Drying Clothes and Folding
After washing, the customer needs to use a dryer. They might ask about drying instructions for different fabrics, the drying time, or the cost. They then gather and fold their clean laundry.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
dryer
A machine used to dry wet clothes by blowing hot air on them, commonly found in laundromats.
load
To put clothes into a washing machine or dryer; also refers to the amount of clothes being washed or dried.
delicate
Describes clothes that are fragile or easily damaged, so they need gentle washing or drying to avoid harm.
jeans
Durable pants made of denim fabric, often washed and dried together with other sturdy clothes.
full load
When a machine is filled to its maximum capacity with clothes, which affects time and cost.
drying time
The duration needed to dry clothes in a dryer, usually depending on the type and amount of fabric.
coins
Small metal money pieces used to pay for machines in public laundromats, like quarters in the US.
folding tables
Flat surfaces provided in laundromats for neatly stacking and folding clean, dry clothes.
laundromat
A public place with washing machines and dryers for people to clean their clothes.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Do I just use any available dryer?
This is a polite question to ask if you can choose any free machine. Use it when seeking permission or confirmation in service places. It uses 'do I' for questions and 'any available' to mean whichever one is free.
Just load your clothes and choose your setting.
Simple instructions for operating a machine. Useful for giving or following steps. 'Just' makes it casual, and 'choose your setting' refers to selecting heat or time options on the dryer.
Do you have anything delicate?
A helpful question to check for special care items. Say this when assisting customers to ensure clothes aren't damaged. It uses 'anything' for general inquiry in yes/no questions.
What's the typical drying time for a full load, and how much does it cost?
This asks for standard information on time and price. Great for practical situations like laundromats. It combines two questions with 'and' and uses 'typical' to mean usual or average.
It's usually 25 cents for every 6 minutes.
Explains pricing clearly. Use this to describe costs based on time. 'Usually' indicates it's common but not always exact, and 'for every' shows the rate per unit.
So, I just put the coins in the slot after I close the door?
Confirms steps in a process. Useful for double-checking instructions. 'So' connects ideas, and the question form seeks agreement with a rising tone.
Once the dryer stops, your clothes should be ready to fold.
Gives advice on what to do next. 'Once' means 'when' for timing, and 'should be' expresses expectation. Say this to guide someone after a task finishes.
This is my first time using a public laundromat.
Shares personal experience to explain why you might need help. Polite for beginners. 'First time' is a common phrase for new experiences, and it builds rapport.