今日から実践！「洗濯」で使う英語表現マスターガイド【洗濯機、洗剤、家事編】

Anna: Hey, can you help me with the laundry today?
Ben: Sure! First, I’ll collect the laundry from each room. Do you want me to sort the laundry by color and fabric?
Anna: Yes, please. Don’t forget to check for any stains because we need to use the stain removerbefore washing.
Ben: Got it. Next, I’ll put the clothes into the washing machine and add detergent along with some fabric softener.
Anna: Sounds good. Is this washing machine energy-efficient?
Ben: Yeah, it is, plus it has a fast wash cycle if we’re in a hurry. I’ll choose the delicate cycle for my silk clothes, though.
Anna: Good idea. After that, make sure to close the lid tightly and start the washing machine.
Ben: Of course. When the washing is done, I’ll take out the laundry and hang them on the clothesline. Don’t forget to use clothes pegs to keep them from falling.
Anna: Perfect. And after drying, we can iron the clothes using the ironing board.

Customer: Hi, I’m looking for a new washing machine. Can you help me?
Salesperson: Of course! Are you interested in a high capacity model or something more compact?

Customer: I have a large family, so a high capacity one would be better. Also, I want it to be energy-efficient to save on utility bills.
Salesperson: We have several models that are both high capacity and energy-efficient. This one also features a quiet operation, which is great for apartments.

Customer: That sounds good. Does it have an automatic dispenser for detergent and fabric softener?
Salesperson: Yes, it does. You just fill the compartments, and it releases the right amount during the cycle.

Customer: What about wash options? I need a machine with a delicate cycle for my silk clothes and a fast wash cycle for when I’m in a hurry.
Salesperson: This model includes both. It also has a steam cleaning function for deep cleaning and a child lock for safety.

Customer: Great! How about after washing — does it have a quick spin cycle to dry clothes faster?
Salesperson: Absolutely, you can choose the quick spin cycle to remove excess water efficiently.

Customer: Perfect. I think this model fits my needs. What’s the price?
Salesperson: It’s currently on sale for $799, and we offer free installation and a two-year warranty.

Customer: Sounds like a good deal. I’ll take it.
Salesperson: Excellent choice! Let me get it ready for you.

Doing Laundry

In American households, doing laundry is an essential daily chore that helps keep clothes clean, fresh, and ready to wear. The process involves several steps, each supported by specific items and machinery designed to make washing efficient and effective. Here is a detailed overview of how laundry is typically done in an American home, using common English terms related to laundry.

The first step in laundry is to collect the laundry or dirty clothes from various rooms and places in the house. Once collected, the dirty clothes are usually sorted by color and fabric type to prevent colors from bleeding and to ensure delicate items are washed carefully. Sorting the laundry appropriately helps in choosing the correct washing method and cycle.

Next, the laundry is put into the washing machine. Modern American homes mostly use an electric washing machine, often referred to simply as a washer. The washing machine has a rotating drumwhere clothes go. Along with the clothes, the appropriate amount of laundry detergent and sometimes fabric softener is added, usually through a detergent drawer designed for this purpose. Some washing machines feature an automatic dispenser that releases detergent and softener at the right time during the wash cycle.

Once everything is set, you start the washing machine and select the appropriate wash cycle, such as a regular wash, a delicate cycle for sensitive fabrics, or a fast wash cycle when in a hurry. Many machines include a spin cycle or quick spin cycle to remove excess water from the clothes, speeding up drying time. After the wash is complete, you take out the laundry promptly to prevent musty smells or wrinkles.

The washed clothes are either hung outside on a clothesline or inside on hangers to dry—this action is called to hang clothes. Many families use clothes pegs or clothespins to secure the clothes on the line so they don’t blow away. Alternatively, some homes have a dryer that uses warm air to dry clothes quickly. It is important to regularly clean the filter in the dryer to maintain proper airflow.

Once dry, clothes are folded neatly and put away in drawers or closets. For garments like shirts and pants, many people use an iron and an ironing board to remove wrinkles and give clothes a crisp appearance. For tough stains that might not have come out in the wash, a stain remover is often applied before washing to treat the fabric.

Some households look for washing machines with additional features such as being energy-efficient, having a high capacity to handle large loads, or offering steam cleaning functions for better stain removal. Safety features like a child lock are also common in modern machines.

In summary, laundry in American homes is a well-organized routine involving the collection, sorting, washing, drying, and care of clothes using a variety of specialized tools and appliances. Keeping up with each step ensures clothes stay clean, fresh, and well-maintained.