Everyday English · Read, listen and speak
Using a Launderette
Ask how to use a self-service washing machine, check what the price includes and find out whether drying costs extra.
Your speaking goal
Ask for a short demonstration and confirm the washing cost, detergent and separate drying step.
Before you start: A launderette has washing machines that customers pay to use. An attendant is a staff member who helps customers. ‘Detergent’ is a product used for washing. The machines, prices and timings in this example are fictional.
Your six-step practice plan
- Understand: Read the goal and check the useful phrases.
- Listen or read: Follow both roles. Audio is optional.
- Repeat: Say one short line at a time, then join the words smoothly.
- Change details: Replace two details with imaginary ones.
- Role-play: Read the other person’s question, cover your reply and answer aloud. Then swap roles.
- Review: Use the “I can” checks below. Repeat any part that still needs help.
Work at your own pace. A clear message matters more than copying a particular accent.
Listen, read and notice
Roles: Customer and Attendant
Browser-generated English voice; availability and sound vary by device. Use the written dialogue if audio is unavailable.
Customer: Hi. It’s my first time here. Could you show me how this machine works?
Attendant: Of course. Have you chosen a wash programme?
Customer: Not yet. I’ve checked the clothes labels, but I’m not sure which setting matches them.
Attendant: Let’s look at the labels and the programme guide together.
Customer: Thanks. How much is one wash?
Attendant: Four pounds on this machine. It adds detergent automatically.
Customer: So I don’t need to add my own detergent?
Attendant: That’s right. Once you’ve loaded it and paid, press the green Start button.
Customer: How long does the wash take?
Attendant: About thirty-five minutes on the programme we’ve selected.
Customer: Does that price include drying?
Attendant: No. The dryers are separate and cost extra. I can show you those next.
Useful phrases and what they do
- Could you show me how this machine works? — Request a demonstration rather than guessing the controls.
- Which setting matches these labels? — Ask for help choosing a suitable programme.
- Do I need to add detergent? — Check whether washing product must be added separately.
- Does that price include drying? — Check whether drying is covered by the washing price.
Say it clearly
Stress the last part of ‘launderette’: launder-ETTE. In ‘THIRTY-FIVE minutes’, make both parts of the number clear. Pause after ‘Does that price include / DRYING?’ if you need time to form the question.
Build your own replies
Could you show me how ___ works? Do I need to ___? → On this machine, you need to ___.
Ask and check
Do you mean the machine adds detergent itself? → Yes. You don’t need to add any on this machine.
Common mistakes and alternatives
‘You don’t need to’ means something is unnecessary; it is not the same as ‘you mustn’t’, which expresses a prohibition. ‘Launderette’ and ‘laundrette’ are British spellings; ‘laundromat’ is common in American English. The example does not give a setting for every fabric: check the actual machine instructions and clothes labels.
Check what you understood
Answer aloud before revealing each explanation. Natural replies with the same meaning also count.
Question 1
Does the customer need to add detergent to this machine?
Show answer 1 and explanation
No. This machine adds it automatically. That explains why adding the customer’s own detergent is unnecessary here; other machines may work differently.
Question 2
Will the clothes be washed and dried for four pounds in about thirty-five minutes?
Show answer 2 and explanation
No. Four pounds and about thirty-five minutes refer to the wash on the selected programme. Drying is a separate step and costs extra; the drying price and time have not been stated.
Question 3
What could the customer say if they still cannot find the Start button?
Show answer 3 and explanation
‘Could you point to the Start button, please?’ or ‘Which one is the Start button?’ both work. A specific question helps the attendant show the right control.
Your turn: make it a real exchange
Practise alone: read the other person’s line, cover your reply and answer aloud. Then swap roles. No partner is needed.
Role A
Ask an attendant to show you a fictional washing machine. Check the programme, detergent, washing price and whether drying is included.
Role B
Explain the imaginary machine one step at a time. Distinguish the wash from drying and invite the customer to check anything unclear.
Make it easier: Keep the model visible and change one detail at a time.
Add a challenge: The customer asks ‘How much altogether?’ Explain that you need to check the separate dryer price before giving a total. Ask how the dryer is charged.
Ready to move on?
Try again with less reading. Use these checks and repeat any part that needs more practice.
- I can ask for a demonstration of a machine.
- I can check whether I need to add detergent.
- I can distinguish washing from separate drying costs.