Uber going to wash that?

[SueEllen]

Has anyone ever seen that in the UK?

It's been 20 years, but I still remember the misery of lugging a big heavy bag of clothes (and a big heavy bag of change) a mile down the road to the laundrette.

This is most likely going to appeal to people who are at home anyway, like women looking after kids, or WFH contractors, who see it as a way of making a small bit of cash. Not really a bad thing.

Nope.

I dodge the JWs and parcel delivery people already.

[TestMangler]

So how's it work? You buy one of these expensive things and hope people want to use it? But they already have washing machines since they had to wash clothes before you bought one. Or, your washer breaks and you decide not to replace it but persuade a neighbour to throw out their machine and buy a smart one? In which case you could have the one they throw out.

If this was on Dragons Den you know what the outcome would be!

What next, letting the neighbours use your bog for 5p a go?

And will the washing machine owner be employed by the app developer and be entitled to holiday pay and taxation at source ?

[d000hg]

Has anyone ever seen that in the UK?

It's been 20 years, but I still remember the misery of lugging a big heavy bag of clothes (and a big heavy bag of change) a mile down the road to the laundrette.

This is most likely going to appeal to people who are at home anyway, like women looking after kids, or WFH contractors, who see it as a way of making a small bit of cash. Not really a bad thing.

So how's it work? You buy one of these expensive things and hope people want to use it? But they already have washing machines since they had to wash clothes before you bought one. Or, your washer breaks and you decide not to replace it but persuade a neighbour to throw out their machine and buy a smart one? In which case you could have the one they throw out.

If this was on Dragons Den you know what the outcome would be!

What next, letting the neighbours use your bog for 5p a go?

[original PM]

Has anyone ever seen that in the UK?

It's been 20 years, but I still remember the misery of lugging a big heavy bag of clothes (and a big heavy bag of change) a mile down the road to the laundrette.

This is most likely going to appeal to people who are at home anyway, like women looking after kids, or WFH contractors, who see it as a way of making a small bit of cash. Not really a bad thing.

My first year student flat in Edinburgh had one - although that was about 22 ish years ago.

I guess today's snowflakes have a washer and dryer in their accommodation?

[VectraMan]

If housing development were built with a laundry room that'd probably work better. But that's not so common outside flats AFAIK.

Has anyone ever seen that in the UK?

It's been 20 years, but I still remember the misery of lugging a big heavy bag of clothes (and a big heavy bag of change) a mile down the road to the laundrette.

This is most likely going to appeal to people who are at home anyway, like women looking after kids, or WFH contractors, who see it as a way of making a small bit of cash. Not really a bad thing.

[vetran]

now adding web / push notification so I can text the kids to hang it out on the line, that would be cool!

[sal]

Next thing you know, your neighbor will claim employment at your house as washing machine operator and demand minimal wages + pension...

If i'm close enough to my neighbors to let them access my home and use my washing machine I sure as hell not gonna charge them a sum competitive to a launderette and just let them use it for free if they are in need. Which makes the whole endeavour a waste of time.

[d000hg]

I can't work out any financial model that makes it worthwhile renting your washing machine out to your grotty neighbours while also remaining cheap it enough to make it worth them using your machine vs buying their own.

I think financially it probably can make sense, it's everything else that doesn't... typically people aren't that close with their neighbours to feel happy letting them come in on their own and without that it becomes cumbersome, not worth the money to the owner.

In some cases where next door neighbours are close then maybe, but then what if they go on holiday or move, and now you have to buy a machine anyway.

If housing development were built with a laundry room that'd probably work better. But that's not so common outside flats AFAIK.

[VectraMan]

Whereas it seems Electrolux are developing a "smart" washing machine

Presumably it comes with a "smart" front door that allows your neighbours into your kitchen at the allotted time.

Maybe it makes some sense, but I can't see what advantage there is into building any of this into the washing machine. Electrolux will soon realise that it works just as well with any old "dumb" washing machine. Just use a simple smartphone app to handle the bookings.

[Mordac]

I can't work out any financial model that makes it worthwhile renting your washing machine out to your grotty neighbours while also remaining cheap it enough to make it worth them using your machine vs buying their own.

I can sort of understand it as a temporary measure - your machine packs up, it'll be best part of a week for whoever to come and install a new one etc. To work commercially they would have to undercut the laundrettes (the few that still exist) and you can do a large load for a fiver there. Plus they have insurance etc. so I don't see how you can operate as a commercial laundry service and make any sort of profit. The taxman will be all over you like a rash for a start.

[vwdan]

I can't work out any financial model that makes it worthwhile renting your washing machine out to your grotty neighbours while also remaining cheap it enough to make it worth them using your machine vs buying their own.

Although, of course, having gone against my better judgement and read the actual link - the headline says:

Electrolux developing 'smart' washing machines that will enable neighbours to rent them out, similar to the taxi app

Whereas it seems Electrolux are developing a "smart" washing machine which

in theory, a family could allow their neighbours – or strangers - to book a slot in their washing machine via an online timetable.

Which isn't really quite the same thing.

[original PM]

You mean like a laundrette? ....

[SueEllen]

eew

Electrolux developing washing machines that will enable neighbours to rent them | Daily Mail Online



The Internet of Dirty things.

Would you want MF's 'smalls' in your drum? Or NLYUK's frillies tossed into your machine?

Least NLYUKs frillies are more off than on.

[vetran]

eew

Electrolux developing washing machines that will enable neighbours to rent them | Daily Mail Online

Uber for your LAUNDRY: Electrolux developing 'smart' washing machines that will enable neighbours to rent them out, similar to the taxi app
Swedish company suggest new Uber style idea for people doing laundry
Neighbours could book slot on a washing machine on their street and pay
Families 'renting' out their machines could make some extra cash for bills

The Internet of Dirty things.

Would you want MF's 'smalls' in your drum? Or NLYUK's frillies tossed into your machine?