Monday, June 25, 2012

Laundry Update

Because you're aching to know.

we got one
We decided to go for the dryer.  I think the clincher was when I realized it could fit next to the bathtub, and I wouldn't have to put it in the cellar.  But you'll see that the plug is hanging out the side.  That's because the nearest outlet is on the opposite wall, in an odd position above the mirror.

well, hello there
Originally I thought we'd run an extension cord up the wall, across the next wall, and onto this wall.  But then I realized, why don't we just plug it in when we need it, instead of putting a bunch of holes in our concrete walls?  I'm still going to hang clothes out to dry when I can.  I'm mainly interested in drying sheets and duvets and blankets in here.  So now I can use the same extension cord for the dryer on my vacuum and steam mop whenever I need them.  Does that seem weird?  Well, it feels totally "us" so take that for what it's worth!

There's another reason a dryer is key to my laundry system, though.  Awhile back I decided that we'd each have one set of sheets and one towel, plus one set of each for guests.  This way, I don't need to store any spare sheets and towels.  It's a minimalist thing, I guess.  I simply wash the towels and put them right back on the bar the same day - same with sheets.  When they wear out, I get new ones.  If there's an "emergency," we improvise.  I love this system and was not ready to give it up.  But you've gotta have a dryer to make it work, or you can end up stuck without sheets for a couple days while they dry!

The drying is still not incredibly efficient - you have to empty the condenser frequently (sometimes a couple times mid-load!), but luckily the bathtub's right there.  And it can take a few hours to dry a large load.  But I feel much better having one around.

So now you know.


2 comments:

Anonymous said...

So glad you got one - you have enough challenges to deal with without worrying about clean dry sheets! You can be altruistic a bit later in Luxembourg....
Mum

Renay said...

I'm a big proponent of re-using towels and bedsheets immediately after laundry/drying. That way you don't have to fold them and store them.