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AIBU?

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Original poster

To find the sound of a washing machine really soothing?

48 replies

Biscoffaddict · 27/01/2021 21:11

I’m sure you’ll think I’m all mad, and I probably am, but ever since I was a child I’ve always really loved the sound of a washing machine spinning, it sort of relaxes me. Obviously with all the uncertainty going on in the world at the moment like a lot of people I’ve been feeling low, but one thing I’ve noticed is that when I put a wash on I just sit and watch it spinning and I feel soothed and calm.

Anyway can anyone else reassure me than I’m not a massive weirdo?

OP posts:
KarmaNoMore · 27/01/2021 21:16

I might be a weirdo myself, my washer died when I was about to move houses so I was using a laundromat fir a few weeks. Watching the clothes spin around in the drier was the closest I have been to relaxed focused meditation in my life!

Original poster
Biscoffaddict · 27/01/2021 21:19

Oooh a launderette! I always used to quite fancy working in one like Dot and Pauline on Eastenders Blush

OP posts:
CrotchBurn · 27/01/2021 21:20

Me too. But the dishwasher is even more comforting as its sloshier and doesn't go into the hysterical wringing mode.

My favourite sound is when you're in bed and you hear someone putting the kettle on and making themselves a hot drink. Like you're about to drift off to sleep but you know somebody is awake and watching over things.

Oysterbabe · 27/01/2021 21:22

Our bedroom is in the loft and I love it if there's heavy rain and strong winds battering the roof. It makes me feel extra cosy and relaxed. DH hates it, keeps him awake.

Original poster
Biscoffaddict · 27/01/2021 21:25

@Oysterbabe

Our bedroom is in the loft and I love it if there's heavy rain and strong winds battering the roof. It makes me feel extra cosy and relaxed. DH hates it, keeps him awake.
My DF likes the wind and the rain. My parents had a caravan at one time and my dad used to get so excited if he knew he was going there for the weekend and the forecast was for torrential rain and gail force winds because apparently it ‘sounded better’ in the caravan 😂

I also like the dishwasher and the tumble dryer.

OP posts:
nearlynermal · 27/01/2021 21:26

Oh, absolutely. I have this moment of calm and order on a Sunday afternoon where everything's in its place and the dishwasher, the dryer and the washing machine are all whirring away, and it feels like such luxury.

dudsville · 27/01/2021 21:27

Me too. I guess it takes me back to early childhood, mum checking and cooking and me feeling cozy and safe.

Daphnise · 27/01/2021 21:32

I find the sound of the washing machine means nothing more to me than there will be clothes to hang out or put on a dryer.

I don't find the racket of a 1400 spin relaxing.

userxx · 27/01/2021 21:41

@Oysterbabe

Our bedroom is in the loft and I love it if there's heavy rain and strong winds battering the roof. It makes me feel extra cosy and relaxed. DH hates it, keeps him awake.

I used to love this too in my old bedroom. So cosy.

DontYouSpeakOverMyVoice · 27/01/2021 21:41

I thought I was the only weirdo who likes watching a spin cycle.
I think it’s what @dudsville said, I associate it with feeling secure as a child. It’s also really mesmerising.

Original poster
Biscoffaddict · 27/01/2021 21:48

Yes, it’s almost hypnotic watching it spin isn’t it? I’ve just discovered there are washing machine spin cycle videos on YouTube! So it’s definitely a thing!

OP posts:
Laiste · 27/01/2021 21:49

Yes the whole routine of the laundry. The sound of the washing machine. The dryer. The warmth and the lovely clean smell of it all wafting about.

I have to do apx 2 wash loads every day. Been that way for about 25 years. Occasionally i have day with no washing to do. On those days I feel strangely lost! Blush

Laiste · 27/01/2021 21:50

I also love hearing the wind and rain when i'm in bed. We have recently shifted bedrooms to a part of the house which gets the brunt of the weather off the hills. LOVE IT :)

MoonlightMedicine · 27/01/2021 21:51

The sound of the washing machine makes me feel homely and cosy for some reason. I love it.

needadvice54321 · 27/01/2021 21:53

Yes! I love noises, ticking clocks etc. Was very disappointed recently when I discovered the dishwasher was a new silent version. Where's the fun in that?!!

Caspah · 27/01/2021 22:10

My washing machine is in what probably used to be a larder. I had a little boy (dog) I miss so much. He was terrified of loud noises. When it was Bonfire Night I'd put a blanket next to the machine and find things that I could put in the dryer. The comforting noise of the machine, and the warmth, did make a difference.

EggyPegg · 27/01/2021 22:17

I love it! I find that, the dishwasher and the tumble dryer very soothing.

I've actually created a playlist on Amazon music of washing machine sounds. I'm currently studying for a degree and it's perfect for when I'm studying in the day and DH and the DC are home (basically all the time at the moment). I just pop my earbuds in and I'm instantly soothed.

Original poster
Biscoffaddict · 27/01/2021 22:28

@EggyPegg

I love it! I find that, the dishwasher and the tumble dryer very soothing.

I've actually created a playlist on Amazon music of washing machine sounds. I'm currently studying for a degree and it's perfect for when I'm studying in the day and DH and the DC are home (basically all the time at the moment). I just pop my earbuds in and I'm instantly soothed.

That’s a good idea. I might do the same. Thinking of it I also like tumble dryers, dishwashers, fans and running water.
OP posts:
idloveapie · 27/01/2021 22:31

I listen to Spotify / Youtubes of washing machines all day at work to block out my colleagues' endless yakking and it really helps me focus!

uncomfortablydumb53 · 27/01/2021 23:05

I love the sound of my tumble dryer... I have a white noise app but it's not quite the same!

Shinyletsbebadguys · 27/01/2021 23:21

Yep I am the same. My theory is that I actually only consciously hear my washing machine when the rest of the house is quiet (which is rare at the moment) so actually registering hearing it has this wierd pavlovian reaction of me feeling calm.

I like ,weirdly hearing the sound of the TV downstairs when I'm in bed (not when the DC are watching it though....that is never relaxing as it takes about 2 nanosecond before an argument breaks out currently) because as a child my bedroom was above the living room and df used to watch tv after we were all in bed. It reminded me someone was up and it has this wierd cosiness aspect.

Funny things brains aren't they?

LadyJaye · 27/01/2021 23:24

It's the frequency of the sound you find comforting - a pretty well-recognised and common white noise trigger.

I like the sound of hoovering.

Goawayquickly · 27/01/2021 23:29

Of course Smile white noise is very soothing. I love the rumble of trains personally. I can hear them at night from my house and love it.

tsmainsqueeze · 27/01/2021 23:35

I love it too .
One of my favourite things as a child was to sit in a laundrette on a cold day eating a bag of chips, the soapy smell , the steamy warmth , i loved it .
My aunt didn't have a washing machine , she probably didn't feel the same as me !

Rummikub · 27/01/2021 23:38

I used to love going to the launderette and would watch and wait till my wash had finished.
Pp described it as focussed meditation and that’s how I view it. I’m sure I read that it increases alpha waves?

I’m using a storm app to help me get to sleep. It works really well. I wonder if it’s because I grew up near a noisy road and need a soothing background hum.