Oh look, it’s a spur of the moment birthday party game!
Who says laundry can’t be fun?
When we got home from camp on Saturday, I instructed everyone to dump all of their laundry – including sleeping bags, sheets, pillow cases, clothes, and towels – into the upstairs bathroom so that we could get started on the huge job of getting everything clean again. We have a fairly large bathroom, with washer and dryer included. The pile of dirty laundry took up almost our entire floor and was probably three feet tall. Not at all overwhelming.
Let me share how thankful I am for the convenience of a washer and dryer. Even though my washing machine is old and has to be held together by a bungee cord so that it doesn’t shimmy, shake, and explode all over the bathroom, it works and is so much easier than me breaking my back over a wash board. Bless you, Ma Ingalls. And thank you, Maytag.
I’ve been washing loads since Saturday at about 3:30 pm. I’m not even half-way done. So my question to you is this: How many loads of laundry do you think it will take to get through this pile?
This being my birthday week, the correct answer better not be 40. But the tally marks are adding up, so we can’t be sure! Make a guess, and leave a comment on this post sharing how many loads you think it will take for us to get through our laundry pile.
As soon as I can see my bathroom floor again, I’ll be back to reveal the final answer. The person who guesses correctly will win a $25 gift certificate to be used on anything downloadable in the Heavenly Homemakers Shop. If more than one person guesses the correct answer, I’ll throw each of their names into a (clean) hat and draw randomly.
Let the party game begin…
Lora says
16
Grace says
17
Kathy T says
12
Stephanie says
15
Tammy says
22!
kim says
21
Tracy G says
It all depends on the capacity if your washer :) I would say 12 regular loads, but if you have a high capacity washer (which is wonderful for those of us with a large (by American standards, anyway) family, my guess is 7. Hope you get done before your birthday!
Beth b says
17!
Tracy G says
Scratch that last answer. 13 large capacity, 20 regular drum size. Here’s to hoping you have a large capacity jimmy rigged washing machine.
Rebecca says
22! Good luck!
Carrie says
18
Arlene mullen says
Looks like my house! Lol id say 17
Melissa J. says
18
:)
Brooke says
LOL – 40 came to mind right before you made that comment ;)
Too funny! BTW – highly recommend, especially with 4 boys, that when it’s time to buy a new washer and/or drier that you go with front loaders because they hold a lot (and save money).
18 is my guess
lisa says
26
Brighid says
I’m figuring three loads per person plus a load of towels, a load of sheets (maybe two) and only two sleeping bags per wash so that’s 3*6 + 3 + 3 = 24 loads of laundry! I hope it’s not that bad!
Missy says
Um…19! Happy early birthday!
Stacy says
15
Jessica says
Yikes! 11 loads? I am not looking forward to that day in my family- right now I only have 3 littles. I actually don’t mind washing, but I loathe folding!
Dorraine Coulter says
22
Angela says
Looks like 9 loads to me. Hopefully no more than that.
Rachel Lowrance says
15
chung says
I think 14
Cheryl says
Well, our family of 6 averages 12 loads a week, so plus sleeping bags, I say 15.
Diana C says
My guess is 14. Hoping I’m right.
Deborah G says
I am going to guess 15.
gina says
18
Jessica says
12!! I’m guessing 2 loads for each member of the family.
Susan Parker says
Number 19 comes to me for some reason. I hate to see you do 19 loads, but truth be told – I would love to win.
Don’t strain your back Laura with Mount Washmore!
Susan
Janelle says
20 sounds like a nice even guess!
Carla says
I too have a large family….and just tackled a pile bigger than this….so I can feel your pain!
My guess is 19…with all of the sleeping bags and bedding! :)
Praying the Lord gives you strength for the task…and May you have a blessed birthday! :)
Francee says
28?!?!
PS I totally get the need for the bungee cord :)
Mary says
14
Tami S. says
I say 13. Good luck with all that laundry!!
Elizabeth Kegans says
8
Margaret D says
I like round numbers so I am guessing 25. ;o)
Shannon says
24
Rhonda says
15
Rhonda says
10 is my guess from the picture :-)
Hannah says
19
Steph says
17…
Steph @ cheap. healthy. easy. yummy. says
13. You are so silly, and I love reading your blog :D
Joanna Sigman says
16
Shanna says
18
Anitra says
Looks like around 13 to me!
You are blessed to have your washing machine in the bathroom! Mine is in the (unfinished, leaky) basement. But I still praise God for the washing machine and dryer!
Jessi says
I say about 12!
Stephanie says
I would have to say 14 loads:)
Angela says
12
Twila says
15.
Ingrid says
I’ll say 13
Emily says
I’m going for an even 10, but I’m known as a terrible estimator so if I win it will be a first!
Sarah says
13 :)
L Nood says
It’s already been guessed, but I also think 13.
Deborah says
I’m guessing about 10.
Tiffany says
7! You can do it!
Brittany A says
My guess would be 8 loads
Reagan says
23!!!
mrs. p says
16
Rebecca P says
14 :-)
Rachele says
15!!
Lyndsay says
I am thinking 24 :)
Mary says
8 loads. “Wash on Monday. Iron on Tuesday, Mend on Wednesday. Clean on Thursday” Etc. I am so thankful for modern conveniences. I remember the old machine Mom used in the basement with the roller, the rinsing tubs, boiling the starch on a stove, hauling it all outdoors to hang to dry, folding, etc. No wonder she was as skinny as a rail and still active at 84!
C. Dazey says
If you wash all of the sleeping bags separately, I am thinking 26 or so. I had the same experience a few weeks ago!
Hannah says
My guess is 11!
Christina B. says
12 :)
Jennifer Blaine says
I would say 8!!
Bethany says
12!
Donna says
I am guessing 17 loads……blessings as you tackle your final camping experience……Mount Washmore!
sally mcquaid says
16 loads
Mona says
I’d say 11.
Amy M says
I would guess 27 loads.
Holly says
My guess is 17. Happy Birthday month!
Pam says
16. Give or take depending on how big the sleeping bags are and how big your washer is. : ) Hope you have a great birthday!
Shaelahaney says
15 loads
Katie says
19 loads
Joanne says
10 loads!
betsy says
21 :-)
Cynthia PH says
17
Gina says
I’ll guess 14. Hopefully less for your sake!
rachel says
i’ll say about 11
Tara H says
I would say 8.
Liz says
I’ll go with 13
Ronnie Condron says
Looks like 14 to me.
Ruth says
13 is my guess. :)
Rachel says
First of all good luck! and my guess is going to be 15 loads.
Jennifer M says
13 and a half…
Tami says
12!!
Rochelle says
I’m going to guess 19. Sleeping bags are going to be one load by themselves. Good luck!!
Cassie Musick says
I’m going to say 14 loads.
Laura says
I think there’s 23 there!!
april e says
18. Though that seems like A LOT of loads. Who knows
leanne14 says
I think 15 loads. Good Luck!
Elizabeth Walter says
14- one of my favorite numbers
Erin says
I think 12 :)
Rhoda says
So thankful that that pile is in your laundry room and not mine! That said, we just returned from 3 weeks visiting family in WI and I had a similar pile (minus the sleeping bags). My guess–14. Have fun!
Michelle says
15
Deloris says
I say 11 loads.
Megan H. says
Judging by the size of your washer (looks similar to my mom’s) and the gigantic pile, I’m going to say 21 loads. I hope, for your sake, I’m very wrong!
Laura says
I’m going with 9. I have a bad habit of packing the washer to maximum capacity in order to get through it though… Also, not a big sorter. My poor daughters will stink at laundry!
Sherri says
I am thinking 21. Hopefully for you, it is a lot less, but who knows?
Bethany says
26 :-)
Monique B says
I’m going with 12 ! :-)
jenny says
18
Carrie says
My guess is 9.
Lisa Jay says
16
kim t. says
hmm. it depends on how many separate little loads you need to do..towels? sleeping bags? coats?
i’m thinking 8-10, but i’ll say 8.
Lisa Walton says
It’s already been guessed, but I think 17. My family of 6 does 8-9 loads a week and we have a large washer and drier. If you add 6 loads of sleeping bags, that’s already 14-15 loads, not counting the laundry you are using while trying to catch up. I hope your task goes quickly and joyfully!
Emily T says
14
Julie says
Well I guess it all depends on how you wash your sleeping bags and how big they are. If you wash two at a time I guess maybe 11 loads?
Teresa says
18 loads
Karie says
19 loads!
Melody says
I think 14 loads will do it.
Gayle says
13 loads :)
Abner Schmucker says
I like the bungee strap!! 8 Loads
Tawna says
17
Beth says
10 (I didn’t peek at anyone else’s guess!) :)
Kristy says
11!!
Lynn Kaste says
16 loads
Kristen M says
20 loads… seems like a lot, but with sleeping bags, towels, sheet & clothes -there is a lot of laundry in that pile!
Jan says
WOW! That’s alot of laundry!! I’ll say 12.
belinda lacoste says
Totally depends on how big if a stuffer you are!! With an older machine, maybe not so much… My guess is 21 :D. 6 bags/pillowcases, 6sets sheets/6towels, 1 underwear, 3 pants/shorts, 2 light shirts, 2 dark shirts, shoes/misc
Kelley says
Hmmm….. I say 11 :)
Kristen says
I’ll say 15
Karen B. says
I see 18 loads of laundry here!
Kentuckylady717 says
I would say 23…..
Cathy Craven says
“Lucky” 13! ;)
Bekah says
maybe 12? may you be blessed with great help!
Jessica Claxton says
I think 11.
Gena says
I’ll say 15…that’s about what I do in a normal week. Don’t overfill the loads! ;)
tracey says
We will guess lucky number 10 !
Tracie says
I’m guessing 12. I know I’m thankful for my washer and dryer, too. I can’t imagine what life would be like without them!
Amy C. says
I would say at least 13. This is kinda funny because my boys are griping about folding laundry at the time I’m reading this post.
Ananias says
I guess 7 loads. Enjoy :)
Audrey says
8 loads.
Ezzy says
25 loads. I’m not sure how small each load is though.
Think of which, I need to start mine clothes.
Ananias says
7 loads…
Birdie says
My guess is 6 loads.
Lisa H. says
My guess is that you have a super large capacity washer and dryer…. like I do. So, I think 9 should do it!
Jennifer S. says
16
Miriam says
My guess is 9 loads. :)
elizabeth says
I’m guessing 9.
Kelly G says
22
Billie Jo says
I’ll guess 17…..
Ivanna says
My guess is 9 loads.
Jerrica Bowman says
I am going to guess 12 loads. Glad you had a great time at camp!!
Kathy says
12?
Mary N. says
With sleeping bags, etc. I’m guessing about 22.
Ashleigh says
18 loads :) good luck! Laundry is the only chore I don’t dread. Wish I could help but thank goodness for washing machines!
Rebekah Renee says
I am going with 18
Ashley says
10
Alexis Grimm says
How about half your age….20.I am curios to see the results of how many loads it took.
Joy says
I’m guessing 16, because that’s how many loads it took me to deal with all the clothes, bedding, towels, etc. that I had to wash when my kids got a very bad case of head lice! I hope we NEVER have to go through that again – I don’t wish it on my worst enemy!!! Funny, I’ve always said to every gross “childhood” thing that we encountered (stomach bugs, pinworms, etc.) that “At least it isn’t head lice!” But now I can say we lived through that too, and we are all still here to tell about it – HA! God gives grace when we need it! (-:
Karen S. says
eight
Chantel says
I’ll go with 12, but hope for you it’s less
Rebecca Johnson says
9 loads of laundry looks good.
Jenny C says
I was going to say 8, but since I seen a comment that said 8′
, I’ll say 9.
Priscilla Russell says
I’m going to guess about 27. Might be a little high but you may only get a couple bags in one load. Also, if some stains don’t come out the first time, i will put in again.
Amanda H. says
6
Tammy says
13
Kellee B says
I’d say, 17 loads!
Melissa says
I guess 12….and I know that those wonderful boys of yours will help fold and put away!!! :)
Amy P. says
It looks like 12 to me. Way to be positive and thankful that we can do laundry the “easy” way!
Kristin says
I say lucky #13!
Amy C. says
10
RIta says
I’m thinking 11. Good luck to you!!!
CW says
I’m guessing 17. May the Lord make your laundry time enjoyable.
Brandi says
I am going to guess 18 loads. Like you, I am very grateful for having a washer and dryer. :)
Bethany says
Hmmm, I’ll guess 12. Good luck with it all and I hope everyone pitches in with the folding and putting away!
Andrea says
I’ll guess 21 and I just want to say, I think the old style washers work better because they actually use water to clean with Rather than detergent enzymes. I hope mine lasts as long as I cloth diaper.
Mayira says
I’m going to guess 14.
Rebecca says
My guess is 16. I also just got home from a trip and am in the midst of laundry.
Brigit says
17 loads
Theresa says
I’m going to guess 21. (Although I hope it is less for your sake.)
Our washer broke this last May (the duct tape I had fixing it was no longer enough.) It cost 30 plus dollars a week at the laundromat just to wash! Let me tell you, I am so thankful for a washer!
Happy birthday!
Jessica says
I’m going with 9. It looks like 8, but chances are there’s at least one item in there that has to be washed by itself, like a large jacket or sleeping bag.
Sarah says
13 loads
Bethany says
I’ll go for… 15!
Cynthia Ferguson says
Well it all depends on your washer capacity and how many sleeping bags. I will guess 33 loads.
Rebecca says
This. I would say about 20, given how many loads I had to do when we had top loader washers. With my current high capacity front loaders(love!) Probably 8 or 10. But if stuff is extra dirty or stinky/ smokey they may need extra washes.
Raechell says
My first thought was 12 but it’s been guessed a lot so 11 loads lol.
patricia loser says
I will go with 26 loads.. then take a nap. you will have earned it:)
Deena Barton says
32 loads
Mary says
I am guessing 16 depending on if you overstuff or not ;)
Rachelle says
8
Erin says
15
Charlotte Moore says
I think 12.
Courtney says
I’m going to go on the high end and guess 16. I hope it’s way less than that though! :)
Marilyn says
23. Good luck.
Melissa W says
I think that it will take about 19 loads.
Jennifer says
Laura-
Love that you celebrate 40:-)
I have a huge capacity washer so I guessed 6 at first, but you probably need to wash sleeping bags separate, so my final guess is 13. Good luck to you!
Cecelia says
10
Laura says
15!
nikki stevens says
I will say 4 loads. :-) good luck!
Karen says
13 loads. Happy Birthday :)
gina says
i’m voting for 12…a nice Biblical number! Good luck!
Karen says
13.
Staci H says
9
Theresa says
25 is my guess. Those sleeping bags are their own load.
Daphnee says
Eight
Melanie says
My guess is 15.
Brenda Howard says
I think it is 18 loads that is 3 loads per person and includes sleeping bag & towels.
ashley says
I’m going to say 14.
Sarah Buick says
Guessing that one sleeping bag will make one load, extra clothes for swimming, camp meetings, for a family of six will add up to a grand total of 22.
Ann M says
21
B. Winblad says
I guess 12 loads!
Jolene (Homespun Heritage) says
34! Kidding! I think its 8!
Alycia says
14 loads
Morgan Gibson says
I think its going to be in the 20’s. I have an older washer(that leaked) we moved out side when I got to get a newer one. Since its older I don’t stuff it as much. I am going to say at least 26 loads. It could be more or less, have to wait and find out. Enjoy the washing that is what I am doing today. Boys home from camp and changed all their beds while gone. Its a pile that I have not dented yet.
Janette says
It depends on how large capacity your washer is as to how much you can get into your washer. I have an extra large capacity and I can wash at least 4 pairs of adult jeans at one time. I can only do one sleeping bag but I don’t know if you all used sleeping bags or just some of you. A wild guess is it will take 14 loads.
Katie says
17 loads :)
Tammy says
Well, having been in your shoes many summers for a family of 8, I feel for you! I have a triple-loader and still had two days worth of laundry. Sometimes I would just take it all to the laundry mat and do it all at once. The looks I got when I was dragging it in were priceless lol! I would guess you will have 15 loads. Happy cleaning!
Laurie Rhoades says
17
Meghan says
14
Holly says
I think 13.
Erica says
I say 20 because sleeping bags are bulky. I wish I had older washer because they last longer. My new washer has broken down 5 times in 5 years.
Angeline says
13.
Marlene says
28
Andrea H. says
21
Nikki W. says
12
Leigh Anne Drake says
12
Karen says
It looks like about 12 loads.
Jenna says
Looks like it’d be a max of 5 loads in my washer… but since people are guessing high, maybe 10? Although, i’m not sure how many sleeping bags — that can make a big difference!
Growing up, my mom never let us bring our “camp clothes” in the house when we got back from camp. It stayed in the suitcase and we went straight to the laundromat. My mom was paranoid that we’d pick some sort of bug up from camp and she didn’t want it in the house. :)
Jenny says
22 loads.
Bethany says
11!
Sharon says
13 loads.
Dawn says
I guess 23!
Favi W. says
14 loads
Jana McGuire says
18 loads
Rose says
My guess is 23 loads.
Suelyn says
I’ll say 17.
Candice says
13 loads!
Lorinda says
I’ll guess 20 loads. I’m assumming everyone one had a sleeping bag, and only 2 pillows can be washed as a time..reg. sized. bath towels and swimming towels, undies, jeans, shirts, swimwear, sheets,
LaWanna says
Looks like 15 to me.. :)
jen says
I’m gonna say 14.
Juliana says
My guess is 24!
Joey says
18!
Vicki Bennett says
19 loads
Krista says
I really wanted to say 13 but that is taken so my answer is 16 because no one has taken it yet and I notice that you don’t have a LARGE machine so I am hoping it takes 3 more loads than my wanting guess. LOL Laundry is never ending and this mom of 5 children and 1 big hubby knows it. Good Luck may the detergent be with you:) LOL
Lynn says
I think 25.
momx2 says
11
Brenda says
My guess is 15.
Amy* says
10 loads
Depends how big your washer is ;)
Thats about three in my ginormous washer.
What a satisfying feeling when it is all done!
Jacqueline RUssell says
16 loads!!
Kristy says
Eleven (11) loads!
Sheila says
11
Lanna says
20, since it’s an older washing machine. If it were a newer/giant one (I can wash a king sized comforter in mine!), I’d say 16 loads.
Violet says
20! Put on some good music and enjoy the blessings of your life!
sarah wright says
14 loads. Good luck! Glad you had a great week at camp!!!
Angelina says
17 :-)
Heather T. says
10, hope its not more
julie says
I’m going to guess 10
Melinda says
Ill guess 13.
Lindsay M. says
18
cindi says
I think 12 loads!
Kristen says
19
deborah says
16
gghall says
9
Rebecca Scott says
I think 18 and really really hoping it’s not 40 for your sake : )
Jennifer says
14
Mom in NJ says
Looks like 8.
Corrie says
15, and welcome home
Christina says
13
Jen says
Definitely 12 loads.
Norma says
I’d say 13.
Joyce says
27
Elizabeth says
19
Ashley says
This is fun. I should do this with my kids and our laundry pile. Might motivate them to pitch in. My guess is 16.
mommaren says
I will guess 10 loads. I would not be able to do all this in one day! My front-loader has the longest wash cycles!!
Celina says
I would guess 22.
tealady3 says
8
Jenny C. says
I’m gonna go with 10!
Jen S says
Happy 4th decade, Laura! I guess 11 loads!
Katrina says
15
Sharon says
13
Susan Kay "Omi" says
19 – and I’m so very sorry!!
Carmen says
My guess is 7
Myra says
Am I too conservative in guessing seven? Let’s throw in one for luck.
8 is my final answer….”Ma Ingalls” You crack me up, Laura!
Karen says
29
Rebekah Williams says
It looks like 17 is still open! ;) This is tricky because I don’t know how fussy you are about sorting loads.
Rebekah Williams says
To clarify, I’m guessing 17. ;)
Anne White says
I see that others have guessed 18, but that was my original choice when I saw the pile so I am sticking to it!
alicia says
I’m going to say “Infinity.” That’s my final answer. Because by the time those are done, there will be more. It’s like chasing a moving target. Unless you are opting for no-clothes for next few days! (:
Miranda says
I say 23.
Amber says
I’m guessing 11. :)
Virginia says
11, though I hope it’s less for your sake! ;)
amanda says
I will go with 21 and good luck!
Shauna says
I’m thinking maybe 10 loads. We have a family of 6, & that’s about how many I would have to do after a week’s worth of church camp,
Stephanie P. says
23
Boone says
i am guessing 9.
melanie says
my favorite number is 13… unless it means i have 13 loads of laundry to do! but i am guessing 13.
KS says
lucky 13!
RejoicedOver says
I’m going with 15.
T. Hardy says
Well, I’m guessing 6.
Christie S says
My guess would be 15 loads.