Lessive

n. – laundry
Lave-linge séchant
n. – washer dryer combo
Laundry has taken on a whole new dimension here. Back in New York, we had a laundry room with six large washers and dryers. If they were available, the whole process of washing up to six loads could be accomplished in a little over an hour. Here we have a washer/dryer combo right inside our apartment, but six loads of laundry could easily take a week.

The drying part of the washer/dryer combo is not as efficient as a separate dryer would be, but it’s a more efficient use of space. Most people have their own machines and I’ve yet to see a building with a laundry room. So it’s better than having to go to a “laverie” or laundry mat. Since we don’t normally dry absolutely everything, we can take advantage of doing several small loads rather than cramming everything in one. However the loads to dry things take absolutely forever.

I’ve lost track of the time while I’ve waited here for my sheets and one towel to finish drying, but I know I started the machine when I woke up and it’s already well into the afternoon. When we were finally able to rescue the load we put in to dry yesterday, again started in the afternoon and ending later that evening, the things poured out boiling hot, still slightly damp and more wrinkled than a litter of sharpei puppies!

The machine has a way of wrinkling even things that are permanent press. I’ve never seen anything like it. I shouldn’t complain though because many people don’t believe in dryers at all. Well, actually I can understand why! The principle is an environmental one and it’s in fact why the machines take so long. Rather than using more water and more power to wash and dry faster, the machines take their time, which is very French. There is no sense of rushing or urgency here anywhere. In restaurants, waiters will leave you at your table for hours even after you’ve paid. Shopkeepers will chit chat with customers for hours even if there others waiting. Of course when it’s your turn, they’ll spend just as much time with you. So as long as you’re patient here, things eventually get done just like my laundry. I think it’s time to go check on those hot damps wrinkly sheets.