We all need to wash out dirty laundry at some point, so you’ve probably also wondered whether there’s a good laundromat nearby to help you with such a daunting chore. Because let’s face it, some people aren’t thrilled about washing their dirty laundry. In fact, according to this article, doing the laundry is one of the top 20 chores Americans hate doing the most.
Still, I’d want to find laundromats open near me just in case my washer and dryer die on me and I just need to tackle that dirty pile of laundry once and for all.
Why Do People Use the Laundromat?
But before you actually search for “laundromats near my location” it helps to make some sense why people go to a laundromat in the first place.
Wash more laundry at a lesser time
Dirty laundry can pile up in a blink of an eye. So instead of washing them in your small washer, you can take them to a laundromat where you can do multiple loads all at once. You can get a week’s worth of laundry all done and over within two hours instead of spending twice or thrice more time doing the laundry at home.
No washer and dryer at home
Let’s face it: having a washer and dryer at home is utterly convenient, but we can’t say the same for everyone. There are people who just don’t have the appliance at home, so they’d rather bring their dirty laundry to the nearest laundromat.
The washer and dryer at home broke down
Some people bring their laundry to the laundromat because their washer and dryer at home broke down and it can take a couple of days to get the appliance repaired.
Wash heavy fabric like towels, bedsheets, and comforters
Laundromats have commercial-grade washers and dryers, and these machines are more efficient in washing them than the washer you have at home.
Laundromat Near Me: Laundromat Finder
Instead of poring over your dusty directory to laundromats nearby, you can find the nearest laundromats in a few moments by using our laundromat finder. Simply click on the buttons below to find laundromats near your location!
Laundromat Near Me Finder
Coin Laundromat Finder
Are you particularly looking for coin laundromats near you? Click on this button to find coin laundromats in your area.
24-Hour Laundromats Finder
What to Look For in a Cheapest Laundromat Near Me
It’s not enough that you know where the nearby laundromats are. If you have plenty of options, wouldn’t you want to narrow down your choices to a few laundromats that meet your needs and preferences? But what exactly you need and want in a laundromat? Here are the top things to consider:
1. Top laundromats on the list does not mean the best
After clicking on the laundromat finders above, you will be directed to a Google Maps page with a list of laundromats near your location. Know that the top options on the list are not necessarily the best ones. Some businesses pay to get to the top of the listing, so do your own due diligence when selecting a service.
Here’s an example of what comes out of the search for my location.
As of writing this post, the first on the list of laundromats near me has no reviews yet, and the second one has 89 reviews. And if it says “Ad”, it means the business paid to be on that page of the listing. It doesn’t mean they are the best.
Soooo…
2. Read reviews
Be sure to check out the reviews of the laundromats available near you to have an idea of what people like or don’t like about the laundry services near your location. Thankfully, you can do so by simply clicking on the ratings or stars below the business’ name.
And you might find pictures of the place taken by their customers!
3. Clean and well-maintained
When you arrive at the laundromat, you should check out the cleanliness of the overall facility. Also, make sure that the machines are free from soap residue and the funky smell of the last user’s laundry. Even the surface of the folding must be free of any dirt and grime. The last thing you want is to go home with dirty clothes even after you’ve washed them. These things can make or break your laundry experience in that specific laundromat.
4. Washing equipment
You’re going to a laundromat to do your laundry done in fewer loads, so the power and performance of the machines are certainly huge factors. I suggest that you opt for a laundromat nearby with modern washers and dryers as they tend to perform more efficiently than the older ones. Not only do your clothes come out clean, but you can also significantly cut the washing and drying time.
5. Location
The location can also be a real dealbreaker for people who use the laundromat on a regular basis. You’d want the laundromat to be accessible and safe.
For instance, you’d want to go to a laundromat where other stores and establishments are accessible. Maybe you want to grab a cup of coffee or eat some brunch while doing your laundry, so being near restaurants and cafes would be a huge plus.
Some people need to bring their kids along when doing their laundry, so if this rings with you, check out if the location and its surroundings have lots of lighting, parking space, and CCTVs.
6. Business hours
If you want to enjoy the time flexibility in doing your laundry, then you’re better off searching for “24/7 laundromat near me” in the laundromat finder.
Laundromats that are open 24 hours give you the flexibility to do your laundry anytime you need. You could perhaps wash your clothes after work in the evening, or do it early in the morning before the place gets crowded. Perhaps you need some guests coming and you need to wash your bed linens at the last minute.
7. Amenities
Finally, always look for laundromats near me that have the best amenities to make doing the laundry a pleasant experience. You might want a laundromat with enough folding tables so you can fold your clothes right away. Perhaps you’d also like it to have enough seating so because doing the laundry can take some time. And importantly, free wi-fi is always an awesome touch, especially for people who work online. You could just plop open your computer and work while waiting for your laundry to finish.
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Laundry Hacks: How To Save Time and Money at the Laundromat Open Near Me
After shopping for laundry places and deciding on a laundromat that best deserves your business, now you’d want to find ways to save money at the laundromat. Let’s face it, doing your laundry at a laundromat is more expensive than doing it at home, but sometimes, we can’t just avoid the laundromat altogether. So, to make the most of the time and money you spend at the laundromat, here are some hacks to live by:
1. Handwash delicates at home
Yes, the laundromat is the best place to wash heavy items, but when it comes to lighter, delicate ones, washing them by hand is always a good decision. For instance, underwear and lingerie are best hand-washed so that you can gauge the force you use without damaging the fabric. Also, the laundromat is a public place, so it’s better to keep your private garments away from the public eye.
2. Collect enough dirty clothes for a full load
You will pay the same whether you’re washing a partial or full load, so it’s more frugal to wash a full load whenever possible. Remember that you are charged for each load and use of dryer, and you will spend more on detergent and fabric conditioner as well. So, if your dirty laundry hasn’t quite piled up and you’re not in a hurry to wash them, it makes sense to wait until you have a full load to wash.
3. Bring your own products
Sure, getting laundry detergent and fabric softener at the laundromat is convenient, but you also pay more. Most of their products are single-use, so you will have to purchase as much as the number of your loads.
Bring your own detergent instead. Buying detergent from the store, whether in a bottle or large box, is more cost-effective. Additionally, measure your detergent accordingly so you don’t use more than you need to. Want to save money on detergent? Check out my homemade detergent recipe!
4. Finish drying clean clothes at home
Using the dryer at a laundromat costs extra money and eats more time. You can save money by drying your clothes slightly with the machine, and then finish drying them at home. If it’s a good sunny day, you can skip the dryer altogether and line dry your clothes out in the sun. Your clothes will smell nicer and retain their shape nicely this way.
5. Only wash dirty clothes
Many of us throw the clothes we’ve just worn to the hamper on autopilot. But the truth is, they may not be as dirty as you think, and you can wear them once or twice before they need to be washed. Some people even wear their jeans a couple of times before washing. It pays to make the effort to check the clothes and decide whether they need to be washed right now or if they’re still clean enough for another wear.
Common Laundromat FAQs
Is it cheaper to laundry at home vs. the laundromat?
It is cheaper and more cost-effective to do your laundry at home if you have a washer and a dryer. However, if you’re looking to save time while washing a huge pile of laundry, then the laundromat nearby can be an excellent option. The laundromat can be more expensive, but you can save money by following the laundry hacks mentioned above.
How long does it take to do laundry at a laundromat?
Each load can be washed between 30 minutes to 40 minutes, but it still can vary due to the size of the load and wash setting you choose.
Do laundromats have detergents?
Yes, laundromats sell detergents. However, these are usually single-use and they can be more expensive than buying from the stores. Instead, bring your own supplies so you can use the brand you prefer and save money too.
What is the best time to go to the laundromat?
You can go to cheap laundry places nearby anytime if they’re open 24 hours. But, if you want to avoid the crowd and skip lining up, go first thing in the morning just as the establishment opens. If you can’t do mornings, you can opt to go in the late evening. Additionally, weekends are the busiest days as most people work on the weekdays and save doing their laundry on Saturdays and Sundays. Pick the slowest days (usually Tuesdays and Wednesdays), so you can do your laundry in peace.
And oh, since we are dealing with a pandemic right now, these tips can help you stay safe while using the laundromat.
Can you leave your clothes at the laundromat?
Yes, you can if you want to quickly grab a bite or get a cup of coffee. But don’t leave your clothes in the washer or dryer for a long time because the next customer may take them out so they can use the machines. These etiquettes in using a shared laundry room very well apply when using the laundromat.
Final Thoughts
I think it’s always a good idea to identify the “best laundromats near you” so you know where to go when your dirty laundry has piled up beyond your power. You could just pack up your dirty clothes and zoom to the nearest laundromat and do your laundry there.
But since it costs money to use the laundromat nearby or any laundromat for that matter, it pays to do some minor legwork at home, such as handwashing your delicates and sorting your clothes, to save a dollar here and there.
Do you use the laundromat too? What are your tips to save money while using the laundromat?
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