Find A Cheap, Safe & Clean Laundromat Near Me
There is nothing like an apartment’s overcrowded laundry room or a bulky comforter to get you wondering, “Where is there a laundromat near me?”
But if you are heading for a laundromat, you probably want to find the safest, cleanest, and most affordable option in your local area.
Nothing is more irritating than carting your heavy laundry bag to the nearest laundromat only to find the machines old and out of order.
And since most people have free time after work in the evenings, you also want to ensure that you feel safe and secure in the location you choose.
To make things easy, we’ve put together some quick and easy search buttons to find the best laundromats near you.
And if this is the first time you are going to use a laundromat, we have plenty of valuable tips and common questions covered.
Let’s find out what makes the best laundromat!
Coin Laundromat Near Me
As always, a Google search will come in handy.
Use the orange search buttons below; it will run a search for the keyword laundromat near me in Google Maps directly for you.
24-Hour Laundromat Near Me
Do you work the night shift or need more flexibility? Find a 24-hour laundromat near you today!
Laundry Service Near Me
Whether you are a busy mom working full time or a student with a hectic schedule, sometimes we could all use a little laundry service.
Luckily, these helpful services are often available locally.
I mean, who doesn’t love the convenience of fluff and fold services?
Tips To Finding The Best Laundromat Near Me
1. Read the Reviews
If you are anything like me, reading Google reviews is always my first go-to when reviewing an establishment.
There is nothing quite like consumer experiences to get a first impression of a location.
The best approach is to search for positive keywords that describe the laundromat, such as;
- Safe
- Clean
- Friendly
- Attendant
- Bright
- Close to parking
- Affordable
- Interesting amenities
Naturally, we want to avoid laundromats that have the following mentions;
- Dark
- Unsafe
- Dirty/Gross/Filthy
- Smelly
- Broken
- Oily
- Moldy
- Dingy
- Old/Outdated
- Far from parking
- Sketchy
2. Location Location Location
Where is your laundromat situated?
Is there anything to do or see nearby to pass the time as your load runs?
Is the area safe and visible to passersby?
For example, the nearest laundromat to me is at the back of a building in the parking area.
Its proximity to the parking is excellent, and the facility is spotless.
However, the laundromat itself is entirely out of sight of the main road, quite secluded, and has no windows or attendants.
Although it’s the nearest laundromat, given the negatives I listed above, I would limit my use to daytime hours as it’s less appealing late in the evening or during the night.
3. Safety Measures
While still on the subject of safety, there is more to security than just the location.
You will be spending a decent amount of time at the laundromat, so it’s best to select one that has as many safety measures in place.
- Accessible to the parking
- Has an attendant on-site (or are they present just during daytime hours?)
- The laundromat is well-lit on both the interior and exterior
- Has security cameras set up
- No loitering or sleeping permitted
And while it’s unfortunate, it’s best to avoid laundromats surrounding higher-risk businesses like bail cond companies, pawnshops, paycheck loan businesses, and more.
4. View The Website
If you are lucky enough to find a laundromat that has its own website, give it a look to see what it claims to offer in terms of services and amenities.
5. Review Customer Photos
I love reviewing customer photos on Google and comparing them to those posted by the business.
Companies often post images of their businesses when first opening or under the best of conditions.
Patron reviews tend to be more current and provide a better understanding of the location’s current condition.
While any business can have an off day, it’s a good idea to watch out for negative trends that can be present in multiple images (broken machines, trash lying around, people loitering).
6. Washer and Dryer Equipment
Let’s face it; if you are heading to a laundromat, you need the equipment to be in proper working order, and why not save time and money at the same time?
High-efficiency machines not only run faster, but they tend to wash and dry your clothes more thoroughly.
7. Avoid Peak Hours
No one likes to wait around or feel rushed; try to avoid visiting a laundromat at its peak hours.
It’s best to go on weekdays in daytime hours or early morning on the weekend if you can’t skip going on Saturday or Sunday.
8. Payment Methods
While coin-operating machines used to be standard, more and more laundromats are upgrading their washers and dryers.
With these upgrades, coinless machines are making a much bigger appearance.
Be sure to check the listed reviews or call ahead to confirm which form of payment is accepted.
If you’ve confirmed your laundromat has a change machine, we still recommend stopping at your bank to pick up a backup roll to keep with you or in your car.
A spare roll of change can become handy if the coin machine is empty and your laundromat has no attendant to help out.
When Are Laundromats The Busiest?
While this information can vary depending on the location, American Coin-Op conducted a survey that found that Sundays are the busiest day at laundromats.
In fact, Sunday took the lead with 66.7%, with Saturday coming in at second place with 27.8%, and Wednesday at 5.6%.
You can generally expect more people on Sundays between 12 pm to 5 pm.
If you need to visit during the weekend, try your best to avoid those hours and either pop in the early morning or after 5 pm, when people typically head home to cook dinner.
While many weekdays can be slower as a whole, weeknights between 5 pm to 8 pm remain busy periods with people heading over after dinner to get their laundry done.
9. Available Amenities
The amenities offered at laundromats can be pretty extensive.
While some locations keep it simple with a restroom, coin machine, and laundry detergent dispenser, others go full service.
Consider any amenities you might need during your time at the laundromat.
While some people are content to read a magazine and bring what they need from home, some prefer to choose a location that offers more.
Review the list of amenities below and jot down any you might need; you can then double-check if your selected laundromat offers them:
It’s also a good idea to check reviews or call ahead if you don’t see an amenity you need to be listed online.
For example, if I’m heading to the laundromat specifically to wash my king-size comforter, I’m searching for laundromats near me with extra-large washers.
Do Laundromats Take Cash?
Yes, it’s still common for laundromats to accept cash in the form of coins.
While quarters are the standard denomination, some washer and dryer machines also accept dollar coins.
But as laundromats upgrade their machines, there is a shift starting towards prepaid laundry cards.
How Much Do Laundromats Cost?
Depending on your washing needs and the laundromat itself, a load can run you anywhere between $1.50 to $4.00.
The same goes for the dryers.
Keep in mind that the cost will go up significantly if you purchase laundry soap, softener, and dryer sheets from the laundromat.
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Is it cheaper to do laundry at home or a laundromat?
Our local laundromat charges $1.50 per item, which adds up to an extra $4.50 if I use all three items to wash and dry my load.
How does that compare to doing laundry at home?
A top load washer costs, on average, $0.20 per load, so there is indeed a significant difference.
Unfortunately, not everyone has the luxury of at-home appliances or even the necessary plumbing to avoid a laundromat.
But the potential savings could be why portable at-home washers and dryers are becoming more and more popular.
Can You Get Bedbugs From The Laundromat?
Unfortunately, you can get bed bugs from the laundromat, just as you could in many other situations.
What’s important is knowing this information and taking preventative measures.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency recommends a few practical and easy steps to implement to reduce the chances of getting bed bugs.
- Limit the time your clothes are out of the washer and dryer. Preferably, dump your clothes from their bag directly into the washer.
- Wash and dry any fabric laundry bags with the clothes.
- Bed bugs can die from high temperatures; consider washing or drying your clothes at the highest temperature the fabric permits.
- Avoid placing your items on the floor, and check any surfaces before using them.
Laundromats Tips and Tricks
Are you new to the laundromat scene?
Maybe you just moved into your first apartment and are learning on the go.
We’ve got some time and money-saving tips for you.
Separate Your Clothes at Home
It’s best to separate your lights and darks at home; this saves time and keeps things simple.
Separate your bundles into machine-washable laundry bags or laundry baskets.
The same applies if you want to run a separate load of delicates, linens, or bedding.
This is also the best time to check your labels for specific temperature or cycle requirements.
You can mix a load of colors if that’s how you prefer washing your clothes (I do 😉 ), but I highly recommend using Color Catcher sheets to protect your clothing from loose dyes staining your items.
Bring Your Supplies
Like movie theaters make a large percentage of their profits from popcorn sales, laundromats make a nice profit from selling laundry supplies.
Avoid doubling your budget by bringing liquid detergent, dryer sheets, color catcher sheets, and softeners.
You can refill a small bottle at home and carry it with you.
HE machines don’t require as much laundry soap as older models, so now you can leave bulky items at home.
It’s also a great idea to bring a snack and drink along with you to avoid spending money on vending machines.
Never Rely On The Change Machine
As mentioned earlier, always bring coins with you when heading to a nearby laundromat, particularly those without an attendant.
If the machine is defective or empty, you will have no coins to get your laundry started.
Sure, in a pinch, you can exchange a bill through the vending machine by hitting “return change,” but that’s not the most convenient option when you have multiple loads to do.
A quick stop to your bank or even an arcade, and you can get a supply to keep conveniently at home.
Select The Right Size Machine
It’s important to select the right size machine for your loads.
While it can be tempting to squish everything inside the smallest and cheapest washer or dryer, you risk overloading the machine and not getting the best results.
Clothes need room to move and rotate freely to wash and dry properly.
If you are unsure which size is best, place your clothes inside the smallest machine to gauge how much room is left.
If it seems like a tight fit, move over to the next size up.
Find The Right Machine
Before using any washers or dryers, be sure to look inside for any leftover pieces of clothing or items.
For washers, you want to;
- Sniff the interior to make sure there are no strong odors like bleach or anything else disagreeable.
- Quickly pass your hand on the sides, feeling for traces of grease (yes, people sometimes wash greasy rags)
Check the washer’s settings (cycle, water temperature); you are good to do.
For the dryer, empty the lint trap and select the right settings for your load.
Tip
If you notice anything gross or unsanitary inside a machine, advise the attendant (if one is present) and move over to the next machine.
Sort and Fold Your Laundry Before You Leave
Sorting and folding laundry seems to be one of the most dreaded household tasks.
To avoid having bags of laundry sitting in the corner for a week (or two), sort and fold your clothes before leaving the laundromat.
Just separate and fold them according to how you organize your dresser and closet at home.
Laundromat Near Me Recap
From washer and dryer-free apartments to college students and tight budgets, nearby laundromats are a convenient and affordable option.
You can choose to stick to the basics or go for full laundry service; the choice is yours.
Follow our tips and tricks for the cheapest, safest, and cleanest experience when searching for a laundromat near me.
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Find A Clean, Safe & Cheap Laundromat Near Me