Doing laundry is a necessary chore that must get done.
If you don’t have a washer and dryer at home, you will need to visit a laundromat in your area to get the job done.
Thankfully, there are more options available these days, with a variety of laundromats popping up in every city.
But how do you find the best and cheapest one for your laundry loads? If you’ve searched ‘cheap laundromat near me’, you’re not alone.
Here are some tips to help you find a cheap laundromat near you that meets your needs.
Key Things To Know About Finding A Cheap Laundromat
- Google and Yelp provide everything from reviews, basic information about ownership, hours of operation, pictures and more to help you find a cheap local laundromat.
- Location is just as important as cost because traveling too far to do your laundry can cancel out any savings you get.
- Watch out for hidden fees and upcharges that some laundromats charge so you can get more bang for your buck.
Coin Laundromats Near Me
Coin laundromats are the most common type of laundromat, and they are often the cheapest.
They are typically designed for self-service, where you bring your own detergent and do the laundry yourself.
If you’re on a tight budget, opting for a coin laundromat may be your best option.
Coin-operated washing machines and dryers are often more affordable than their digital counterparts.
A washer may cost $2.50 to $4 depending on the size and the dryer may give you 20-minutes per quarter.
Most coin laundromats also have a change machine so you just need to bring cash to exchange your bills for change for no charge.
To find a coin laundromat near you, you can use Google Maps or Yelp.
Both platforms are mobile-friendly and can provide you with ratings and reviews of local laundromats.
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24-Hour Laundromats Near Me
If you have a busy schedule and need to do your laundry at odd hours, a 24-hour laundromat might be the best option for you.
These laundromats are always open, making it easy for you to do laundry whenever it fits into your schedule.
You can also take advantage of any off-peak hours to save more money on your laundry.
To find a 24-hour laundromat near you, try using the Yelp search filter or Google Maps “open now” feature.
You may also see some laundromats when you’re driving around your area.
Look for the ones that have a 24-hour sign in the window.
Most 24-hour laundromats will make it known that they are open all day to bring in customers.
Laundry Services Near Me
If you’re willing to spend a little extra money, a laundry service may be the right choice for you.
Some laundromats offer wash-and-fold services, which means they’ll wash, dry, and fold your laundry for you.
While this option can be more expensive than a traditional laundromat, it can save you time and hassle.
You can also try searching for mobile laundry services that come to your doorstep to pick up and deliver your laundry.
Just make sure to compare their prices with different options.
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Cashless Laundromats Near Me
In this day and age, more laundromats are making the switch to cashless payments, accepting credit and debit cards, mobile payments, and other electronic payment options.
Some of these laundromats even have an app where you can load funds to your account and use the app to start your laundry from your phone.
If you prefer not to carry cash, then a cashless laundromat might be the best option for you.
To find a cashless laundromat near you, try using search engines and type in “digital laundromats near me” and “cashless laundromats.”
Also, consider using laundromat locator resources such as LaundryLove.
LaundryLove has a directory of more than 30,000 laundromats across the U.S.
Just use the map tool to find your nearest laundromat including the phone number, address, hours, and more.
What To Consider When Choosing A Laundromat?
Aside from the cost, there are a few other things you should consider when choosing a laundromat.
1. Location is key, as you don’t want to travel too far out of your way for laundry:
Consider the fact that you don’t want to drive several miles just to get to the “cheapest” laundromat.
Your savings will cancel out when you factor in the added fuel costs.
2. Cleanliness is also important:
Even if you prefer a cheaper laundromat, make sure it’s still clean including the bathrooms and doesn’t give off a bad smell.
After all, you’re looking to clean your clothes there and a dirty laundromat would just defeat the purpose.
3. Number of machines and dryers available:
Small laundromats are perfectly fine, but it’s best to make sure there is enough space to comfortably wash and dry your clothes in a timely manner.
You don’t want to spend an entire day at the laundromat waiting for machines to empty up.
Also, consider places that have clean and well-maintained machines but also offer affordable prices.
4. Safety and security:
The best cheap laundromats should also feel safe and secure.
It’s a good sign when the laundromat has security cameras or an employee on site to monitor everything and answer questions.
Another perk is if there’s a number provided to call and report anything you see that might be wrong.
5. Amenities:
If you’ve searched ‘cheap laundromat near me’, you probably aren’t looking for the facilities with state-of-the-art equipment or premium vending snacks.
6. Operational hours:
Think about when the laundromat is open. Make sure it fits with when you can do your laundry.
Pick one that works for you, especially if your schedule is busy or different from others.
7. Customer reviews and ratings:
Look at what other people say online about the laundromat.
Read reviews and check ratings to understand what it’s like for other customers.
This helps you decide if the laundromat is good or not.
8. Environment and atmosphere:
Check out how the laundromat feels. See if it’s a nice and comfy place.
A welcoming environment can make doing your laundry more enjoyable.
Look for places that are well-lit and have good air circulation.
While these are nice perks, the basic amenities you should look for include machines with several functions to accommodate different loads, a working change machine, an area to buy supplies if needed, folding tables and carts, phone charging outlets, WiFi, and a clean restroom.
When To Use A Laundromat?
Consider using a laundromat when specific situations arise.
These establishments prove beneficial for various scenarios, such as:-
1. Handling Large Items
Laundromats are ideal for washing oversized items like comforters, blankets, or bulky loads that may not fit well in standard home appliances.
The larger machines available can efficiently handle these items.
2. Home Appliances Unavailable
When your home washing machine or dryer is out of service or undergoing maintenance, a laundromat serves as a convenient solution.
It ensures you can still manage your laundry needs even during appliance downtime.
3. Traveling
Laundromats are valuable during travel, especially for individuals on the go.
It allows you to maintain clean clothes while away from home, ensuring a hassle-free and comfortable travel experience.
4. Tackling Multiple Loads
If you find yourself with a significant amount of laundry to tackle in a single session, a laundromat’s multiple machines enable you to complete multiple loads simultaneously, saving time and effort.
How Much Does It Cost To Wash Clothes At A Laundromat?
Understanding the cost of washing clothes at a laundromat is crucial for effective budgeting.
The expenses involved can vary based on several factors:-
1. Machine Size
Different machines come in various sizes, each with its own pricing.
Larger machines capable of handling more significant loads may cost more than smaller ones.
Consider your laundry needs when selecting the appropriate machine size.
On average, you can expect to spend anywhere from $2 to $6 per load for washing machines, and an additional $0.25 to $0.50 per 10 minutes of drying time.
Wash-and-fold services may have a separate cost, usually charged per pound of laundry.
2. Type Of Service
Laundromats offer different services, including self-service and wash-and-fold options.
Self-service typically involves lower costs as you manage the washing and drying process.
Wash-and-fold, where the laundromat staff handle the entire process, often comes with additional charges for the added convenience.
3. Additional Amenities
Some laundromats provide extra amenities that contribute to overall convenience.
While these can enhance the experience, they may also come at an additional cost.
Consider whether amenities like WiFi, charging outlets, or vending machines align with your preferences.
4. Comparison Shopping
To ensure you get a good deal, compare the costs of different laundromats in your area.
Evaluate their pricing structures, taking into account machine size, services offered, and any additional fees.
This comparison helps you make an informed decision based on both affordability and the services provided.
Understanding these cost factors allows you to make savvy choices when utilizing laundromats, ensuring both efficiency and financial prudence in your laundry routine.
Tips For Finding The Best Laundromat Near Me
To find the best laundromat near you, you can ask for recommendations from friends or family.
You can also check your neighborhood Facebook group or Nextdoor page.
Another tip is to explore different laundromats and try them out until you find one that suits your preferences.
Most people wash their clothes at least once a week.
This means you can try out a minimum of four different laundromats in one month and make a more informed decision on which one is the cheapest and best.
As you’re evaluating your options, be sure to check for:-
1. Online reviews:
Does the laundromat have a rating on Google or have customers left specific reviews?
This can tell you a lot about the quality of the location and what to expect.
2. Pictures:
Sometimes, Yelp and Google show pictures of the inside of the business and this is a great way to view the equipment, seating area, and other features before you visit.
3. Peak times:
Google will also show recommended peak times for the location you’re considering and this is extremely helpful if you’re looking to avoid traffic and save time.
You can proactively avoid visiting the laundromat when it’s super busy during common times like weekend mornings and some evenings.
American Coin-Op says that Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are the slowest day times for laundromats.
4. Prioritize locations with special offers such as free dryers:
Believe it or not, some laundromats offer special discounts such as free drying if you wash your clothes there.
This is extremely helpful to those looking for a cheap laundromat to visit regularly.
Keep in mind that the washers may cost a little more, but you can dry your clothes as long as you need without adding more money.
5. Unnecessary fees:
Be mindful that some laundromats charge unnecessary fees such as membership fees or a $5 activation fee to use their own branded laundry card that you can load with funds to pay for washers and dryers.
Your best bet to avoid fees is to stick with a coin-operated laundry that has a change machine and simple pricing.
Also, make sure you bring your supplies with you so you don’t have to spend money on detergent and fabric softener sold at the laundromat.
Related Blog: How To Buy A Laundromat? The Ultimate Step-By-Step Guide
Conclusion
Laundry is no one’s favorite chore, but finding a good, affordable laundromat can make the experience less frustrating.
By using the tips above, you can quickly and easily find a cheap laundromat near you that meets your needs.
If you believe that saving money and planning for future expenses are important, check out this guide to help you start a budget or improve your existing budget so you can make the most of your money.
FAQs
The best places to find a quality and affordable laundromat are on main roads in your area and near grocery stores, restaurants and retail stores. A convenient location that is easily accessible is important. Plus, you may be able to run errands while your loads are washing if the laundromat is in a good area.
Going to a laundromat often seems cheaper than buying your own washer and dryer upfront. You will only need to pay $20 or so to wash your clothes when a washer alone could cost $500 to $700. However, consider how the costs of using a laundromat will add up over time. If you spend $25 per week at the laundromat washing your family’s clothes, this is $100 per month or $1,200 per year.
If you opt to buy a washer and dryer set, you could break even after year one then actually save money by not going to the laundromat. This solution is not always so simple for everyone though since the upfront costs are high and you may not live in a home that can accommodate a washer and dryer of your own. This is why it’s best to narrow down the cheapest laundromat in your area so you can save money long-term if you find yourself in this situation.
If you’re looking for a way to save time and effort, wash and fold services at your local laundromat can seem worth it. With wash and fold, you drop off your laundry, and the laundromat staff take care of washing, drying and folding your clothes. This is a great option if you’re short on time or don’t have a lot of laundry to do but most laundromats offer this service for an additional fee so you’ll need to decide if the cost is worth the benefit for your specific situation.
