German Laundry Vocabulary — Waschsalon and Washing Machines
After this lesson you can work a German washing machine and read the settings.
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German Laundry Vocabulary — Waschsalon and Washing Machines
A German washing machine is labelled in German, and the labels are compound words. Once you can read the dial, the machine is simple.
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Kulturnotiz
Two things surprise newcomers. Tumble dryers are uncommon — most German households air-dry on a Wäscheständer, partly on cost and partly on principle. And in an apartment block with a shared Waschküche, the Waschplan is close to law: your slot is your slot, and quiet hours mean no machines running on a Sunday. Laundry disputes are a genuine staple of German neighbour life.
Common questions
+What is the difference between Waschmittel and Weichspüler?
Waschmittel is the detergent that cleans; Weichspüler is the fabric softener added in the rinse. They go in different compartments of the drawer.
+What does Kochwäsche mean?
The 90-degree boil wash, for white cottons. kochen means to boil, not just to cook — putting anything delicate on this programme will ruin it.
+What is Pflegeleicht?
Literally "easy-care" — the gentle programme for synthetics and shirts. It washes cooler and spins more slowly than the colour wash.
+What is a Waschplan?
The rota for a shared laundry room in an apartment block, assigning each flat a day or time slot. It is generally enforced, and taking another flat's slot causes real friction.