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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to think neighbours are using my dryer?

486 replies

DontThinkSoBro · 07/04/2021 14:21

In our block of flats each floor consists of 2 flats which share a drying room on the landing. The drying rooms are jointly owned by the two flats, we have a key each & our own tumble dryers on each side of the room.

New neighbours have moved in - lovely so far, no issues at all... except over the weekend I found one of their sons socks in my dryer & last night I found one of the woman’s socks in my dryer. 100% no mistaking that they are theirs as we only have plain socks & these are most definitely a little boys socks & a woman’s pair of patterned socks.

I absolutely don’t want to cause an argument about it. Could there be another simple explanation that I’m not thinking of as to how twice now, their socks have ended up in my dryer?

How would I approach this without causing a rift with otherwise very nice people?

OP posts:
Thread gallery
5
category12 · 07/04/2021 14:52

If having a quick word doesn't work, turn off the circuit your dryer runs on at your fuse board when you're not using it.

GreenSlide · 07/04/2021 14:52

@HarryElephante

Or just speak to them like a normal person would. Not everything need be a drama or a confrontation.

The time youve spent faffing about on here, this issue could have been resolved.

Screw that! This is MN! Post a note through their door. Log it with 101!

Swordfish1 · 07/04/2021 14:52

I'd just go round and return the socks. Saying you found them in your dryer and explain (again) that their dryer on the right.

Were both people there when you were explaining the laundry room? Or is it possible they have homehelp and someone else accidently used your dryer?

Could be as simple as they used both dryers for speed , not realising it costs you when using yours.

Original poster
DontThinkSoBro · 07/04/2021 14:53

@AppleBarrel - I think you’ve got the right idea, probably the easiest thing to do tbh.

@expectopelargonium their dryer is totally shit and old, they kept the old dryer left behind by the previous people. Probably why she’s using my lovely new one!

@Notcontent yep in the UK, it’s very handy!

@Lou98 because blatantly there’s no simple non awkward way to go about it? It’s accusing someone of doing something that they blatantly know they shouldn’t be doing, so it’s never going to sit comfortably is it?

OP posts:
Swordfish1 · 07/04/2021 14:54

Also I'd make sure that you leave a small thing in your dryer so you can check if its still there next time and whether they are still using yours or not.
Chances are they have used it more than the twice you found the socks in it to be honest. If they then keep using it after you've pointed it out, then you'll have to lock it somehow

Fembot123 · 07/04/2021 14:54

@Pinkflipflop85

I would be tempted to hide something in there that will melt and ruin their clothes.

But I'm a passive aggressive cow!

Woah Shock
ColourfulElmerElephant · 07/04/2021 14:55

Based on your updates, I think they are being CF and wanting to save on their electricity bill or just save time and dry two loads at once.

I agree with PP about turning it off at the fuse.

AndeanMountainCat · 07/04/2021 14:56

Police. Now.

DartmoorDoughnut · 07/04/2021 14:57

I’m just following for the CF update

UCOinaUCG · 07/04/2021 14:58

@AndeanMountainCat

Police. Now.
I assume you are being sarcastic, or funny, or have posted on the wrong thread?
Lou98 · 07/04/2021 14:58

[quote DontThinkSoBro]@AppleBarrel - I think you’ve got the right idea, probably the easiest thing to do tbh.

@expectopelargonium their dryer is totally shit and old, they kept the old dryer left behind by the previous people. Probably why she’s using my lovely new one!

@Notcontent yep in the UK, it’s very handy!

@Lou98 because blatantly there’s no simple non awkward way to go about it? It’s accusing someone of doing something that they blatantly know they shouldn’t be doing, so it’s never going to sit comfortably is it?[/quote]

It's less awkward than fitting locks etc - this is just a passive aggressive way of doing the same thing. Talk to them then take it from there if they continue to do it but I'd be giving them the benefit of the doubt

Christmasfairy2020 · 07/04/2021 14:58

Put a note on it

Confusedandshaken · 07/04/2021 14:58

I dislike confrontation so I wouldn't say a thing. I'd leave the socks on the work surface by my machine and then secure my property with a lock or by removing the fuse. If the washing machine is in there too I'd also be securing that. If they are brazen enough to use your dryer who knows what else they might be doing.

Sansaplans · 07/04/2021 14:59

@MrsTophamHat

Assume a misunderstanding, give them back and say that the dryers are not shared. If it happens again, get a lock.
Yes I would do this, start by assuming it's a misunderstanding and esculate if needed.
category12 · 07/04/2021 15:00

Knock knock, big smile, "Hey neighbour, I found these in my dryer - the other one's yours. Not being precious, but obviously it's off my electric, so have to ask you not to use mine any more. Hope you're settling in well otherwise?"

Proudboomer · 07/04/2021 15:00

There is no doubt if you actually supply your own dryer unless. They think Santa clause left them a new dryer for Christmas.
I would just put the lock on and say nothing.

DrinkFeckArseBrick · 07/04/2021 15:00

I think you can do this in a non awkward way. Just say you dont know if anyone has explained but the driers belong to ans are paid by each flat and you've noticed she has been using the one on the left but hers is actually on the right and give her her socks back

RedMarauder · 07/04/2021 15:00

Get them to think that your dryer has broken so:

  1. Take the fuse out of the dryer.
  2. Take the sock over to them and remind them that their dryer is to the left.
  3. Let them do their washing thinking your dryer is broken.
  4. Get someone in your household to "fix" the dryer plus install the nice lockable socket cover for it from Amazon.
Stompythedinosaur · 07/04/2021 15:01

Knock to return the socks and explain the dryers aren't shared. Then install a socket cover.

MissBattleaxe · 07/04/2021 15:02

It sounds like an innocent mistake. Maybe they understand that each flat has its own drier but didn't realise you're actually paying for separate driers. I wouldn't have guessed unless told. Talk to them like humans and keep them onside. You can't put a price on a good neighbour. Stop faffing over espionage tactics and talk to them.

HarryElephante · 07/04/2021 15:05

I can't believe the amount of suspicious people on here, telling OP to install locks etc.

Society is going to freaking pot! Just talk to them!

AndeanMountainCat · 07/04/2021 15:05

UCOinaUCG

I was just doing a more extreme version of penguin bollard.

SwatchIt · 07/04/2021 15:08

Take the fuse out the plug when you’re not using it. Problem solved.

AllyBama · 07/04/2021 15:09

I agree with PP who said if you speak to them about it they’ll just be more careful about clearing out their stuff from your dryer next time.

It’s obvious it’s deliberate if as you say there’s no confusing whose dryer is whose and also that you have the nice new one.

Put a lock on the socket or remove the fuse as PP have suggested

starfishmummy · 07/04/2021 15:11

Clearly the OP should arrange to have a coin operated launderette style dryer installed to make a profit from them!!

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