The Laundromat

A Creative Landscape

The washing machine in the condominium that I rent declared that it had had enough of its soaking, washing and spinning routine. I advised my landlady who called in a repair person who apparently declared that it needed a new control panel and quoted her a price. The control panel would need to be ordered and it would take some time for it to be delivered to his shop. She, wisely, said that she would think about it, and returned to her home to compare the costs of a new washer as compared to the amount that she had been quoted. I haven’t heard her decision yet, and it isn’t my business really. It is her condominium, and her washing machine.

What is my business was getting the clothes clean before the holiday weekend. I am no stranger to using a laundromat. Through the years, I have used them often.

I recently took my daughter to use a laundromat nearer to where she lives as the new dryer in her co-op wasn’t functioning. She reviewed laundromats on-line, locations near her, before deciding on one. I picked her up in my car. She loaded in her clothes bag and off went. Once we got there, she did the laundry while I read. This was a pleasant switch for me. It wasn’t my laundry, or my task.

I did take a chance to look around though. The strip-mall laundromat appeared to be managed by two women both of whom were quite busy. They were friendly but also able to assist when we had questions. There were coloring pages for children, a unwatched video blasting, machines that appeared to be maintained, snacks for sale, adequate space, air conditioning and a clean bathroom. Other than the video’s noise, this location would do just fine.

Of course, I returned there today. I was greeted as though they remembered me. Once again the women behind the counter were very busy, but also helpful. As I looked around to see who was using the machines, I saw mostly women. Most of them appeared to be culturally different from me, and the cultures were diverse. Some appeared to be physically strong, but not all. I did not see children. A different video was loudly playing. What amazed me was the quiet focus everyone had on getting the job done - load after load of laundry - each load was washed, dried and neatly folded.

I left with clean clothes. I feel set for the weekend. I also left with a respect for this ordinary, but extremely necessary task. I am assuming that in a few weeks, I will not be heading off to this laundromat. Rather, I will be putting in a load as needed from the comfort of my residence. However, I imagine most of these women will have been there more than once, caring for their families by keeping their families’ clothes washed, dried and ready for use.