Hi Phil,
I think that I was around 12 or 13 during this time. Although I already knew them for years before. The father and I did it together. When he saw the lint around the burner area he freaked out!
I knew just about everyone on several streets and of course what type of appliances they had. (including a/c units, heating, etc.) The housewives loved me. I would know what day and time they would start washing and show up. I would say the majority of them actually liked it. Especially the Widows. I was company to them and they did not mind me helping with chores one bit. Of course also visiting.
My Mother on the other hand did not like it so much. I had to sneak around to do it. Makes me laugh out loud when I think about it.