AIBU to think that you should collect your laundry on time?

[CompletelyPotts]

My washing machine broke this week so I've had to use a washing machine at a local supermarket .

The machine was in use and only had 5 minutes to go so I waited. 40 minutes later they still hadn't arrived to collect their washing. There was a queue building up as it's busy and there was still no sign of them. Someone else who returned to use the dryer told me that the person loads the machine, goes to their work and doesn't return until the end of their shift. 5 minutes or so is fine but beyond ten is taking the piss.

AIBU to think that you should be there on time to collect your washing and that it's not ok to disappear for hours, knowing that people are waiting?

And yes I do have bigger problems but this is really bugging me today.

YANBU. I would have taken the washing out and used the machine.

I work in a launderette and yes this drives me mad, the amount of people that think we can just leave washing in the machine for hours is astounding . I always make a point of "you need to be back by X time when it's finished" but even today, someone came in for a dry (15 minutes) and he still hadn't returned 3 hours later. It's currently sitting in a basket somewhere taking up room we don't have.

I would've given it about 20 minutes and then taken it out.

AnxiousWeirdo

That's terrible. Not only are they keeping other customers from using the machines, they're also potentially losing you business by hogging the machines. Not to mention using your laundrette as a storage facility.

I can't understand why people think it's ok to be so inconsiderate.

We had a laundrette where I used to work and anything left in the machines for 10+ mins would be transferred into a box so they would have to go through it to get their stuff back.
Was the only way to get through to people. Some of us didn't have long breaks and only had small windows to do washing before our next shift started.

Grab a shopping trolley and stick the washing in it

@drpet49

YANBU. I would have taken the washing out and used the machine.

I've done exactly this before now. Stick it in a basket let them sort it out when they come back.

I did take it out after 40 minutes or so and stuck it in a bag and left it there.. I'm annoyed with myself for waiting so long though. 20 would have been generous enough. I can't imagine having the cheek to disappear to do a shift before returning for it.

Having had my feminist rage stirred, I find myself wondering if this topic would have much time debated (if at all) if this were Dadsnet ?

I can't see a bloke politely waiting for 40 minutes for a machine to be free. (To be honest my DM would have waited about 30 seconds. But she wasn't a typical lady).

I can't see a bloke politely waiting for 40 minutes for a machine to be free.

I know a few very mild mannered men who 'con't like confrontation'. I think they'd more than likely wait or just give up and go.

Blimey, that sets a new record for the speed and spuriousness of a ‘This would never happen to a man’ comment.

*don't

I ask the launderette assistant to take it out so I can use the machine. That's the norm where I go.

It would have got 2 minutes grace from me then in the basket it would go. I hate lateness!

My Dh definitely would not have moved someone’s washing. I have done though and was told off for it. Like I wanted to be touching their grey pants and dog blankets.

Surely you wait 5 minutes then dump their stuff in one of the available baskets so you can use the machine? That's always been the etiquette in all the launderettes I've been in! And if you don't do it the owner (if there) will - they don't want their machines standing idle.

There are no baskets unfortunately or staff, but next time I use a staffed laundrette I'll certainly do that. The machines are self service and sit outside the supermarket in the open air.

You did the right thing and I'd have done the same. Taken the washing out. Tough!

I'd never leave my laundry unattended in a laundromat;I'd be worried it might be pinched.

I can't see a bloke politely waiting for 40 minutes for a machine to be free.

I know a few very mild mannered men who 'con't like confrontation'. I think they'd more than likely wait or just give up and go.

There was an elderly man the other day, who'd been waiting 20 minutes for the dryer, but I agree that many people wouldn't have waited that long to remove the items and I certainly won't be waiting 40 minutes again.

Washing machines at a supermarket? I've never seen this!

Is it a really urban area, or where there are lots of small flats?

Oh and YANBU of course. I probably have tutted a bit then moaned for a lot longer.
I'd like to say I'd have dumped it out, but would I in all honesty?

@TheSpottedZebra

Washing machines at a supermarket? I've never seen this!

Is it a really urban area, or where there are lots of small flats?

They are on carparks at most of our local supermarkets and petrol stations around my area now. They are great as they take duvet sized loads.

I did this not for long though. Blooming washing machine texted me to tell me the laundry was done, walked down there to find time left on the machine so it wasn't finished then wandered back home, had quick lunch (as I'd run to get it as it texted lunch ready) then walked back after to find people waiting and machine finished 🤦. I apologised and hauled my laundry out quick, so embarrassed. I'd never leave it ages though, leaving it for a shift is just ridiculous. The brass neck for that!

18kg! Interesting...

Thanks!