Hey, Cleaner, leave those machines alone!
January 4, 2012 11:18 AM Subscribe
Cleaner of 1+ year is using our clothes washing machine(s) without permission. She's a smoker and it makes the machines smell. Is this an expected perk? Regardless, what's an indirect way of saying "Please don't use our washing machine."? [Ridiculously detailed story inside…]
We've had a cleaner for 1+ year who visits our small flat once a week. The agreed duties for her weekly three-hour visits are primarily: a thorough cleaning of the kitchen and bathroom; a general tidying of all other rooms (three others); mopping of floors (we have moppable floors throughout the flat).
Many months ago our cleaner asked if she could use our clothes washer and (separate) drier to clean her duvet. We agreed. The next day the drier smelt terrible as the cleaner obviously smoked in her house and this smell transferred to our drier. As this was clearly a one-off request—and because we drip-dry our washing—we didn't say anything.
Last month we wanted to use the drier for the first time, and because of the smell it needed a thorough clean before use (the condenser, barrel, etc. all needed to be scrubbed): I did this myself, it was a horrible job, and it took over four hours. Bleugh!
Now, for the last few weeks, our cleaner has started to wash a load of our clothes while she is cleaning the flat. We don't particularly like this as it throws off our clothes-cleaning schedule, but haven't said anything about it. Yesterday, however, we discovered that the cleaner has also been washing her own clothes while in our flat. We don't particularly mind this, but have some serious reservations that we want to deal with:
1) We weren't asked or consulted; 2) She uses the drier, and it's already started to smell of smoke again; 3) I don't want to have to spent a yucky four+ hours cleaning the drier again for a one-off future use; 4) We both suspect that she has started washing our clothes to hide this fact.
Is the use of our washing machines an expected perk of being a cleaner, or are we right to be miffed by this? Given that our primary means of communication is through written notes, how can we best approach the subject of the cleaner not using our machines, or at the very least thoroughly washing the drier after each use? I really can't stand direct confrontation, so an indirect way of dealing with this is really preferred (I'm ridiculous, I know!).
We've had a cleaner for 1+ year who visits our small flat once a week. The agreed duties for her weekly three-hour visits are primarily: a thorough cleaning of the kitchen and bathroom; a general tidying of all other rooms (three others); mopping of floors (we have moppable floors throughout the flat).
Many months ago our cleaner asked if she could use our clothes washer and (separate) drier to clean her duvet. We agreed. The next day the drier smelt terrible as the cleaner obviously smoked in her house and this smell transferred to our drier. As this was clearly a one-off request—and because we drip-dry our washing—we didn't say anything.
Last month we wanted to use the drier for the first time, and because of the smell it needed a thorough clean before use (the condenser, barrel, etc. all needed to be scrubbed): I did this myself, it was a horrible job, and it took over four hours. Bleugh!
Now, for the last few weeks, our cleaner has started to wash a load of our clothes while she is cleaning the flat. We don't particularly like this as it throws off our clothes-cleaning schedule, but haven't said anything about it. Yesterday, however, we discovered that the cleaner has also been washing her own clothes while in our flat. We don't particularly mind this, but have some serious reservations that we want to deal with:
1) We weren't asked or consulted; 2) She uses the drier, and it's already started to smell of smoke again; 3) I don't want to have to spent a yucky four+ hours cleaning the drier again for a one-off future use; 4) We both suspect that she has started washing our clothes to hide this fact.
Is the use of our washing machines an expected perk of being a cleaner, or are we right to be miffed by this? Given that our primary means of communication is through written notes, how can we best approach the subject of the cleaner not using our machines, or at the very least thoroughly washing the drier after each use? I really can't stand direct confrontation, so an indirect way of dealing with this is really preferred (I'm ridiculous, I know!).
Why do you have to be indirect? Just say, "Please don't use our washer and dryer." I hate conflict, too, and even I could probably manage this. It's not really a conflict, it's an employer making a request of an employee.
If you want to go the indirect route, you could leave a note that said something like, "X, we'd appreciate that you not use our washer and dryer in the future. Thanks for your understanding."
You could also go SUPER indirect and just unplug the machines before she comes over. She'll probably get the hint. I may or may not have used the passive-aggressive unplugging of appliances strategy to deal with a horrible roommate at university, but I can't say that I'd recommend the approach now. It's a lot easier to just ask her instead of waiting for her to pick up on your hinting.
posted by easy, lucky, free at 11:26 AM on January 4, 2012 [1 favorite]
If you want to go the indirect route, you could leave a note that said something like, "X, we'd appreciate that you not use our washer and dryer in the future. Thanks for your understanding."
You could also go SUPER indirect and just unplug the machines before she comes over. She'll probably get the hint. I may or may not have used the passive-aggressive unplugging of appliances strategy to deal with a horrible roommate at university, but I can't say that I'd recommend the approach now. It's a lot easier to just ask her instead of waiting for her to pick up on your hinting.
posted by easy, lucky, free at 11:26 AM on January 4, 2012 [1 favorite]
She should only be using the washer/dryer if she's washing something for your house. To do so is no different than an office worker taking home office supplies, or a cook stealing expensive steaks.
posted by chrisfromthelc at 11:27 AM on January 4, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by chrisfromthelc at 11:27 AM on January 4, 2012 [2 favorites]
Given that our primary means of communication is through written notes, how can we best approach the subject of the cleaner not using our machines, or at the very least thoroughly washing the drier after each use?
Leave a note that says "Please do not use the washer/dryer."
It's a reasonable boundary. You don't even have to relate it to "her" (smoky smell), but it interferes with your laundry schedule and it presumably costs you money (water/power), so don't feel as though this is something you're being overly concerned or persnickety about. You're paying her to do a task, nothing more.
posted by headnsouth at 11:29 AM on January 4, 2012 [1 favorite]
Leave a note that says "Please do not use the washer/dryer."
It's a reasonable boundary. You don't even have to relate it to "her" (smoky smell), but it interferes with your laundry schedule and it presumably costs you money (water/power), so don't feel as though this is something you're being overly concerned or persnickety about. You're paying her to do a task, nothing more.
posted by headnsouth at 11:29 AM on January 4, 2012 [1 favorite]
I think you are right to be miffed. A written note should be just fine for communicating this directive.
posted by Elly Vortex at 11:29 AM on January 4, 2012
posted by Elly Vortex at 11:29 AM on January 4, 2012
It is very weird and inappropriate that she's doing this. Leave a note and unplug it, absolutely.
posted by something something at 11:32 AM on January 4, 2012 [3 favorites]
posted by something something at 11:32 AM on January 4, 2012 [3 favorites]
Do you ever use the dryer yourself? I mean, she shouldn't use your equipment if you don't want her to (and I hate having someone else do my laundry, so I'd totally shut that part down too), but I'm wondering if there's something wrong with the dryer that you are only smelling when she uses it because she's the only one who uses it.
That's some hardcore smoke that makes it through the wash and sticks to your dryer, requiring a 4+ hour cleaning session.
posted by Lyn Never at 11:33 AM on January 4, 2012 [58 favorites]
That's some hardcore smoke that makes it through the wash and sticks to your dryer, requiring a 4+ hour cleaning session.
posted by Lyn Never at 11:33 AM on January 4, 2012 [58 favorites]
Seconding the idea of leaving a note. "Please do not use washer or dryer" is enough; adding reasons will open this up for discussion and you aren't required to justify your request. She's an employee, not a friend, relative, or houseguest.
posted by variella at 11:34 AM on January 4, 2012
posted by variella at 11:34 AM on January 4, 2012
This is no perk I've ever heard of (unless you had a live-in housekeeper). Leave a note that says "Please do not use the washer or dryer. It isn't necessary for you do our laundry."
posted by marylynn at 11:37 AM on January 4, 2012 [3 favorites]
posted by marylynn at 11:37 AM on January 4, 2012 [3 favorites]
I think since she had permission once to use the washer and dryer, a note would be a little off putting. It's acceptable, though, if you want to go that route, since she has also gone out of the boundaries of your original agreement.
As a person who was without a washer and dryer for many years, I have a lot of sympathy for the cleaner, though. It is a huge pain in the ass to do washing outside of the house, especially if you work all the time. Perhaps you could ask her to air dry her clothes? Not sure how you would get around the awkward, "The dryer smells because of you," conversation, though. Perhaps you could say you're trying to cut back on energy usage.
posted by Elizabeth907 at 11:39 AM on January 4, 2012 [1 favorite]
As a person who was without a washer and dryer for many years, I have a lot of sympathy for the cleaner, though. It is a huge pain in the ass to do washing outside of the house, especially if you work all the time. Perhaps you could ask her to air dry her clothes? Not sure how you would get around the awkward, "The dryer smells because of you," conversation, though. Perhaps you could say you're trying to cut back on energy usage.
posted by Elizabeth907 at 11:39 AM on January 4, 2012 [1 favorite]
If I were the cleaner, I'd want a reason. But if you're uncomfortable saying that it was primarily because of the smoke smell, (which I do understand - especially since she could well interpret that as an opening point to negotiating her future use) I'd go with wear and tear on the machines.
But just saying "don't use the washer and/or dryer" with no explanation seems odd after it became a pattern, and if I were the cleaner I'd feel uncomfortable and anxious with absolutely no given explanation since it would make me go all imaginary did they find a thong...?
posted by vegartanipla at 11:49 AM on January 4, 2012 [1 favorite]
But just saying "don't use the washer and/or dryer" with no explanation seems odd after it became a pattern, and if I were the cleaner I'd feel uncomfortable and anxious with absolutely no given explanation since it would make me go all imaginary did they find a thong...?
posted by vegartanipla at 11:49 AM on January 4, 2012 [1 favorite]
But just saying "don't use the washer and/or dryer" with no explanation seems odd after it became a pattern, and if I were the cleaner I'd feel uncomfortable and anxious with absolutely no given explanation since it would make me go all imaginary did they find a thong...?
This is completely irrelevant - if it was somebody valeting your car once a week and they decided to do their weekly shopping with it when they were supposed to be valeting it (and nothing else) you'd have no qualms about saying 'Don't use our car'. Just tell her to stop.
posted by koahiatamadl at 12:00 PM on January 4, 2012 [7 favorites]
This is completely irrelevant - if it was somebody valeting your car once a week and they decided to do their weekly shopping with it when they were supposed to be valeting it (and nothing else) you'd have no qualms about saying 'Don't use our car'. Just tell her to stop.
posted by koahiatamadl at 12:00 PM on January 4, 2012 [7 favorites]
If I were the cleaner, I'd want a reason
You would need to specifically be told then that you were using it without permission and using other peoples' things without permission is rude? Really?
Its likely that she knows what she is doing is "wrong". She probably doesn't own her own machine and cost issues aside, doing her laundry while she's working is a lot easier and more convenient for her than going to the laundrette or using shared machines in her own building.
If not for the smell, would you be that bothered? She spends her working life cleaning up after other people, not having to go to the laundrette doesn't seem like an unreasonable perk under the circumstances, if its not inconveniencing you but I wouldn't say it was 'expected' and to the point of not having to ask permission as some things might be (helping herself to a glass of water for example)
If you don't want her to use the machine at all leave a note saying:
posted by missmagenta at 12:20 PM on January 4, 2012 [7 favorites]
You would need to specifically be told then that you were using it without permission and using other peoples' things without permission is rude? Really?
Its likely that she knows what she is doing is "wrong". She probably doesn't own her own machine and cost issues aside, doing her laundry while she's working is a lot easier and more convenient for her than going to the laundrette or using shared machines in her own building.
If not for the smell, would you be that bothered? She spends her working life cleaning up after other people, not having to go to the laundrette doesn't seem like an unreasonable perk under the circumstances, if its not inconveniencing you but I wouldn't say it was 'expected' and to the point of not having to ask permission as some things might be (helping herself to a glass of water for example)
If you don't want her to use the machine at all leave a note saying:
"Please do not use the washer or drier"If you're ok with her using the machine so long as it doesn't smell and you don't have to spend hours cleaning it, leave a note saying:
"Please scrub drier thoroughly after use"If you're ok with her using the machine for her stuff but don't want her messing up your laundry schedule, leave a note saying:
"Please do not wash our clothes, if you wish to use the machine for your laundry please scrub thoroughly after use"Keep it short, there's no need to go into unnecessary explanations. Its your house and you are the boss, you have every right to tell her not to do laundry since it wasn't one of her agreed duties.
posted by missmagenta at 12:20 PM on January 4, 2012 [7 favorites]
Since the original request was made verbally, I feel like the subsequent 'No, you may not use our washer and dryer anymore' statement should be made verbally.
Also, I agree with vegartanipla (somewhat), in that leaving it as a simple statement with no explanation may cause confusion/anxiety in your cleaner.
I am enough of a jerk to view this as a beneficial byproduct, not something to be avoided.
posted by the man of twists and turns at 12:38 PM on January 4, 2012
Also, I agree with vegartanipla (somewhat), in that leaving it as a simple statement with no explanation may cause confusion/anxiety in your cleaner.
I am enough of a jerk to view this as a beneficial byproduct, not something to be avoided.
posted by the man of twists and turns at 12:38 PM on January 4, 2012
It's possible you're smelling burning hair or lint, not cigarette smoke. (By burning, I mean getting really hot from the dryer, not flaming-on-fire.) You could ask her not to use it because you need to get it checked out first -- which may actually be true.
posted by sageleaf at 12:47 PM on January 4, 2012 [5 favorites]
posted by sageleaf at 12:47 PM on January 4, 2012 [5 favorites]
You gotta be direct about this.
"Hi! Thanks for all your hard work around here. We really appreciate all that you do for us and are glad that you take such good care of our flat. We would like to request that you no longer use our washer and dryer for your own laundry as we have noticed that both the machines have started to smell of smoke and we need to have a repairmen take a look at both. I would hate for your clothes or ours to be damaged in any way while we wait to hear what's causing the smell. Thanks!"
posted by These Birds of a Feather at 12:49 PM on January 4, 2012 [9 favorites]
"Hi! Thanks for all your hard work around here. We really appreciate all that you do for us and are glad that you take such good care of our flat. We would like to request that you no longer use our washer and dryer for your own laundry as we have noticed that both the machines have started to smell of smoke and we need to have a repairmen take a look at both. I would hate for your clothes or ours to be damaged in any way while we wait to hear what's causing the smell. Thanks!"
posted by These Birds of a Feather at 12:49 PM on January 4, 2012 [9 favorites]
Is she the best cleaning lady ever aside from this gaffe? Or are cleaning people hard to find in your area? If the answer to both of these is no, you have nothing to lose from being direct. If she's upset, just hire someone else.
That said, I think something's actually wrong with your dryer. I've shared dryers with heavy smokers and have never noticed a smell.
posted by desjardins at 12:56 PM on January 4, 2012 [12 favorites]
That said, I think something's actually wrong with your dryer. I've shared dryers with heavy smokers and have never noticed a smell.
posted by desjardins at 12:56 PM on January 4, 2012 [12 favorites]
If this isn't something that Must Be Stopped This Very Moment, and you want to be a little less brusque, then one option is to leave a friendly note about your own washing, pretend you have no idea she's washing her own stuff, and hope for the best. Leave her a note as you usually would, (do you often leave notes about a particularly good job she did last week or a particular mess this week?) including a statement that you prefer to wash your own clothes, "It really isn't necessary for you to do our laundry - in fact we'd rather handle that ourselves." That takes away her "cover story" and most likely she'd stop using it for herself, perhaps even with the understanding that you know what she's been up to.
If you want, could even say "we'd rather handle that ourselves, as I'm kind of picky about the washing machine", or "The washing machine's been acting odd lately and I wouldn't want you to be involved if/when it breaks." The drawback there would be that a specific statement about the machine almost invites her to ask for specific instructions so she can do it right, as opposed to just stepping away.
If she stops doing your laundry but continues to do yours, then you can go with the more brusque "We prefer you not use our laundry machines." or the even more direct "Please do not do your own laundry in our machines."
posted by aimedwander at 12:58 PM on January 4, 2012 [1 favorite]
If you want, could even say "we'd rather handle that ourselves, as I'm kind of picky about the washing machine", or "The washing machine's been acting odd lately and I wouldn't want you to be involved if/when it breaks." The drawback there would be that a specific statement about the machine almost invites her to ask for specific instructions so she can do it right, as opposed to just stepping away.
If she stops doing your laundry but continues to do yours, then you can go with the more brusque "We prefer you not use our laundry machines." or the even more direct "Please do not do your own laundry in our machines."
posted by aimedwander at 12:58 PM on January 4, 2012 [1 favorite]
Seconding These Birds, mostly, but here's another passive-aggressive option: have the washer & drier in use (filled with old sheets?) when she's there.
Also: 4) We both suspect that she has started washing our clothes to hide this fact. Washing your clothing without your consent/instructions? That is straight up weird.
posted by troika at 12:59 PM on January 4, 2012
Also: 4) We both suspect that she has started washing our clothes to hide this fact. Washing your clothing without your consent/instructions? That is straight up weird.
posted by troika at 12:59 PM on January 4, 2012
edit: ...stops doing your laundry but continues to do hers...
posted by aimedwander at 1:00 PM on January 4, 2012
posted by aimedwander at 1:00 PM on January 4, 2012
Your drier needs servicing, it shouldn't smell like smoke from washing a smokers clothes. Dryer fires are common.
posted by fshgrl at 1:11 PM on January 4, 2012 [27 favorites]
posted by fshgrl at 1:11 PM on January 4, 2012 [27 favorites]
You would need to specifically be told then that you were using it without permission and using other peoples' things without permission is rude? Really?
No, she probably knows she may be overstepping (but hopes she isn't since it's so convenient). It's that she has asked, once, and gotten permission, and is hoping to extend that into a thing surreptitiously. And abruptly stopping it without reason may end up with unnecessary tension around the owners due to discomfort/anxiety on the cleaner's behalf. I'd prefer to give a reason (even a bogus one) so she wouldn't feel uncomfortable because that would help preserve the whole relationship.
posted by vegartanipla at 1:22 PM on January 4, 2012
No, she probably knows she may be overstepping (but hopes she isn't since it's so convenient). It's that she has asked, once, and gotten permission, and is hoping to extend that into a thing surreptitiously. And abruptly stopping it without reason may end up with unnecessary tension around the owners due to discomfort/anxiety on the cleaner's behalf. I'd prefer to give a reason (even a bogus one) so she wouldn't feel uncomfortable because that would help preserve the whole relationship.
posted by vegartanipla at 1:22 PM on January 4, 2012
Your drier needs servicing, it shouldn't smell like smoke from washing a smokers clothes. Dryer fires are common.
This. Seriously, I used to smoke and in 12 years, my washed clothes never retained a sufficient residual smell of cigarette smoke for it to be detectable after washing my clothes.
Something is seriously wrong with one or both of your machines.
posted by dmt at 1:33 PM on January 4, 2012 [6 favorites]
This. Seriously, I used to smoke and in 12 years, my washed clothes never retained a sufficient residual smell of cigarette smoke for it to be detectable after washing my clothes.
Something is seriously wrong with one or both of your machines.
posted by dmt at 1:33 PM on January 4, 2012 [6 favorites]
Ditto that dryer fires are common.
The cleaner thing you can handle any way you want, but for sure get your dryer serviced ASAP.
posted by jbenben at 1:40 PM on January 4, 2012
The cleaner thing you can handle any way you want, but for sure get your dryer serviced ASAP.
posted by jbenben at 1:40 PM on January 4, 2012
Another voice to say that there is something wrong with your dryer. I shared a washer/dryer in an apartment situation with heavy, heavy smokers for over two years (shared machines in the basement of the building) and never once had smoke smell transfer.
To actually answer your question: using your equipment costs you money (electric and water, assuming you pay for those). So, if you don't want her using them, it's a reasonable request. Just talk with her about it.
posted by anastasiav at 2:13 PM on January 4, 2012 [1 favorite]
To actually answer your question: using your equipment costs you money (electric and water, assuming you pay for those). So, if you don't want her using them, it's a reasonable request. Just talk with her about it.
posted by anastasiav at 2:13 PM on January 4, 2012 [1 favorite]
Well, tell her immediately not to use the machines, as you are going to get them serviced as soon as possible.
Really, don't wait!
posted by jgirl at 2:30 PM on January 4, 2012
Really, don't wait!
posted by jgirl at 2:30 PM on January 4, 2012
Given everyone's points about the dryer here, one solution (for the short term, anyway) would be to leave a note saying: "Please do not use the dryer. We've noticed it smelling of smoke lately, and are worried there is something wrong with it that might lead to it catching fire. We probably won't get it looked at until (date well in the future) because we use it so rarely." If you like you can add "Thanks for doing our laundry lately, but it's really not necessary."
This will make her (a) too scared to use the dryer in case it is faulty, (b) ashamed that you noticed she had been using your machines (c) maybe consider that the smoke smell is her own fault, if it is, (d) not annoyed with you.
She might continue to use your washing machine, I guess, but it would be harder to hide if you have specifically asked her not to do your laundry, and the note about the dryer might make her uncomfortable enough about you having noticed that she stops completely.
If it were me, though, I think I'd probably say she can use the washing machine for her own stuff (since that doesn't seem to be leaving a smell, doesn't interfere with her duties much, if any, and I know what it's like to not have a washing machine of your own). But I'd ask her outright to not use the dryer. Those things use a lot of electricity. It is costing you money each time.
posted by lollusc at 5:06 PM on January 4, 2012 [1 favorite]
This will make her (a) too scared to use the dryer in case it is faulty, (b) ashamed that you noticed she had been using your machines (c) maybe consider that the smoke smell is her own fault, if it is, (d) not annoyed with you.
She might continue to use your washing machine, I guess, but it would be harder to hide if you have specifically asked her not to do your laundry, and the note about the dryer might make her uncomfortable enough about you having noticed that she stops completely.
If it were me, though, I think I'd probably say she can use the washing machine for her own stuff (since that doesn't seem to be leaving a smell, doesn't interfere with her duties much, if any, and I know what it's like to not have a washing machine of your own). But I'd ask her outright to not use the dryer. Those things use a lot of electricity. It is costing you money each time.
posted by lollusc at 5:06 PM on January 4, 2012 [1 favorite]
Just get a new housecleaner.
I mean, the best thing to do is to say, "Please don't use our washer and dryer anymore", but then there is the question of "why?" and then it's a real pain in the ass to explain that she's a smoker and it makes your washer and dryer stink. It's a pain in the ass to explain, and she might not even believe you.
The other tack is to say "just don't use it" but then what if it hurts her feelings? "What am I, a second class citizen here?"
Ideally, she wouldn't have caused this problem in the first place. So get a new cleaner.
posted by KokuRyu at 5:23 PM on January 4, 2012
I mean, the best thing to do is to say, "Please don't use our washer and dryer anymore", but then there is the question of "why?" and then it's a real pain in the ass to explain that she's a smoker and it makes your washer and dryer stink. It's a pain in the ass to explain, and she might not even believe you.
The other tack is to say "just don't use it" but then what if it hurts her feelings? "What am I, a second class citizen here?"
Ideally, she wouldn't have caused this problem in the first place. So get a new cleaner.
posted by KokuRyu at 5:23 PM on January 4, 2012
Hi cleaner, the drier/washer smells like smoke, so we'd prefer you not use it. thanks. Us
posted by theora55 at 5:31 PM on January 4, 2012
posted by theora55 at 5:31 PM on January 4, 2012
My mother is an extremely heavy smoker (2+ packs of menthols every day for 40+ years). Our clothes went into the washer smelling like smoke, but they came out of the washer smelling like clean wet laundry. Our dryer never, ever, ever smelled of smoke.
The only time I have ever smelled smoke in a clothes dryer, it had just caught fire.
I really, seriously doubt that it's possible that residual cigarette smoke from her clean, laundered clothing is ruining your dryer. More likely you have a dryer that's about to break down and possibly catch fire. You need to get it serviced immediately, and stop blaming it on your cleaning lady. If you don't want her to use your equipment, try treating her like an adult and SPEAKING with her about it, instead of leaving passive-aggressive notes.
posted by palomar at 5:38 PM on January 4, 2012 [6 favorites]
The only time I have ever smelled smoke in a clothes dryer, it had just caught fire.
I really, seriously doubt that it's possible that residual cigarette smoke from her clean, laundered clothing is ruining your dryer. More likely you have a dryer that's about to break down and possibly catch fire. You need to get it serviced immediately, and stop blaming it on your cleaning lady. If you don't want her to use your equipment, try treating her like an adult and SPEAKING with her about it, instead of leaving passive-aggressive notes.
posted by palomar at 5:38 PM on January 4, 2012 [6 favorites]
Firefighter here. Get your dryer serviced. Please get your dryer serviced. Unplug in the meantime.
If it is her clothes (a condition I can only imagine if she never washes them ever and you guys use a non-fragranced laundry soap, and your washer would smell like smoke more than your dryer--GET YOUR DRYER SERVICED) then tell her that you just had to pay for the dryer to get serviced and you'd prefer to reduce wear and tear. A note is fine there.
posted by skyl1n3 at 6:04 PM on January 4, 2012 [13 favorites]
If it is her clothes (a condition I can only imagine if she never washes them ever and you guys use a non-fragranced laundry soap, and your washer would smell like smoke more than your dryer--GET YOUR DRYER SERVICED) then tell her that you just had to pay for the dryer to get serviced and you'd prefer to reduce wear and tear. A note is fine there.
posted by skyl1n3 at 6:04 PM on January 4, 2012 [13 favorites]
I'm afraid I have to pipe in and say that unless this cleaner is smoking cigars and only misting her clothing in water before putting them in your dryer, there is no way on earth that you are smelling cigarette smoke in the dryer after a bunch of clean clothes have been put through it.
posted by tumid dahlia at 7:15 PM on January 4, 2012 [3 favorites]
posted by tumid dahlia at 7:15 PM on January 4, 2012 [3 favorites]
Tell the cleaner to stop using the machine. Full stop.
Get your machine serviced. Don't tell the cleaner, she shouldn't be using it anyway after that one time.
posted by like_neon at 2:41 AM on January 5, 2012
Get your machine serviced. Don't tell the cleaner, she shouldn't be using it anyway after that one time.
posted by like_neon at 2:41 AM on January 5, 2012
I'm surprised at some of the skepticism about the smoke smell. Cigarette smoke has a very distinct smell, totally different from electrical fire smoke or campfire smoke, etc. Some people are quite sensitive to it, and I guarantee that those of you who smoke and think that your clean clothes don't smell like smoke are . . . well, wrong. I know because I smoked for 15 years. Your fresh clean clothes SMELL LIKE SMOKE. Whether you washed them yourself, had them professional laundered, or had them dry cleaned.
I don't doubt at all that cigarette smoke smell could transfer to other clothes in the dryer, especially if the cleaner has done several loads, including items likely to be heavily smoky, like linens. Dryer vents are plastic and will always have a bit of dryer lint in them. Both the plastic and the lint will pick up smoke scent.
Our neighbors smoke and when they do their laundry, the scent of their dryer exhaust is smoky. It's been that way for 6 years - no dryer fire yet!
posted by peep at 3:57 PM on January 5, 2012
I don't doubt at all that cigarette smoke smell could transfer to other clothes in the dryer, especially if the cleaner has done several loads, including items likely to be heavily smoky, like linens. Dryer vents are plastic and will always have a bit of dryer lint in them. Both the plastic and the lint will pick up smoke scent.
Our neighbors smoke and when they do their laundry, the scent of their dryer exhaust is smoky. It's been that way for 6 years - no dryer fire yet!
posted by peep at 3:57 PM on January 5, 2012
Our neighbors smoke and when they do their laundry, the scent of their dryer exhaust is smoky. It's been that way for 6 years - no dryer fire yet!
My neighbors smoke too and their vent is connected to mine somehow. I have to be careful when I use my dryer because if I use mine at the same time they use theirs, my clothes will reek of smoke as well. So if you live in an apartment, it might be that your vents are connected to a smoker's vent in the same stack of vents.
But getting the dryer serviced probably is a very good idea too.
posted by winna at 3:28 PM on January 6, 2012
My neighbors smoke too and their vent is connected to mine somehow. I have to be careful when I use my dryer because if I use mine at the same time they use theirs, my clothes will reek of smoke as well. So if you live in an apartment, it might be that your vents are connected to a smoker's vent in the same stack of vents.
But getting the dryer serviced probably is a very good idea too.
posted by winna at 3:28 PM on January 6, 2012
Confirming from experience that it is totally a stretch to claim a smoke smell survives a wash and dry well enough to affect subsequent, previously smoke-free loads. That's like homeopathy working as medicine. Seriously, something *else* burning in there (most likely lint) is a very, very serious safety hazard you need to check out now before you use the machine again.
posted by spitbull at 8:54 AM on January 8, 2012
posted by spitbull at 8:54 AM on January 8, 2012
"She should only be using the washer/dryer if she's washing something for your house. To do so is no different than an office worker taking home office supplies, or a cook stealing expensive steaks."
I have never worked in an office environment that wouldn't be ok with a student using a printer for reasonable personal use or something like taking home four thumbtacks, I would never want to. I also understand that valued chefs taking home nice surplus steaks is something that is done and even expected in some kitchen environments.
After you GET YOU DRYER SERVICED what is it really to you if she uses your washer and dryer? I'd bet it has been genuinely meaningful to her. The world is a brighter place for everyone when we take care of the people around us.
posted by Blasdelb at 7:52 PM on January 8, 2012
I have never worked in an office environment that wouldn't be ok with a student using a printer for reasonable personal use or something like taking home four thumbtacks, I would never want to. I also understand that valued chefs taking home nice surplus steaks is something that is done and even expected in some kitchen environments.
After you GET YOU DRYER SERVICED what is it really to you if she uses your washer and dryer? I'd bet it has been genuinely meaningful to her. The world is a brighter place for everyone when we take care of the people around us.
posted by Blasdelb at 7:52 PM on January 8, 2012
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Or, leave a note that says "Please don't use the washer and dryer."
posted by mskyle at 11:24 AM on January 4, 2012 [4 favorites]