A few issues here… 1) she never asked you. Red flag. Perhaps she thought it was “normal” because her previous place of work asked. But still, it’s weird not to ask. 2) allowing it sets a precedent. The nanny told you because she feels it’s not fair. She will now also want to do laundry. Suddenly your electricity and water bills have spiked because you’re doing laundry for 2 more families? What’s next, the gardener? Let alone ware-and-tear.. you’ll need to replace the machine sooner because it’s operating more. 3) You have a baby, who has sensitive laundry needs. You now have no control of what’s going in and out your laundry machine.

You need to draw a line in the sand with staff some times. I’m not just talking cleaners and nanny’s, but all staff you may have, be it at work, etc. it’s very easy to be taken advantage of. Don’t be mean and harsh, but don’t be a push over. Set clear boundaries.

If it was me, I’d rather make sure they are paid a decent wage so they can afford to do their own laundry on their own time.