Here are some real English phrases people actually use at home while doing laundry.
1. Let’s get moving
“Alright, it’s laundry day. Let’s get moving.”
This is a natural way to tell someone to start doing something right away.
2. Do I really have to ~?
“Do I really have to help?”
Use this when you do not want to do something and you are complaining a little.
3. Start by ~
“Start by grabbing your socks.”
This expression is useful when giving step-by-step instructions.
4. Ugh… fine
“Ugh… fine.”
This shows reluctant agreement. It sounds natural in casual spoken English.
5. I got ’em
“Okay, okay. I got ’em.”
This is a casual spoken form of “I got them.”
6. Toss / throw in
“Should I just toss these pants in too?”
“Yeah, throw them in.”
These are common expressions for putting clothes into the washer.
7. That’s a ton of ~
“Wow, that’s a ton of laundry.”
Use this when there is a lot of something.
8. Tell me about it
“Tell me about it.”
This means “I know” or “I totally agree.” It is often used when something is annoying or tiring.
9. Hold on
“Wait! Hold on.”
Use this to stop someone for a moment.
10. That’s plenty
“Just one capful. That’s plenty.”
This means “That is enough.”
11. I’ll have to ~
“I’ll have to pre-treat it first.”
Use this when something needs to be done before the next step.
12. That’s it
“And that’s it. Laundry’s rolling.”
This is a simple way to say the process is finished.
Useful Vocabulary from This Conversation
- hamper = a basket for dirty clothes
- washer = washing machine
- detergent = soap for washing clothes
- pre-treat = treat a stain before washing
- hand-wash only = must be washed by hand
- dry cleaners = a place for professional clothing cleaning
Full Conversation Script
Mom: Alright, it’s laundry day. Let’s get moving.
Son: Do I really have to help?
Mom: Yes, you do. Start by grabbing your socks.
Son: Ugh… fine. Why are my socks even all over the floor?
Mom: Because you never actually put them in the hamper, honey.
Son: Okay, okay. I got ’em.
Mom: Good. Bring them over here.
Son: Here you go. Happy?
Mom: Thanks. Now, help me sort these.
Son: Sort them? How?
Mom: Simple. Whites in this pile, colors over there.
Son: Got it. Wow, that’s a ton of laundry.
Mom: Tell me about it.
Son: Should I just toss these pants in too?
Mom: Yeah, throw ’em in.
Son: Ew! These socks smell gross!
Mom: Well, then maybe you should change them more than once a week.
Son: That’s not funny, Mom.
Mom: Just put them in the washer.
Son: Okay… but I’m not touching them a second longer than I have to.
Mom: Wait! Hold on. Don’t mix the towels with the colors.
Son: Why not? They’re just towels.
Mom: I’m doing the towels as a separate load.
Son: Mom, can you wash this shirt for me?
Mom: Sure. Oh, wait. There’s a nasty stain on this.
Son: Yeah… I spilled some soda on it earlier.
Mom: I’ll have to pre-treat it first. Go ahead and add the detergent.
Son: How much?
Mom: Just one capful. That’s plenty.
Son: What about these ones?
Mom: Those are hand-wash only. And those over there? They need to go to the dry cleaners.
Son: Okay, okay. Got it.
Mom: Alright, hit the start button.
Son: Done!
Mom: And that’s it. Laundry’s rolling.
Son: Finally! We’re actually done!
Watch the Video
If you want to hear the full conversation, you can watch the video below.