Would you class taking out laundry as an essential trip?

[yatapina]

Washer broke last Monday - ordered new part on Wednesday but delivery is understandably delayed.

Family of 4, just completed 14 days isolation and have 2 baskets full of laundry so far. Friend has offered to wash if I walk/drive down with a load, drop at door then collect from door when finished.

10 minute walk or 3 minute drive each way - prefer to walk to avoid potential (but unlikely) breakdown/accident to minimise risk of contact with others although DH thinks driving is more isolated.

I wouldn't bother but I've no idea how much longer we"ll be without a machine and things are mounting up!

Yes. They've allowed laundrettes to stay open for a reason. Just observe distance rules and wash your hands after.

Like pp said laundrettes have remained open for a reason. I would say this is absolutely essential.

Yes but why were you self isolating? Is there a chance of contamination from the dirty clothes? You are not to use a launderette if self isolating in Ireland and there are guidelines for washing clothes during self isolation

Government advice is that you wait for 72 hours after the 14 day isolation period if washing it at a launderette, so I would so the same if taking it to a friend's

Oh I didn't realise - I'm generally pretty observant and understanding of the whole thing but didn't see that!

Thank you for putting my mind at rest! I was about to start hand-washing when friend offered which is obviously preferred 😁

We've been at home since they announced the 7 day isolation for individuals as my daughter had a cough then they announced the 14 days so we've all been at home for the extra week.

Rest of the household is showing no signs and DD stopped coughing persistently about 4 days ago with no other symptoms so I assume we're all fine but probably best to wait an extra few days just incase. We've been living in pjs for 5 days now as had a backlog before washer broke 🤦

Why not just handwash the bits you need to be on the safe side?

I would drive

You could order one of those little spin dryers and get delivery to leave it outside then hand wash

No space for a drier of any sort unfortunately.

Will take it down tomorrow - we use SMOL laundry capsules as my skin reacts to most powders so not sure how it'd work with hand-washing but will give it a go if needed!

At this point I'm seriously tempted just to buy a new machine as it may come quicker than the part!