A weird request...

[Anonymous]

I'm moving this week to an apartment where I will be paying $6/load for laundry. I usually do two loads a week and I am far from rich so this would add up for me. I was thinking about asking MB and DB if they would allow me to do my laundry at their house. They are really nice and generous (they actually offered to let me stay with them for a month when I was unsure if I would be able to find a new apartment before needing to leave my current place) and I can't imagine them saying no. But... is this a weird request? Obviously I would not let this infringe on my time spent caring for their child (I would only do laundry during naptime/perhaps throw in a load while she's eating) and finishing her laundry would be my first priority.

What do you guys think? I know it's weird, but is this a fair request? I am also wondering how I could offer to compensate them for their generosity if they said yes... pay them a few bucks each load? Buy detergent for them? Hmmm....

[Anonymous]

I think it's inappropriate. I just think she would feel obligated to say yes, but you really should keep some boundaries and stay professional. Just because you work in their home, it doesn't mean you're entitled to what they have.

$6 a week isn't that much $. When I lived in an apartment with my husband + 2 kids we spent at least $30 a week. Lots of people use laundromats

[Anonymous]

You could always just use the washer at the laundry and air dry your clothes at home. It will save money and it is better for your clothes. But you should not ask your employers to use their washer and dryer. It is tacky.

[Anonymous]

Eh, it depends on the relationship you have with them. I am super close with my MB and DB and I think I would still feel weird about asking. I mean it can't hurt to ask if you're comfortable doing so.

[Anonymous]

I asked my MB once because their washer for my comforter. I would never ask to do it regularly there. I despise laundromats though, so that is tough. It would be so convenient for you. I would mention you're frustration in passing once, maybe twice over 2-3 weeks (not in the same week), and are if she offers. If she does, then yes, you should compensate by purchasing their brand of detergent. In reality it should cost you about the same, just be more convenient. How much ate you paid, any benefits? And how long have you been with them?

[Anonymous]

Don't do that.

[Anonymous]

I would definitely say yes, and wouldn't think it was inappropriate at all. But apparently, I'm in the minority.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't ask, and I'm a nanny. I think it crosses the professionalism line.

[Anonymous]

I have a great relationship with my employers. I do a lot of my laundry at their house because I don't have a washer and dryer. They have no problem with it whatsoever.

[Anonymous]

I would have no problem w/ my nanny doing her laundry at my place if there was some reason why that was helpful to her.

I don't think you would need to compensate them but restocking the laundry detergent routinely is a great idea and more than enough consideration (in my opinion).

[Anonymous]

Obviously I would not let this infringe on my time spent caring for their child (I would only do laundry during naptime/perhaps throw in a load while she's eating) and finishing her laundry would be my first priority.

You do realize that your nanny buddies are constantly whining that doing laundry and any task takes time away from the children. How are you not "organizing the kids closets..wink, wink" for 15 hour a week like the rest of them??

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Obviously I would not let this infringe on my time spent caring for their child (I would only do laundry during naptime/perhaps throw in a load while she's eating) and finishing her laundry would be my first priority.

You do realize that your nanny buddies are constantly whining that doing laundry and any task takes time away from the children. How are you not "organizing the kids closets..wink, wink" for 15 hour a week like the rest of them??

Go away.

[Anonymous]

OP if I were you i'd mention how expensive the laundry at your new joint is in passing. If she's like me she will pick up on it. If she says "Ohhh no that's awful" but doesn't offer her washer and dryer then take that as a no.

I personally wouldn't ask because I feel like s/he would be obligated to say yes. However, it really depends on the type of relationship one has I suppose?

[Anonymous]

PP again - If she DOES offer I would definitely pick up some laundry detergant.

[Anonymous]

OP I have two regular positions (one 35 hours, one 15 hours) - I think both MBs would say yes if I made such a request (and have, under different circumstances, done laundry at both) but for regular use there is only one of my bosses I'd ask (she'd absolutely say yes). I honestly think it depends on your MB and the relationship you have with her; I have a very formal, professional relationship with MB1 and so wouldn't ask. MB2 is much more laid back, really values and appreciates me but doesn't need any kind of formality in our interactions and I'd absolutely ask. I think she'd actually be upset if I didn't ask and later found out I was paying $6/load!

So do what feels right with your MB - don't let anyone here scare you away from asking. Everyone is different, and the worst she can say is no. Just make sure to phrase it in such a way that gives her a really easy way to turn you down.