Q. The day care helper as part of her normal work duties launders clothing without me having to tell her, can I let her if it is done in the basement where no one else notices (no one is at home) and it will not be used until after the nine days?

A. Shoshanas Yisroel (p.18) quotes Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion that one should refrain a house helper from laundering during the nine days, even when she does so by her own volition. However, the Rov added that when the family goes on vacation and the house helper comes to the house to tidy up, if one left before the beginning of the nine days, in case of need one does not have to leave instructions not to launder. (There are though concerns about the kashrus in the kitchen that should be addressed)

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a