Q&A for How to Do Laundry at a Laundromat

It’s a lot cheaper to do laundry at home—even if you take into account the cost of water, detergent, and other materials you need. In the U.S., doing a single load of laundry at a laundromat will typically cost you over $3, while doing it at home costs less than a dollar.

It typically takes about half an hour each to wash and dry a load of laundry, so you’ll probably be there for at least an hour.

You’re expected to provide your own detergent. However, some laundromats sell detergent packets and other supplies on-site if you forget.

If you’ve previously washed the clothes ~3+ times “properly,” then it’s okay to combine all colors and fabrics together: any ‘leaky’ dye has already washed away. Plus, modern machines and detergents are designed to avoid this energy-intensive problem. One exception is delicate items or those needing the permanent press cycle.

Typically, quarters are used. Most laundromats have a bill changer to provide quarters (or a clerk at a desk). Some modern laundromats–though the vast minority–also provide change for a debit card swipe or even accept debit cards on the machines directly. You can always get quarters at a local bank or credit union for no fee.

Use an additive such as Clorox 2 or another sanitizer when washing. Make sure to watch for a germ kill claim on the product before buying. You cannot control the cleanliness of the machine itself–only the germ-killing in your individual cycle.