instantly said 'WHAT? Wisteria doesn't do your WASHING?! I said No, giving the reasons above. She pursed her lips, saying, 'That sounds alien to me, how weird!'
Yesterday my mum popped round, as dh got back from football training. He called out to me 'Is the washing machine empty? I'll put my stuff straight in if it is!' Mum turned to me - 'WHAT, you don't do it for him? In my day it was always the wife who washed football kit!' I explained that again, why he prefers to do his own and she just shook her head! When I offer to put his in with ours he always says no. I do plenty of washing but their reaction threw me, it's not as if he's washing for the whole house!