A lot of people have trouble washing their clothes at home. Their clothes may be too dirty or might need special care, they might already have a lot on their plate and doing the laundry might take up more time, or they might simply just want to relax and have someone else do their laundry for them.
If you’re one of these people, then this guide is perfect for you!
While we were looking for affordable laundromats, we discovered that cheap doesn’t always mean better. Some of them have old machines, some might not provide the best service, and some might just be downright not worth your trouble.
With that said, we scoured the internet and read reviews to find some of the most affordable yet clean and safe laundromats in the country.
Don’t make the mistake of risking your clothes at a cheap place only to find it wrecked after. Similarly, you don’t want to go to just the nearest laundromat that offers overpriced services when you can get the same quality from somewhere cheaper.
Keep reading so you can get your laundry clean and your peace of mind secured.
What Are Some of the Best Laundromats Near You?
With a wide number of laundromats available out there, we’ve found some of the best laundromats that are most likely near you. We’ll also provide information like locations, services offered, available machines, and many more.
1. Wavemax Laundry
Wavemax Laundry is one of the biggest laundromats in the US. With locations in the states of Utah, Arizona, Colorado, Minnesota, Illinois, Michigan, Maryland, Texas, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Florida, there is a big chance that there is a Wavemax Laundry branch near you.
Wavemax Laundry branches are open from 7AM – 10PM daily.
Services offered
The services that Wavemax Laundry offers include:
- Self-service – The laundromat offers card-operated self-service laundry machines that can handle all your laundry needs. They also offer detergents, bleach, fabric softeners, and other laundry products like storage bags and hangers should you need them.
- Drop-off service – You can also go for their drop-off wash, dry, and fold laundry cleaning service. They boast of a Hospital-Grade Disinfection service that’s 500 times more powerful than just bleach and hot water.
- Professional commercial laundry services – If you own a business, Wavemax laundry may also be a good partner. They boast an abundant number of washers and dryers that can accommodate almost all the washing needs of any business.
They also have friendly attendants who can take care of any special requests you might have. They also boast of an Omni UV Sanitization system that provides customers with disinfection that “they will not get at any other laundry.”
Machines available
Wavemax Laundry offers Electrolux Washers that range from 18lbs. to 80lbs. machines. They also have Electrolux Dryers from 20lbs. to 50lbs. pockets that can accommodate all your laundry needs.
Pick-up and delivery service
Wavemax Laundry does not offer pick-up and delivery services.
Other amenities offered:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Air-conditioned facilities
- Televisions
- Parking spots at select locations
2. Coin Laundry of America
The Coin Laundry of America has been operating for over 15 years already, and is one of the best known laundry franchises in Miami, Florida. They operate daily from 6AM or 7AM until 11PM.
Services offered
The services that the Coin Laundry of America offers include:
- Self-service – If you want to do your laundry yourself, this coin laundromat offers self-service laundry machines that can handle both your light everyday wear and your heavy-duty linen like blankets or bedsheets.
Needless to say, they also offer detergents, bleach, fabric softeners, and other laundry products should you need them.
- Drop-off service – If you don’t have time to do it yourself, you can also go for their drop-off wash, dry, fold laundry cleaning service. Depending on the branch and the time you arrive, they can offer same-day services.
- Professional commercial laundry services – If you own a business, the Coin Laundry of America may also be able to help. They boast an abundant number of washers and dryers that can accommodate almost all types of businesses and cleaning needs.
They are equipped to wash towels, linens, drapes, cushions, rugs, uniforms for various professions, and many more.
- Alterations – Coin Laundry of America also offers alterations to your clothes if you need them just a little shorter, longer, or even fitting if you need it.
Machines available
The Coin Laundry of America offers both your standard washers and dryers, as well as industrial machines for your heavy-duty washing needs.
Pick-up and delivery service
Yes, they also offer pick-up and delivery services in select areas. If you want to take advantage of this service, or just check if the service is offered in your area, just follow the steps below.
- Create an account – Start by creating an account on their website. Here, you’ll have to input your name, address and mode of payment.
- Schedule your pick-up and delivery dates – With an account created, you should be able to see if they offer the service in your area. If they do, then you’re in luck! All you have to do next is schedule your pick-up and delivery dates.
- Sit back and relax – Once you’re paid, just sit back, relax, and enjoy your me time as they do the dirty work for you.
Other amenities offered:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Air-conditioned facilities
- Televisions
- Parking spots at select locations
3. BTM Laundry & Dry Cleaning Services
BTM Laundry and Dry Cleaning Services are located in different parts of New Jersey. They operate daily from 6AM until 10PM.
Services offered
The services that the Coin Laundry of America offers include:
- Self-service – BTM Laundry & Dry Cleaning Services branches are equipped with machines that you can use if you want to do your laundry yourself. As with other laundromats, they also offer detergents, fabric softeners, and other laundry needs for sale.
- Drop-off service – They also have a drop-off service where they could wash, dry, and fold your clothes for you. If you avail of this service, they would typically use Tide detergent, Downy softener, and Bounce dryer sheets.
If you do have allergies, however, you can always inform the staff so they can use other products instead.
- Professional commercial laundry services – BTM Laundry & Dry Cleaning Services also offers commercial laundry services for most businesses.
- Dry Cleaning – They also offer dry cleaning for clothes that require special care
Machines available
BTM Laundry & Dry Cleaning Services provides both your standard washers and dryers, as well as industrial machines for your heavy-duty washing needs.
Pick-up and delivery service
Yes, they also offer pick-up and delivery services.
Other amenities offered:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Air-conditioned facilities
- Televisions
- Parking spots at select locations
4. Love Laundry
Love Laundry has various locations throughout California, all operating from 6AM-10PM daily.
Services offered
The services that they offer include:
- Self-service – Love Laundry has a lot of machines that you can choose from – from single laid machines to Jumbo 8-load machines. These machines are also equipped with different settings for clothes that require special care.
Before using those modes, however, make sure to talk with any of the friendly staff. They may also be able to help you choose from their wide selection of detergents, bleach, fabric softeners, and other laundry products that you might need.
- Drop-off service – Love Laundry offers same-day drop-off service that uses only top-grade detergents. You can even choose whether to have your clothes folded, bagged, or hanged.
- Professional commercial laundry services – Like most laundromats on this list, Love Laundry is also equipped to handle any business laundry needs you might have.
- Alterations – Coin Laundry of America also offers alterations to your clothes if you need them just a little shorter, longer, or even fitting if you need it.
Machines available
Love Laundry offers a wide variety of machines from basic top-loaders, to more efficient front-loading machines, up to giant 8-load washers that are capable of handling specialty items.
Pick-up and delivery service
Pick-up and delivery services are not available.
Other amenities offered:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Air-conditioned facilities
- Televisions
- Laundry carts
- ATM Machines
- Car and bicycle parking slots
- Credit/debit card readers
- Vending machines
- Change machines
5. Tide Cleaners
Tide Cleaners stores and lockers are available in Boston, Cincinnati, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Nashville, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C.
Services offered
The services offered by Tide Cleaners include:
- Full-service laundry – Tide Cleaners offers expert laundry services that follow their signature seven-point inspection process. They’ll even remove stains from shirts you might have thought were lost causes.
You can choose to have your shirts pressed before they are folded or hung or just to have them folded straight away after washing and drying.
Tide Cleaners also offers special cleaning services for your clothes that need special love. They even have branches that allow you to drop off your clothes at their drive-thru to make things even more convenient for you.
- Full-service drop-off lockers – Tide Cleaners’ full-service lockers function somewhat like a full-service laundromat but with a more modern and unique way of doing things.
While this isn’t your typical drop-off service, you may want to check out the next few steps and see if it sounds right for you. To use their service:
- Download the app – Start by downloading the Tide Cleaners app from the Apple App Store of the Google Play Store. Once downloaded, create an account, and use the app to visit the Tide locker that is closest to your location.
- Place your order – Look for an unlocked locker at the nearest branch, place your items inside (and use a disposable bag), and lock the door by inputting a 4-digit code. Now go back to your app, choose your order type, and enter the 4-digit code you used on the locker.
- Pick your clothes up – As soon as your clothes are ready, you will get an e-mail or a text message. You can then drop by at any time, find your locker number, enter the security code that was given to you, and get your stuff.
- Shoe Cleaning and Repair – Shoe cleaning and repair services are also available in Tide Cleaners branches.
Pick-up and delivery service
Pick-up and delivery services are available. They also have a drive-thru if you want to drop your clothes off instead.
Other amenities offered:
- Parking spaces
- Drive-thru
How Do You Find Affordable and Clean Laundromats Near You?
If none of the laundromats listed above are near your location, then check out these tips for finding the most affordable yet clean laundromats near you.
Consider the location
Carrying all that dirty laundry around town can be frustrating, especially if you have no idea where you should bring it.
You can avoid this hassle by first looking for laundromats near you with the help of this handy tool below
Keep in mind, though, that the closest laundromat isn’t necessarily the best. You may want to check out the place first.
Is it easy to access? Does it have parking spaces? How close is it to your home? Before heading out, make sure you already have answers to these questions.
Read reviews
When looking for clean and affordable laundromats, read reviews. Check out local blogs, forums, or even just skim through the reviews available on Google.
At the very least, this should give you an idea of the quality of the place and service that they offer.
Make sure to take note of little details like the number of machines they have, or how long people usually have to wait before they can use a machine. If you want to bring your dog or your cat along, is the location pet-friendly?
If you’re planning on doing your laundry yourself, take note of any additional amenities they offer.
Is there a television you can watch while waiting? Do they offer free WiFi? Do they have enough space for sitting and folding? Maybe they have complimentary coffee that you can drink while waiting!
Lastly, you will also want to look at the level of safety of the place. Is the laundromat located in an area that is safe? Have there been cases of stolen laundry, which might sound silly, but really does happen!
Go through those reviews and make sure you take note of the pros and cons of the laundromats near your location.
List down services offered
Of course, the last thing you want is to go to a local laundromat only to find that it doesn’t offer the services you need. Again, before heading out, make sure to find out exactly what services they offer.
The best laundromats offer a wide range of services, from self-service laundry services, drop-off wash, dry, and fold services, commercial laundry services for heavy-duty needs, and pick-up and delivery services, at the very least.
Take note of pricing and payment options
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, take note of pricing. Make sure that the laundromat you’re going to has a price range that is more or less similar to other laundromats around it. Do your research so you can get the most bang for your buck.
Additionally, find out what payment options are available. More traditional laundromats offer coin-operated machines. Nowadays, however, they give you the option to pay via credit card, or even to purchase a preload charge card that customers can use anytime.
How Much Do You Typically Have to Pay at a Laundromat?
Costs to do laundry at a laundromat will vary per location. On average, however, doing a load of laundry will cost you the following:
- Transportation: $1.00
- Washer cost per load: $2.00
- Dryer cost per load: $2.00
- Detergent and fabric softener costs: $0.21
With these numbers in mind, an average load would cost you around $5.21. If you only need to do one load per week, then it will only amount to about $20 in a month.
If you’re a typical household who does about eight loads of laundry every week, however, then the costs may add up to about $42 every week or $170 every month.
Again, keep in mind that these are only averages. The actual costs may vary largely depending on your location, the size of your household, and the rates offered by the laundromat you’re visiting.
How Can You Save Money on Washing Clothes?
If you want to save money on your laundry needs, here are a few quick life hacks you can take advantage of:
- Maximize each load – Make sure each load of laundry you put in the washer is near the actual capacity of the machine. Don’t go over it, but don’t go way below as well.
- Air-dry when you can – If you can avoid using the dryer, do so! You can always hang your laundry outside on a drying rack to save a few bucks on the dryer.
- Bring your own detergent – Even if detergents and fabric softeners only cost a few cents, bringing your own can still save you a lot of money in the long run.
- Keep an eye out for promos – A lot of laundromats offer promos that give you one free wash and dry for every X number of loads or discounts for when you visit their store during a particular time and day. Keep an eye out for deals like these and take advantage of them whenever you can.
- Do your laundry at home – If all else fails, why not just do your laundry at home? You can invest in a washer and a dryer that’s energy-efficient so that you can save money. You can even hand wash and air dry if you really wanna save a few bucks.
What Are the Advantages of Going to a Laundromat vs. Washing Your Clothes at Home?
Thinking of whether or not you should go to your local laundromat or just wash your clothes at home. The laundromat is the answer. Here are a few reasons why.
1. Laundromats are cost-effective
Yes, an average load at your local laundromat will cost you around $5, and only about $3 if you do it at home.
However, keep in mind that this doesn’t factor in the cost of a washer and dryer, which may add up to a total of about $1,400 on average. Plus, washers and dryers can be very bulky, so you can also save up on space.
2. You can save on your water bills
Laundromat machines are designed specifically for commercial use. Because of this, they are typically more efficient when it comes to water usage.
Laundromat washing machines will often use about 15 gallons of water. An average home washing machine may cost you twice that amount.
3. Laundromat machines can accommodate bigger loads
Home washers are often not built to handle your heavy-duty laundry needs. They often cannot be used for washing comforters or large quilts.
Laundromats are often equipped with machines designed specifically for handling loads like these. Plus, if you’re just planning to wash some clothes, laundromat machines also usually have a larger capacity, so you can save more money by using fewer loads.
4. It gives you time for other chores or for unwinding and relaxing
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, a laundromat can help save you a lot of time, especially if you choose to go for their drop-off or pick-up and delivery services. What will you do with that priceless time?
Work on your other chores, spend more time with your family, go to the mall, or maybe just relax and unwind altogether.
Summary
You can save money on your laundry if you know where you can find cheap and safe laundromats near you. However, cheap doesn’t always mean good, so make sure that you check the machines they use, the quality of their service, and other amenities they provide, among others.
Aidan has been writing about personal finance for over 6 years. Prior to this, he worked as a Corporate Finance Analyst where he specialized in Due Diligence, Company Valuations and more. He is a CFA charterholder.
