Neighbour Wants Us to Change Laundry Detergent

LJohn Kimble on 01/01/2017 - 12:59
Last edited 05/01/2017 - 12:41

Hi all,

Happy new year!

Wondering what everyone would do in my situation. Would you agree/comply? Or would you ignore the email hoping to never bump into them in person? Would you stand your ground and not switch (probably damaging the relationship)? Would you do something else?

Brief background:
I live in a 4 unit block where the shared laundry is beneath Unit 1. The owner of Unit 1 has emailed us on NYE asking us to change to a sensitive laundry detergent (eg OMO Sensitive) as it supposedly has no added/artificial fragrance. She states she has become extremely sensitive to artificial fragrances and it is impacting her health… Something called "second hand fragrance".

We've already as a group agreed to restrict the times we are allowed to use the laundry room and spent a few grand of strata funds to renovate the laundry to reduce the noise from the dryers. The other two units seemed to have changed their detergents, so I am thinking it is probably just easier to just switch to avoid any further conflict…despite my reluctance on principle.

This is the most recent complaint of many since we bought out unit…she has complained about multiple things impacting 3 of her 5 senses in that time already… Just waiting on complaints relating to taste and touch now…

Whilst we are not close for other reasons, we are civil to each other and I have nothing against her (apart from the regular complaints about various things), so I wouldn't want it to turn into an ACA exclusive story. On one hand I feel sorry for her if smells and sounds from the laundry room is reducing her quality of life, but on the other I feel like she has no right to dictate what detergent we use… We have already compromised and restricted when we can use the laundry room (which is very inconvenient at times), so I feel like this is pushing the limit somewhat.

Email:

For the last couple of months I have noticed you have changed your laundry detergent to a brand or type that is stronger smelling together with the fact that you are now using your dryers a lot more. This was previously only a problem with unit 3, so I had to speak to them again and the difference since they changed has been a significant improvement.

I have become very sensitive to strong smelling artificial fragrances and can not stand my bedroom and apartment smelling like a steamy laundry, so further to the email I sent previously below, which at the time was essentially directed to unit 3, can you please change your detergent to a 'sensitive type' preferably all the time but especially when using dryers as I am unable to open my windows for fresh air, which is essential for my health and well being. I understand detergents are expensive so I always stock up when on sale at half price, Woolworths currently have half price sale of OMO sensitive, but most brands also has a version.

I can post the original email she sent to all units in May also if anyone is interested.

EDIT: Thank you all for your input, at least I'm not the only one thinking it is unreasonable in some respects.

Was just at my cousin's place telling her about my predicament and she gave me half a bottle of liquid OMO sensitive! She said she doesn't like it or use it, prefers the powder Aldi one. Winning!

So I think I will send her something along these lines:

Hi <name>,

Firstly I just want it on record that I dispute that we have been using "our dryer a lot more". I always try to use the line where possible to save money on electricity and because the dryer damages the clothes. I would think if our laundry usage has increased (on average), then it would have been since our daughter has been born?

Having said this, we will start using sensitive going forward when we know we will be using the dryer. Please be aware there will probably be a period of transition whilst we finish up our current detergent and are able to buy the sensitive detergent on sale.

Cheers,
<name>

Poll Options

  • 15
    Change Detergent
  • 79
    Don't Change Detergent
  • 15
    Other (e.g. Change with but with conditions)
Home & Garden

Comments

  • ihbh on 01/01/2017 - 17:16
    +6

    Why don't you apply the Golden Rule. If your roles were reversed, what would you want if you were her? Do you think it is too much to ask?

    You seem pretty decent and reasonable so I'm sure you'll arrive at a mutually beneficial outcome for all.

    • Gravy on 01/01/2017 - 17:21
      +1

      It's a good rule but the problem with that is it's very hard to put yourself in her shoes as if you don't have a chemical sensitivity then it's hard to understand what that might be like. Which is why I gave the extreme example of having someone burning plastic/carpet next door earlier.

      • [Deactivated] on 01/01/2017 - 18:11
        +1

        Where burning plastic contains actual toxins and is doing actual damage to human functions and lung tissue, whereas fragrance is a possible irritant. Your comparison was akin to comparing the possible irritant eucalyptus oil with the deadly actual toxins in the death cap mushroom.

        Would you remove your internet, phones and other electrical devices to satisfy an electromagnetic hypersensitivity sufferer? If not, why not?

        • tonka on 01/01/2017 - 19:32
          +1

          I personally would prefer burning plastic to constant perfume. The former irritates me, the second makes me ill after a while. A bit like seasickness actually but with a headache as well, nothing makes you feel better.

        • Gravy on 01/01/2017 - 21:14
          +1

          You still don't seem to have understood why I used the analogy even after I explained earlier (did you miss that message?). People generally have differing tolerance levels when it comes to irritating aromas. Someone burning plastic next door is not a nice smell which is acrid and irritating to the airways of many people. Likewise, someone with a chemical sensitivity can find certain detergent aromas acrid and irritating to airways…. for those people, whenever someone in the building is doing the washing it may be the equivalent of someone burning plastic next door for the rest of us. Does that make sense?

          Let's say an odour triggered an asthma attack, but a bunch of other people were not concerned by the smell. Would that be cause for concern or would the fact that the larger group of people were not affected lessen the importance of the effect on the person with asthma?

          Regarding electromagnetic sensitivity, a good question. I have no personal experience with this, which would affect my decision greatly compared to the scenario in this thread. The big difference is there is a very easy solution to the detergent problem which has no great impact on the OP, particularly if they come to an agreement on costs.

          So you ask would I remove all my wifi and phones, no… not unless the person suffering the ailment could provide an effective alternate solution for me at no cost or disadvantage to me. They would also need to provide me with some evidence of their discomfort by way of a blind test that I witnessed first hand, which would prove very easily if their condition was legit. This would perhaps cause them some discomfort though if their condition was real (which is a negative). In my opinion a person suffering this electromagnetic hypersensitivity condition would need to relocate if the solution caused a negative impact on neighbours.

          Probably said enough on this topic… time for a movie.

        • [Deactivated] on 01/01/2017 - 22:03
          -1

          @Gravy:
          I didn't miss that message at all. It simply had zero scientific merit. You embellished.

        • Gravy on 01/01/2017 - 23:00

          @Frugal Rock: Embellished what?? I explained my analogy further as you seemed to think it wasn't relevant and I did. If you still don't think its valid then fair enough, that's your opinion.

    • John Kimble on 01/01/2017 - 17:38
      +2

      Of course I'm reasonable, "I'm a cop, you idiot!"

      • THICKnSLOW on 01/01/2017 - 19:22
        +5

        "I live in a 4 unit block where the shared laundry is beneath Unit 1."

        She's directly affected, whereas the other units aren't. Can you change your laundry detergent to a sensitive for a month or two see how she reacts? She may praise you and become nice to you, you never know unless you try.

        Too many inconsiderate selfish drongos in the world, as a few posts in this thread proves. Some of you should lift your game.

        • [Deactivated] on 01/01/2017 - 20:20
          -1

          You seem pretty comfortable using electronic equipment that inconsiderately and selfishly affects electromagnetic hypersensitivity sufferers. Why the hypocrisy?

        • THICKnSLOW on 01/01/2017 - 23:33

          @Frugal Rock: Make a joke of it all you like, dude. Empathy saves humanity, not the other way around.

          https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/out-the-darkness/201203…

        • [Deactivated] on 01/01/2017 - 23:56

          @THICKnSLOW:
          Are you dismissing electromagnetic hypersensitivity sufferers as fodder for a joke? That's not very inclusive of you.

      • SnoozeAndLose on 01/01/2017 - 21:17

        Cop living in a unit with shared laundry?

        Where is all the Tax money we paid?

        • John Kimble on 01/01/2017 - 21:21
          +3

          I'm not really a cop, it's a joke/quote in reference to my username the main character of Kindergarten Cop played by Arnold Schwarzenegger. :)

        • StewBalls on 01/01/2017 - 22:13
          +2

          @John Kimble: You'll find many OzBargainers unable to draw humourous inferences like that…even with clues like quotations…they might have a tumor! ;)

  • shaybisc on 01/01/2017 - 17:19
    +1

    I would do what she wants. It's no big deal and if you can make someone's life better for such a low cost, you should- karma, man.

  • mataeka on 01/01/2017 - 18:31
    +10

    Totally unreasonable! Living in units comes with dealing with other units smells - Last night my bedroom with my toddler in it smelt like cigarettes due to a party going on next door (not even in my block of units) … The cleaning product my direct neighbour stinks like poop to me so I shut the door when he's been cleaning. Another neighbours laundry detergent is way too strong for me - I don't linger when they hang their clothes on the line. Yeah I totally agree your neighbour probably hates the smell - unlikely it's damaging her health hugely though - fragrance isn't great for overall health and yeah I minimise my usage in part with that in mind - however I have no say in what others do - nor would I expect to! Asking you to foot the cost of something more expensive is total crazy talk though.

    • tanksinatra on 01/01/2017 - 21:40
      +3

      Totally agree. Living in an apartment comes with neighbouring fragrances, smells, noises etc. That's why we call the city 'the big smoke'. Especially when there are shared laundry facilities. If you can't handle your neighbours fragrances then you shouldn't be sharing a damn laundry.

      Having said that, I'd agree to use unscented powder if she provides it.

  • Tony76 on 01/01/2017 - 18:44
    +1

    Just live your life as normal mate, personally if I was you I'd be asking her not to contact me via email any more. Life is too short!

  • SydBoy on 01/01/2017 - 18:57
    +4

    In my opinion if you respond to this email then you are entertaining her unreasonable request. From her email it is clear that she like to instruct and expect others to change to suit her.

    If the strata law doesn't required you to respond then you should completely ignore the email and that is the best response for time being.

    If she follow up face to face then ask her to contact strata manager. Then you can tell strata manager to show you legislative clause which requires you to change detergent.

    If she is good neighbour then she would have talked to you face to face but as she hasn't you are also not require to follow what she is demanding.

  • Mrgreenz on 01/01/2017 - 19:57
    +1

    She says she is unable to open her windows due to health reasons, but the windows were open to pet the fertilizer in?

    I would just change and wait for the next complaint. Please post it here when it occurs. Its quite funny.

    Can you post some previous correspondance?

  • lainey13 on 01/01/2017 - 20:25

    She's annoying but it might be better for your own health to calm down on the artificial fragrances :)

  • prinsenhof on 01/01/2017 - 20:36
    +1

    I think her points on the laundry are valid, but the solution is just BS. Have a look a the laundry arrangement and see if you can organise a ducted extraction fan for the room. Tie this into the lighting circuit and send a memo to leave the lights on during laundry use. Simply ignore the request for new detergent, and keep on suggesting more needs to be done with the room if it smells. This difers it, when really you dont give a crap. Let her chase the extraction fan if you cant be bothered.

    All other matters, treat them how you would your dog. Use a very authoritative voice, only respond to logic or reason and deflect whatever you dont agree with by pretending to be on their side but doing absolutely nothing about it.

    This is how most strata organisations work and is why nothing ever gets done.

  • wukachuka on 01/01/2017 - 20:40
    +1

    Ignore it, keep doing what you want, if she brings it up in person, excuse yourself "I don't have time for this right now"
    Done.

  • worldwidehappiness on 01/01/2017 - 20:48
    +1

    I'd agree to the request. It's an easy way to make someone a little happier or less unhappy.

  • Miss B on 01/01/2017 - 21:02

    The Reject Shop always has 2kg boxes of Omo sensitive for $9.50. Or at least my one does, might be worth checking it out. I know you said you prefer the liquid because you wash in cold water, but we only use cold water and it seems fine.

    • John Kimble on 02/01/2017 - 07:25

      Perhaps I am doing something wrong or my machine is very old, because when I use powder in ours, we end up with a lot of powder residue on our clothes that we don't get when we use liquid.

      • THICKnSLOW on 02/01/2017 - 10:59
        +1

        I used to have that issue too. I was advised to dissolve the powder in warm water prior to pouring into the wash, which works.
        The only issue is stirring the mixture gently enough not to develop bubbles.

        • John Kimble on 04/01/2017 - 08:55

          Yeah that solution does work, but I would have to do that in my unit (as there are no hot water taps in the laundry) and carry it down in a separate container to my dirty laundry basket which can be a hassle. Why go through all that when I can just buy the liquid versions?

  • bluedufflecoat on 01/01/2017 - 21:22
    +4

    Haven't read everything on here, but my husband has a lot of sensitivities too… and it's not made up. So, I would say, unless you walked in their shoes, it's easy to judge and say they're being really demanding, but it really is affecting them, health-wise. So, I would suggest that you consider it from their perspective, and if it was you in the same situation, wouldn't you want your neighbours to take your request seriously? I would give her the benefit of the doubt.

    • StewBalls on 03/01/2017 - 13:25

      Haven't read everything on here…

      Nothing like going off half-cocked, eh? :/

  • misu p on 01/01/2017 - 21:23
    -8

    Change your detergent, why is it such a big problem? You wanted her to pay extra for your detergent and you did not even ***** know if it costs more. (it looks it does not).

    I read here stories about:
    1) a neighbor wanting to move the fence and somebody else to pay for it
    2) a homeless people on drugs that parked the car in a buildings driveway and the cops doing nothing about it
    3) other stories about neighbors from hell

    and you bitch about a letter that asks you rather nice to change your detergent because she has a (possible) medical problem?

    Also you say you have a young daughter, if the dryer can be heard through the walls surely your screaming baby can also be heard. If you live in a building with thin walls you all just have to get along.

    • [Deactivated] on 01/01/2017 - 22:08
      +5

      You've just rudely attacked the OP on pure gutshot that there is a medical issue, when the letter only mentions sensitivity and 'well being' (sic). There is no mention of ambulances, doctors or hospitalisation, just wellness that looks more like it's been lifted from a Pete Evans blog. Saying you can't stand it smelling like a steamy laundry isn't a medical condition I'm familiar with.

      Where is your evidence that this is a medical issue rather than a holistic wellness matter?

      • Gravy on 01/01/2017 - 23:07

        Whilst I have no idea if there is indeed a medical issue, the letter does mention "health" as well.

        • [Deactivated] on 02/01/2017 - 00:07
          +1

          The full quote sounds serious. I can see why you were selective:

          "I am unable to open my windows for fresh air, which is essential for my health"

          Facetious apologies for not filing that one as the medical condition "Fenestra immobiles by proxy"

        • Gravy on 02/01/2017 - 00:17
          +1

          @Frugal Rock: Oh man… are you caustic for the fun of it or what? Nighty night.

        • catbrain on 10/01/2017 - 12:23
          +1

          @Frugal Rock:

          "Fenestra immobilis by proxy"

          I'm going to be laughing about that one all day. I corrected your spelling too.

    • John Kimble on 02/01/2017 - 00:00
      +3

      For me it's more the buildup of previous requests, the one way street it has seemingly been and the principle of the matter.

      I don't believe I am having a bitch, but perhaps it can be taken that way.

      It's a double brick building and her unit is separated from ours by the hallway/foyer. So she would't hear us and we don't hear them. She would hear and smell the dryers because it it directly below her apartment (there is minimal insulation, just hardwood floors).

      • DisneyPrincess on 02/01/2017 - 01:21
        +4

        +1 for this being about the one way street. Given her previous requests & behaviour, sounds like she thinks she can keep sending out all these "requests" to other people because she get's away with it. She's totally betting that any logical person would realise it's easier to just do whatever she wants than argue with her. Problem with this is that the "requests" will just keep coming (eg: she wanted all the windows & doors in the laundry closed due to sound & air pollution, gets what she wants, then complains that it's a health risk due to mould. Makes peace with the mould risk, then goes back to sound & air pollution again!?!?!?)

        Sounds like she sees her unit location as just a lose-lose situation (laundry & previous garden issues) but she's trying to get everyone else to make changes instead of deciding to do something herself. If she was really distressed about the change from a ceramic to plastic pot, or colour of the deck, she could put in the request change it back herself (especially the pot thing, come on…really!?!?)

        I feel your pain, some people are just serial complainers who are never happy, as soon as they get their way they'll just start complaining about the next thing

  • jason101 on 01/01/2017 - 21:52
    +3

    One of the benefits of engaging a body corporate manager is that they can assist in dispute mediation between owners (or tenants who make their problem the owners problem). As an owner you are paying a body corporate manager to assist with such matters. I would forward the letter to the strata manager, ask them to table the letter at the next AGM and leave it at that. When living in close proximity to others it is best not to get personally involved in disputes but to allow a 3rd party discussion / mediation to take place in a controlled manner. If the neighbour finds this unreasonable she may call an extraordinary meeting (which is convened at the requestors expense) and table her matter at that meeting.

    As others have suggested before, it may be that an improvement is needed to the ventilation system in the laundry and if this improvement is required only to satisfy the requirements of one owner, then it would be reasonable that the specific owner be asked to cover the cost of such improvements. This and other outcomes can be tabled at any meeting held.

    • John Kimble on 02/01/2017 - 00:01
      +3

      That would be a solution if our Strata Managers were competent, but that is a whole new topic!

    • bluedufflecoat on 02/01/2017 - 14:00
      +1

      Body corporate managers are useless. They aren't accountable for anything and seriously don't do very much.

  • StewBalls on 01/01/2017 - 22:15
    +3

    Honestly, if I were genuinely hypersensitive to laundry chemicals, I would have my own machine in my unit & avoid the shared laundry altogether purely for my own benefit…just sayin'. ;)

    • John Kimble on 01/01/2017 - 22:36

      She can't avoid the shared laundry as her bedroom is right above it, so the "fumes" reach her if her windows are open…

      • StewBalls on 01/01/2017 - 22:40
        +2

        Why on Earth would she knowingly move into that unit then???

        People have to start taking some responsibility for themselves in these situations…honestly, this level of risk management is so low it's basically just commonsense…you're looking at the unit, ask where's the laundry, you know you have a sensitivity issue (maybe???), it's a well duh moment.

        I'm starting to smell personality disorder…

        • John Kimble on 01/01/2017 - 23:03

          Probably rookie error and/or she developed the sensitivity afterwards I am guessing.

        • StewBalls on 01/01/2017 - 23:07

          @John Kimble: You seem happy to be making a lot of generous suppositions on her behalf…good luck with it, IMHO buying into it too much is just making a rod for your own back, but thankfully it's your issue not mine! ;)

        • John Kimble on 01/01/2017 - 23:12
          +2

          @StewBalls: Maybe I'm naive, but I try to see the good in people or hope they are being upfront with me as I am with them…perhaps that will change over time :/

          To be honest I've made a bunch of bad mistakes in recent times (buying this unit could potentially be one of them).

        • Gravy on 01/01/2017 - 23:16
          +1

          @John Kimble: Yeah, chemical sensitivities can develop slowly over time due to prolonged exposure. It's also possible she just wasn't aware she had a sensitivity to particular detergent odours until she moved in and other tenants/owners started using those particular products. You don't know what you don't know.

      • HeWhoKnows on 02/01/2017 - 17:22
        -1

        What a load of hog wash. OMG. tell me another one.

  • sparkles on 01/01/2017 - 23:11
    +1

    Bet you are using Radiant. That amount of fragrance in that stuff is off the charts and permeates the whole house.

    My 2c, change to the OMO Sensitive, no biggie.

    • John Kimble on 01/01/2017 - 23:13

      We are using Dynamo…it's the main one we see on special when we need detergent…

      • sparkles on 01/01/2017 - 23:25

        There are quite a few sensitive versions of washing detergents/powders so you should be able to find at least one on special at any time. Even Coles has a home brand sensitive powder for about $4. I have found OMO to be the best, either powder or liquid work well without stinking up your clothes or the house.

        • John Kimble on 02/01/2017 - 00:09

          I swear we must be on the non-sensitive-detergent-sale-cycle haha

  • Frugal on 01/01/2017 - 23:12
    +3

    Hi Op

    I can see why fellow posters are annoyed for you. She sounds like everyone should agree to her requests and she doesn't want to compromise at all (comments about the view of the yard).

    Yea, it's awful to live with an allergy so that's pretty good if you'll change detergent. I know someone with eczema and constantly scratches if don't use a particular sensitive detergent.

    Use this as leverage if you need to do extra washing etc. And check your strata rules/by-laws and comply with that. If she complains of something that's inconsistent with the rules she can shove it!! Also I think Big W has ColdPower sensitive (with almond milk) on the cheap.

    Also keep in mind Jason101's post to keep it professional and take the matter to strata if she's really in your face.

    All the best and keep us posted on the situation.

    By the way does she leave her unit? She would be avoiding a lot of places if she's sensitive to fragrances in public.

    • John Kimble on 02/01/2017 - 00:47

      Yes she leaves hey unit as she has a daughter in primary school and works in the Sydney CBD.

  • outlander on 01/01/2017 - 23:17

    Ask her what she will do for you in return. If it's really a problem for her, she'll deal. Who knows, you might even get her to wash, dry and press all your clothes for you

    While her might be real, many times these are just sad people looking for a reason why they are so sad that isn't "I suck"
    So they become hyper sensitive, and aggressively focus their attention on whatever they think is the cause of their misery

    In the end if she was serious about it, she would have a filtered air supply installed. That way she always has fresh air coming in, free of any and all contaminants.

  • [Deactivated] on 01/01/2017 - 23:21
    +5

    For now just pay an extra dollar or two for the detergent. You might even like it more and it's probably better for your baby's health.

    Yeah she's an annoying mole a lot of the time but this isn't an overly unreasonable request.

    She'd have to do a fair bit more than this to make me tell her to shut up/piss off but I understand that it's different in a unit situation where you're literally living on top of each other.

    She might be mentally ill and will keep finding things to whine about, but I gather from the info provided you'll probably give her another chance or two to stop the whining. You will be the one to know when she has truly stepped over the 'crazy' line.

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 01/01/2017 - 23:55
    +4

    What's her email address? I'll sort this out. You'll never hear about it again.

    • xoom on 02/01/2017 - 08:50
      +1

      You gonna sign her up for RSVP, Eharmony, tinder, grindr, prowlr, growler?

      • holdenmg on 02/01/2017 - 09:35
        +1

        Washing Power of the Month Club?

  • JepunK on 02/01/2017 - 00:11
    -1

    dafuq? seriously…I would purposely using one of those ambi pur plug-in fragrance diffuser or hide few of those fabric softener satchels in the laundry room…see how she likes it..

    and every week you knock on her door, tell her you have money problems can she buy your detergents for the week…

  • altomic on 02/01/2017 - 00:15
    +2

    Was just at my cousin's place telling her about my predicament and she gave me half a bottle of liquid OMO sensitive

    just refill the bottle with what ever you want to use.

    and show her the bottle.

    as for the dryer. that's none of her business.

    do not enter into any conversation/letter writing.

  • altomic on 02/01/2017 - 00:16
    +4

    Bikies

  • SilentBob on 02/01/2017 - 00:26
    +1

    Tell her to get her own (profanity) washing machine then.

    I was repairing some old bitches fridge one day and we do disinfect it and she complained about the smell (clean smell) and how she couldn't stand it.

    Ofcourse the retard is a heavy smoker stinking of cigs it was (profanity) disgusting the stench on her.

    • sparkles on 02/01/2017 - 01:39
      +2

      Cigarette smokers seem immune to their own stench.

  • ankor on 02/01/2017 - 00:34

    I didn't even know sensitive laundry detergent is a thing. I'm off to buy some next batch to see if there's a difference.

  • 50cent on 02/01/2017 - 01:03
    +2

    You should obey all of her orders.

  • bah humbug on 02/01/2017 - 01:09
    +1

    In modern usage, the term "dictator" is generally used to describe a leader who holds and/or abuses an extraordinary amount of personal power, especially the power to make laws without effective restraint by a legislative assembly….

    It's time for a revolution ;)

    • xoom on 02/01/2017 - 08:46

      Viva la revolucion

      One scented laundry detergent at a time.

  • Cadal on 02/01/2017 - 01:33
    +1

    Hey John, bought some omo sensitive, thanks for the bargain!

    Hope you manage to work it out I have had some strange neighbors in units too.

  • Advv on 02/01/2017 - 01:35
    +2

    mate, don't give in too easily. Just say you will buy the sensitive detergent if you see it on sale when you need it. If it's not on sale then you'll buy whatever is on sale (regular type). That way you're being semi accommodating but letting her know that you won't go completely out of your way/pay extra money for her benefit. She'll keep walking all over you. From what I'm reading it seems like you've been a bit too nice to her when she deserves worse.

  • yellowrhino93 on 02/01/2017 - 02:18
    +1

    if opening the windows is vital to her health for fresh air can she not just spend $100 on an air purifier?

  • Warehouse on 02/01/2017 - 02:36
    +1

    While changing detergent isn't the biggest issue in the world (a few extra dollars in the scheme of things) - I personally would not change on the basis that I want my clothes to be scented. That is my quality of life, I like my clothes to be lightly scented.

    Going by your other comments and her previous requests, I'd look to limiting the amount of space you give her to push her ideas around on to everyone else…

  • siresteelhell on 02/01/2017 - 03:27

    I would tell it was not a problem as long as she pays the difference of price to you so u can buy the (assumed) more expensive non sensitive brand. If she says no, tell her to move out so she doesn`t have to use a shared laundry….if u let people like this rule you, it will never end.
    Sounds like a head case….

  • aussieaubs on 02/01/2017 - 06:40

    Grab an empty box of the stuff she approves and then fill it with the stuff you like… then you can show her the box and say you're using the non irriratative stuff - and see if it's psychosomatic.

  • audumla on 02/01/2017 - 07:07
    +3

    She is probably a habitual complainer, but is it worth the hassle of having her continue to complain and possibly cause more trouble. Small things are not worth your time and energy, so switching at least keeps the peace. There a bigger things in life that will happily suck up your time, this is probably not one of them.

  • Extinction Rebellion on 02/01/2017 - 07:13
    +4

    Until a year ago, I would also have been sceptical about claims of allergies. However, I suddenly went from 'normal' to experiencing a totally random extreme anaphylaxis to something that I'd previously never had a problem with. I don't know why more and more people are becoming allergic/hypersensitive, but it is real for many people, and can make their lives an absolute misery.
    With my issue, I have stopped telling people about it because they often dispute it, I have to tell them I'm not making it up because it is quite rare.
    I think the woman's approach is not the best, but talking to her is the key, not ignoring her requests.
    There are some very positive suggestions here. I don't think the substitution idea is nice - these reactions can vary. She should wear a mask, and if it's a skin thing, she should cover up, that may help. And see an allergist/immunologist.

  • boccos on 02/01/2017 - 07:38

    Why not just do it. Change detergent.

    • andyken on 02/01/2017 - 23:16
      +1

      and what next? change your food ingredient?

  • chrisburnett on 02/01/2017 - 07:47
    +1

    I'd just say 'No problem.'

    If it makes someone happy, then I'd do it. Being nice has benefits you won't see until some time in the future.

    • xoom on 02/01/2017 - 08:42
      +7

      Or you give an inch and she takes a mile.

  • affable on 02/01/2017 - 08:42

    If someone wants you to use different detergent and you are happy to use it, they should pay for the detergent, or at a minimum the difference in price if their detergent costs more.

  • cst on 02/01/2017 - 08:45

    Be polite but distant to her in person then do what ever you want/feels right to you regardless of what she says. Don't get bullied by her.

  • Skramit on 02/01/2017 - 08:50

    Can't wait to see OP and neighbour on ACA. OP please let us know when it's on so we can record it.

    I think a reasonable response is to ask her to pay the difference in price. You are accomodating her request but not being taken for a fool.

  • thefud on 02/01/2017 - 09:07
    +3

    At first I thought: She sent emails to neighbours when she lives in an apartment next door?

    Then I thought isn't this problem ripe for outsourcing to David Thorne? ( http://www.27bslash6.com )

  • shaybisc on 02/01/2017 - 09:47
    +1

    Escalate- start a war- you know it makes sense. This outrageous demand will cost $10 a year extra.

    Maybe you should have a strata meeting where you and other residents can ask her if her condition is getting worse and if it's manageable within your environment and what that will entail.

    I don't get why you are balking at this inexpensive request when you have complied with the other more onerorous ones. Is this the straw that breaks the camel's back?

    Is she hypersensitive to noise? Thousands spent on reducing dryer noise- what's that about? Do you live on such a quiet street that the noise of a dryer makes a difference?

    • [Deactivated] on 02/01/2017 - 10:04

      I 'get' why this demand/veiled threat is an issue. I get people giving me self-interested suggestions on the management of my property, yet at council rates/tax time they are nowhere to be seen. There was only one fool paying for the property initially and the same fool paying all expenses. That fool gets the sanctity of living there in peace without people busybodying their off the shelf grocery shopping. The OP also mentions the one-way nature. Some people are migraine prone and would get headaches anywhere and want the world to suffer their problems. If you were placing bets on the next complaint, would you really bet against the same woman finding her next issue?

  • Pturtle on 02/01/2017 - 10:25
    +3

    She sounds like a pita but I have an illness which can be triggered by scents/perfumes so can understand where she is coming from,shopping can be a nightmare, especially when someone bathes in perfume! I use the Aldi washing liquid in the green bottle as it has virtually no scent and as a bonus is cheap so I'd suggest trying that before any of the more expensive name brands and as for fabric softener you can't go past good old fashioned vinegar and no your clothes don't smell like chips. Give her this battle, email her back telling her you'll switch for her sake etc and as a bonus you've now got bargaining power for future issues, sounds like you're going to have many more

  • DiscoJango on 02/01/2017 - 10:32

    . sensitive to smells - decides to live ontop of a laundry…
    . demands other tenants use more expensive washing detergent. fair enough, how about you pay for it lady?
    . demands curfew for using laundry - see point #1
    . individual tenants cannot make demands of other tenants. she needs to raise her concerns to the strata, who will then decide.
    . start making demands of her, see if she complies, if not, then do not adhere to any of here "requests"
    . every now and then use a double dose of the strongest smelling detergent + fabric softener combo you can find, deny doing so :)

    • xoom on 02/01/2017 - 10:45

      Many if not all shared laundry in apartment complexes have a curfew. This however is set up by strata.

      A fact that goes over tenants heads even when you point them to said by law. Common excuse i hear. But i work i cannot do my laundry on weekday. These people obviously have not heard of weekends.

  • Godric on 02/01/2017 - 10:34
    +2

    Imo time to start standing ground otherwise these sort of requests will just keeping queuing up; She should understand some of the risks involved with living ontop of a laundry let-alone sharing facilities with other tenants, if she doesn't like it thats kind of her fault

  • razorack999 on 02/01/2017 - 11:02
    +1

    If I buy a house near a nuclear reactor should I then turn around and whinge about the dangers?
    If I buy a house near a railway line should I then turn around and whinge about the train noise?
    Was the Laundry there when she signed the lease? She probably gut it for a reduced rent due to the noise and disturbance from the Laundry.
    She is being unreasonable in her request, and if you feel like complying do so. If you dont feel like complying, dont.
    You are not doing anything illegal, so dont feel obliged to do anything other than if you want to be a "nice guy"
    Chances are though, she will be emboldened by your obsequience and it will never end.

    • Daabido on 02/01/2017 - 11:11
      -1

      The background levels of radiation near a nuclear reactor are less than at a coal-fired station. Just a little fact that I learned.

  • Cwong14u on 02/01/2017 - 11:09

    Detective John Kimble, is that you?

  • Daabido on 02/01/2017 - 11:10

    A quality air purifier would probably be better installed in the laundry area to deal with the odours before they leave the room. I have done extensive research on air purifiers since returning from overseas where a smoking room in a hotel was completely scent free due to air purifiers purchased for all rooms. It even destined a rank jacket that was full of my sweat after spending hours climbing a mountain.

    Although expensive in this case I would probably suggest an IQAir HealthPro 250, or perhaps even an IQAir GCX series which deals with noxious odours (https://aircleanersaus.com.au/iqair/iqair-gcx-series-air-pur…)

    I do not own one but would if I could. At the other end of the price spectrum, the Mi Air Purifier 2 gets pretty good reviews.

    • xoom on 02/01/2017 - 11:14

      A quality air purifier would probably be better installed in the laundry area to deal with the odours before they leave the room.

      Just asking. Who do you suppose pays for this?

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