To want to cry at my sister's washing?

[summeroccupation]

She has three girls and is currently on holiday with them. I'm house sitting until next weekend and there's washing everywhere. I've filled four ikea bags and still have a pile that's filled the bath. I'm planning to get it washed and dried for her but I'm honestly looking at the pile and don't know where to start. She has a washer dryer and it's taking ages per load (no laundries around here, just forecourt washers that are like £10 a wash!)

No she hasn't asked me specifically to do it but she was complaining about the state of her house last week so I know she won't mind. She's been struggling with her MH lately and having it looming over her can't be helping! And she's starting a new full time job next week so if I leave it it'll never get done!

I agree. And although the OP is no doubt acting out of kindness, so I don’t mean to sound critical, but I can’t help feel a bit uneasy on the sister’s behalf, having this discussed on a public forum, with mention of her mental health, and a picture of her washing machine, etc.

The OP has said that her sister went out and bought new clothes for the family for their holiday.

My guess is that she just buys new clothes whenever the kids need to go somewhere, and they've ended up with a mountain of laundry as a result. MH difficulties can seriously affect your ability to stay on top of housework, and not everyone has a partner who's willing to step up.

It sounds as if they have way more clothes than they need, so clothes that won't withstand the extra wear and tear could probably be binned.

@summeroccupation OP firstly thank you for being such a wonderful considerate sister. How I would love to be a fly on the wall when your sister comes home ❤️ & for others asking heated airers are not expensive to run. I have one from Lakeland and it is a godsend in Winter. You could always ask a Neighbour if they are nice Neighbours if you could use their washing line. Just a thought. I hope the weather stays dry where you are so you can get all of the laundry as soon as. Your sister won’t feel as overwhelmed when she gets back to do the laundry from the holiday right before she starts her new job & that’s all because of you. Sending you a huge hug for doing such a kind thing for your sister. Your sister is very lucky to have you and your husband must be so proud of how selfless you are.

I think you mean well but it’s your sister’s house and therefore her business how she runs it. Couldn’t you ask her if she would appreciate some help and, if she would, you could work out when and how together.

So fucking true. Made that mistake once, never again.

It's in the very first sentence of the opening post.

Yes, the PP said they missed it, just as you missed someone pointing it out to them almost immediately.

I love the eco on mine for overnight!

Otherwise no thanks 😂😁

Also someone asked why I posted this thread - my ND responds very well to body doubling and I was on my own so having people virtually with me was very helpful!

Not to mention helping me figure out the washer!

You sound like a lovely sister.

Can you take them home and do them at yours if you have better machines?

The fastest way to work through a backlog is to presort. Don’t just sort by color. Once you have that, break it down further by person and even type of clothing. Obviously only run full loads.

on the other end, if you are only folding pajamas or only sorting socks, it’s much faster.

I've never heard of body doubling before?

Does it mean responding well to praise/reassurance?

I’d put the heated airer on to hurry things along, it costs about 2p an hour.

No - google it.

My friend had three children under three the washing got away from her sometimes. She would set aside time to wash everything now and again, then sort because some was, faded, misshapen, outgrown. It's human nature. I need a really good sort out myself to whittle down my wardrobe 🙈

Do you have very high standards of cleanliness and order @summeroccupation

You're doing a fab thing for your sister and I bet she'll really appreciate it when she comes back!
Going forward, how would your sister respond to the idea of getting a cleaner in once a week / fortnight to help her keep on top of everything?

Normal standards i'd say?

I think that would be a good idea, honestly, if just to take a load off her.

My washing machine is also about six months old, and I usually set to a 30 minute wash, (I think the most rapid wash is 15 minutes) but the full load setting takes 45 minutes. But it depends how dirty the laundry is, if it needs longer.
Mine doesn't dry the clothes though. After a spin, I hang up on an airer bu the window.
If she has a conservatory, that's a great place to dry clothes, where it gets lots of sun, but not affected by rain.
xx

If you are going to use a dryer for anything make it pants and socks. More effective from a hanging out pov speed and time etc

Found this online, possible user manual, but not sure if it's the right model,
But does seem that it takes 1 or 2 hours 😅

https://hisense.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Quick-Guide_HWFE1014.pdf

I'm ND too, so I also get quite overwhelmed when chores pile up and don't know where to start, so procrastinate to the point that need help from someone else to get me back on track.
That's a really lovely thing that you are doing to help your sister.
Hugs.
Xx

I used to have that washer, please don’t use the 15 min wash for a load bigger than 1 KG as per the manual. It can break like mine did and be out of warranty.