In a public laundry facility like a laundromat, it's generally best to avoid touching or moving someone else's belongings, including their clothes left in the washer. People may have various reasons for not immediately returning to the machines, such as getting delayed or handling other urgent matters.
Moving someone's clothes, even if they have been left in the washer for an extended period, can be considered intrusive and may lead to conflicts or misunderstandings. It's important to respect others' belongings and personal space.
Here are some steps you can take instead:
Check for a laundromat attendant: If the laundromat has an attendant or staff member, you can inform them about the situation. They may have a policy in place for dealing with abandoned laundry.
Use other available machines: If there are other available washing machines, use one of them for your laundry. If the person who left their clothes returns later, they will likely appreciate that you didn't disturb their items.
Wait for a reasonable time: If you are in a rush, consider waiting for a reasonable amount of time to see if the person comes back to retrieve their laundry. If they don't return, inform the laundromat staff about the situation.
Be cautious with personal items: In case you need to move someone's belongings for any reason (e.g., if there's a risk of damage to the clothes), try to handle them with care and place them on a clean surface nearby. You can also leave a polite note informing the person about what you did and why.
Remember, it's essential to treat others' belongings with respect and follow the rules and guidelines of the laundromat. If you encounter a similar situation in the future, try to exercise patience and understanding while maintaining good laundry etiquette.