Living in a Share House? The “Laundry Roster” and Rules
Long-Term Stay Laundry Dynamics
If you are in Japan for a month or more on a Working Holiday or studying, you might live in a “Share House.” Laundry here is a social minefield.
Common Rules to Expect
- The “7 AM to 10 PM” Rule: Noise travels. Never use the machine late at night.
- Filter Cleaning: In Japanese machines, you must clean the lint filter (a small net inside the drum) after EVERY use. Leaving a dirty filter for the next person is very rude.
- Detergent Marking: If you keep your detergent in the common area, write your name on it with a permanent marker. Otherwise, it becomes “community property.”
The “Line Up”
On Sunday mornings, everyone wants to wash. Some houses have a whiteboard to book a time slot. Respect the system!
