Laundry in a Shared Home: Portuguese for Taking Turns with Roommates
Learn useful phrases for reserving a laundry time, checking whether clothes are finished, and coordinating shared washer and drying space.
Real Life Portuguese · 5 min read · Updated October 15, 2026
The short answer
Máquina de lavar is washing machine and roupa is clothes or laundry. In a shared home, ask whether someone is using the machine and how long their cycle has left before moving anything.
Check whether the machine is free
A quick check also matters when the home has one drying rack or limited space. Ask where clean clothes should go rather than assuming a surface is available.
A máquina de lavar está livre?
Is the washing machine free?
Você sabe que horas a roupa fica pronta?
Do you know what time the laundry will be ready?
Suggest a fair turn
If everyone does laundry on the same day, suggest a simple schedule or ask how people prefer to take turns. Use minha vez (my turn) and sua vez (your turn) for an informal sequence, but confirm dates when the plan repeats weekly.
If you have an urgent load, say why and ask whether a swap works. An invitation gives the other person room to say no or suggest another time.
Posso lavar minha roupa depois das seis?
Can I do my laundry after six?
Você se importa se eu trocar meu horário pelo seu?
Do you mind if I swap my time for yours?
Coordinate a delay or finished load
If your cycle is taking longer, let the next person know and give an updated estimate. If someone else's clothes are finished, send a message before touching or moving them, especially if you do not know the household routine.
Use assim que terminar (as soon as it finishes) to set a clear expectation. The goal is to coordinate the shared equipment, not to police how someone does laundry.
A máquina ainda está ligada. Aviso assim que terminar.
The machine is still running. I will let you know as soon as it finishes.
Sua roupa já terminou. Quer que eu deixe no cesto?
Your laundry is done. Would you like me to leave it in the basket?
Put it into practice
Check before using a shared machine, agree on turns, and message the next person if your timing changes.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “Do you know what time the laundry will be ready”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
Build on this guide with everyday expressions and native Brazilian audio. Choose iPhone, Android, or the web app.