To ask for a safe space to explain these things?

[Lollapaloozalondon]

There are two things I want to do as an otherwise reasonably well rounded adult. Those things are use a laundrette as my tumble dryers broken and go to a coffee shop and spend a day there reading. I know this sounds remarkably stupid, but I don't know how to do either. By 'I don't know how' I mean I wouldn't know how to go about either of them. So, with the laundrette do I just turn up with my clothes? Do I take detergent? Do I need cash? How are they dried? What do I do when I get there? Same with a coffee shop. I see people with laptops and headphones out built what do you do, take a seat and order? Is there a limit to how long you stay there?

I'm unsure why I don't know how to do these things as I have a high pressure but very niche job that requires a lot of public engagement...but I don't haha. Please also comment anything similar that you ought to know how to do and don't, and I will try to help!

There is no safe space on the internet.

Go to the launderette in advance and check it out like you would with anything unfamiliar (different launderettes have different ways).

Go up to the coffee shop counter and order what you want, wait for it and take it to your table.

If you're reading in a chain coffee shop (Starbucks etc) then definitely order a drink but I wouldn't be precious about how long you're staying. If it's an independent one, make an effort to order a drink + food item each hour you're staying to make sure you're not taking up space they need to turn over for other customers.

Take your clothes that need washing change as in money and detergent they have driers as well I'd also take a book and a drink for whilst I wait. Coffee shop order coffee sit down read a book get another coffee when needed

Some launderettes use debit/credit card tap to pay machines so the advice to go and look first is good. I was surprised at how expensive they were when my machine broke down I think about £10 - £12 for wash can't remember how much the driers

If you've ever been to a cafe to eat/drink then it should be easy. You just do that but with your laptop. Laundromat is more variable and you need to pop in to your nearest one to see how it works. Ours only accepts coins and I do bring my own detergent. Surprised to hear PP pays £12, ours costs about £4.

Driers are a lot cheaper, maybe £4-6 to dry a load. BUT do you really want to go the laundrette: what about a heated airer?

You can take stuff you've washed to a launderette to dry only BUT the use of driers is usually prioritised to customers who've washed as well if there's a queue. Or it was years ago when I did my weekly wash.

Agree to check out your nearest first to see how to pay.

Go into coffee shop, buy at counter, sit down and read. Buy another drink or something to eat every hour or so.

WTF is a "safe space" on the Internet?

I have the drier issue and wondered the same op!

The driers at the launderette - are they hygienic?!

No, they're not particularly hygienic

Not something that really bothers me though.

You can stay in a cafe for as long as you want as long as you keep ordering. Also depends on the cafe if it a very busy cafe then you might end up sharing tour table or moved on if not ordering food. A coffee shop is better. If you want somewhere quiet to read a book all day I would suggest the library would be better and take a flask or drink in with you.

I am bemused by the "are they hygienic" question.

They dry freshly washed clothes.

How are they "unhygienic" and if you think they are how would you clean them?

If you rely on your tumble drier, I would recommend buying an airer and a dehumidifier!