Think laundromats are only for people without a washing machine? Not quite. These self-service havens cater to a surprising range of needs:
Big loads: Got a king-size doona or a backlog of sports kits? Domestic machines struggle here.
Broken appliances: If your washer just called it quits, a laundromat is an easy stop-gap.
Time crunch: Many machines = many loads at once = your Sunday back.
Eco-consciousness: Believe it or not, high-efficiency commercial machines often use less water and energy per load.
Travel or relocation: People between rentals or on work trips often rely on laundromats to stay fresh.
As someone who once washed a week’s worth of moving-day laundry at 11 pm in a 24-hour laundromat, I can tell you—convenience is king.
Are laundromats hygienic and safe?
It’s a fair question. You’re putting your clothes where countless others have placed theirs.
Here’s the deal:
Commercial washers hit high temps: That means effective bacteria-killing cycles.
Regular cleaning protocols: Good laundromats clean machines and surfaces daily (sometimes multiple times).
High-turnover = cleaner machines: Busy locations often mean fresher machines, not dirtier ones.
Still, use common sense—check the drum, give the lint trap a glance, and maybe steer clear of machines that look neglected.
Is it cheaper than doing laundry at home?
Let’s do a bit of back-of-the-envelope maths (assuming Sydney power/water rates):
Home load cost: ~$1.20–$1.80 per cycle (including detergent, electricity, and water)
Laundromat wash: ~$4–$6 per load
Dryer: ~$1 per 5–7 minutes (usually 20–30 mins total)
So yes, per-load, it’s more expensive—but that’s not the full story. If you knock out five loads in one hour at a laundromat instead of all-day home cycling, the time trade-off may well be worth it.
What are the unexpected perks?
Here’s where things get interesting. Going to the laundromat isn’t just about clean clothes—it can actually be kind of enjoyable. Really.
Forced downtime: No distractions. Just you, a book, or your favourite podcast.
People-watching: The laundromat is a surprisingly rich source of characters and casual chit-chat.
No maintenance: No need to unclog lint filters, deal with leaks, or wrangle with repairs.
Super-fast drying: Industrial dryers? Absolute game-changers.
Anyone who’s tried drying sheets in winter knows—this alone can be worth the trip.
When does going to a laundromat make the most sense?
If you tick any of these boxes, it might be time to pop “find a laundromat near me” into your search bar:
You live in a small apartment with no washer/dryer
You’ve got a family and mountains of laundry piling up weekly
You’re mid-renovation, relocation, or your machine’s on the blink
You’re trying to get big bedding or delicates washed quickly
It’s also a smart backup option during power outages, plumbing issues, or even just extreme wet weather when drying outside isn’t viable.
Are there downsides?
Like any shared space, there are a few:
Wait times: Especially at peak hours (weekends, early evenings).
Limited privacy: Not everyone loves folding underwear in public.
Forgotten supplies: No detergent? You’ll pay premium for that tiny box from the vending machine.
But honestly, most of these are solvable with a little prep. Pack your laundry bag like it’s a mini survival kit: detergent pods, change for the machine, maybe even a snack.
How do I choose the right laundromat?
It’s not just about proximity. Here’s what matters:
Cleanliness: Look for tidy floors, wiped-down machines, and no lingering damp smells.
Machine variety: Bigger drums? Bonus points.
Payment options: Coin-only machines are phasing out, but check ahead.
Extras: Free Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, parking? They all add up.
And if you’re in a city like Perth or Melbourne, you’ll notice the difference between a no-frills setup and a more premium, boutique-style space that turns the laundry chore into something a bit more civilised.
FAQ: Quick answers to common laundromat questions
Do laundromats provide detergent?
Some do—usually via vending machines. But it’s cheaper and easier to bring your own.
Can I leave my laundry unattended?
You can, but it’s a gamble. Most regulars won’t touch your stuff, but theft or mixing loads can happen. Better to stick around.
Are pet items okay to wash there?
Some laundromats prohibit pet bedding due to hair and allergens. Always check signage or ask the staff.
Final thoughts
For many Australians, laundromats remain a quiet hero of domestic life. They offer speed, scale, and sanity-saving convenience—especially when your personal setup falls short. The best part? You don’t have to go far to find one. If you’ve ever typed laundromat near me during a rainy week or broken-washer meltdown, you know exactly how handy these places can be. For example, this local option in Perth provides both the basics and the bonuses that keep people coming back.
So, is it a good idea to go to a laundromat? Absolutely—when the timing’s right, it can be the smartest hour you’ll spend all week.