Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: clothes washers

[Sharon Villines (sharon]

On Aug 25, 2022, at 2:49 PM, Maraiah (Lynn) Nadeau <welcome [at] olympus.net> 
wrote:
> 
> If your membership is reliant on shared laundry facilities, how many machines 
> do you have, for how many people?
> Is that enough?
> 
> I’m getting info for a community that is deciding what to get.

We have 43 units. I think 31 have their own machines but sometimes use the 
larger machines in the laundry room. 

We have two large front load washers and 2 large dryers. You will be happier 
with two sets regardless of how many people use them because one of the 
conveniences is doing 2 loads at the same time. And when one breaks it isn’t a 
disaster because one still works.

On the whole 2 sets have been sufficient for 22 years. Every once in a while 
someone forgets their laundry and it is acceptable to move the clothes to a 
basket. During the start of Covid there was a back up and people were asked to 
leave a note on their machines about who they belonged to and whether it was 
okay to move the clothing to a dryer or a basket. Part of the backlog was 
scheduling to facilitate distancing. The room is too small to keep your 
distance.

The machines have been replaced several times, and used to clog because people 
used too much detergent or washed very small items like baby socks without 
putting them in a bag. We have 1 person who manages the room assiduously doing 
cleaning and sending out warnings, reminders, etc.

We don’t charge. Personally, I think it would make sense to charge a minimum 
amount to pay for service and replacement. It’s the only facility that requires 
regular expenditures. (Except the parking gate that seems to be on its last 
legs.)

Sharon
----
Sharon Villines
Takoma Village Cohousing, Washington DC
http://www.takomavillage.org