Apartment Laundry Room Etiquette 101

Do you live in an apartment building without washers and dryers in the apartments? Sorry, dude! Me, too! However, that is no reason to torture you neighbors by not learning some laundry room etiquette. We're all in this together! We all have one common goal: wearing clean clothes and being stink-free.

Also, this hub is for anyone that is unfortunate and forced to use a laundromat. Sorry, man! That is even worse. At least I take an elevator down about 10 flights of stairs. You are hauling your laundry to a car, or even worse, a bus! You have my sympathies. But we all need manners at the laundry room or the laundromat. I am here to help.

My biggest pet peeve is the person that leaves their stuff in the laundry room for an indefinite period of time. Sure, anyone can be a few minutes late taking their stuff out the washer or dryer. However, if you are hours late or even days late, there is no excuse. I personally will take your stuff and dump it on the counter. Would you prefer something nicer? Leave your basket on top of the washer or dryer and I will be more than happy to dump your clothes into that. Nothing personal. There are hundreds or even thousands of people living in your apartment building. We are all using the same appliances. Have a little respect.

Furthermore, to those that leave their clothes behind for days... WHAT ARE YOU WEARING? I don't have that much stuff. I also certainly don't have enough clothes to take a chance on someone stealing my stuff. What is going on? Seriously, let me know. Send me a message or something.

This should be basic knowledge but I guess it isn't.  Don't steal stuff.  It's not nice.  It's illegal.  You are not cool.  If I catch you, I am either going to scream at you, slam a laundry basket over your head, or call the cops.  Hell, I may even do all three, it just depends on the circumstances.  You know that song "She Works Hard for the Money" that was out in the 80s?  Well, that is me.  I work a full-time job and sometimes a second job just to buy what I have.  I can't afford for you to steal my clothes.  I am willing to bet no one can in my building or most apartment buildings out there.

Of course, sometimes people are taking your stuff for other reasons.  Let's explore that issue now.

Yes, creepy guys exist everywhere.  Certainly in large apartment buildings there is bound to be a creep or two.  First of all, don't look at my bras and panties.  Yes, I wear them. I am a female - that is what we do.  If you really need to get some creepy undie fix, get a Victoria's Secret catalog or something.  Second, please don't steal my bra!  That is so dirty and so wrong.  I know this is usually more of a problem in dorm laundry rooms, but it happens in apartment buildings too.  So if you are reading this right now, please give me my pink bra back.  I really liked it and it was kind of expensive.  On second thought, I can only imagine what has happened to that poor bra - keep it!

If you've made it this far, thanks a bunch! I hope you've either gotten a laugh or maybe you've learned a little something about laundry room etiquette. Just remember, not too many people are excited about using a community laundry room. Since you are all there, you should do your part to make it a tolerable experience for everyone involved.

Now I need to run. I have laundry to do!

Copyright ©2011 Jeannieinabottle