What are the real benefits of using a laundromat?

July 07, 2025

Whether you’re dealing with a week's worth of family laundry or just a mountain of sweaty gym gear, laundromats offer more than just clean clothes.

Speed and efficiency: Industrial machines can handle bigger loads and wash faster than most domestic machines.
Cost-effective for big items: Washing bulky items like doonas, curtains, or pet bedding at home can be a nightmare—if your machine can even manage it.
Time-saving: Do multiple loads at once and get out in under an hour.
No maintenance headaches: No worrying about repairs, breakdowns, or replacement costs.

A 2023 survey from IBISWorld reported a rising trend in Australians turning to laundromats during peak periods like winter or post-holiday clean-ups, especially in inner-city suburbs where space and machine access can be tight.

And let's not forget the unspoken benefit: you can actually leave with everything done in one go, including drying. For anyone who's waited days for laundry to air-dry in cold weather, that alone is a win.

Who actually uses laundromats these days?

You might be surprised. It’s not just uni students or renters anymore.

Young professionals: Short on time, big on convenience.
Families: When their washer breaks or they need a fast reset.
Travellers: Those staying in Airbnbs or hotels without laundry access.
Small businesses: Think salons, massage clinics, even dog groomers.

There’s also the growing trend of mobile laundry services and drop-and-go setups, catering to working parents or anyone with better things to do than hover over a spin cycle. As Cialdini’s principle of Social Proof tells us—when you see others doing something (especially in your own demographic), you're more likely to follow suit.

So if your neighbour’s quietly heading to a laundromat near you, maybe they’re onto something.

Is it cheaper to do laundry at home or at a laundromat?

This one’s not black and white—it depends on your household setup.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Factor	Home Washing	Laundromat
Upfront cost	$$$ (machine purchase)	$0 (pay per use)
Ongoing maintenance	Medium–high	None
Energy/water bills	Adds to utility costs	Included in price
Detergent	You provide	Sometimes included
Speed	Slower (1 load at a time)	Faster (multiple machines)

If you're only factoring in dollar-per-load, home machines might seem cheaper in the long run. But if you factor in machine wear, water usage, time, and the inevitable repair callouts, laundromats often come out ahead—especially for irregular users.

Are laundromats hygienic?

Here’s where it gets interesting.

Many people assume public = dirty. But laundromats today, especially well-managed ones, are meticulously cleaned and sanitised, often multiple times a day. In fact, commercial washing machines tend to use higher water temps than domestic ones, making them better at eliminating bacteria.

Pro tip: if you're unsure, visit during quieter times (mid-mornings or mid-week), and look for visible hygiene signs—sanitiser stations, cleaned lint traps, and staff presence. Some places even use ozone-based disinfection systems or eco-friendly cleaning protocols.

What should I look for in a good laundromat near me?

Not all laundromats are created equal. Here’s what to keep an eye out for:

Cleanliness: Non-negotiable.
Modern machines: Look for card or app-based payment options—no more fumbling for coins.
Dryer quality: Powerful dryers save you time and coins.
Extras: Folding tables, comfy seating, free Wi-Fi, detergent vending—these things add up.

If you’re after something even easier, some laundromats offer wash–dry–fold services. Drop your clothes off, go about your day, and return to a neatly packed bundle. Convenience, bottled.

Are there downsides to laundromats?

Sure, no setup is perfect.

You may have to wait during peak hours.
You'll need to stay nearby while your clothes run (though most are pretty secure).
If you go regularly, the cost can add up.

But for most people—especially those without access to a full laundry setup—the pros heavily outweigh the cons. The trick is to pick a laundromat that runs efficiently and treats your clothes like their own.

What’s it really like? A slice of real life

Take Sarah, a freelance designer from Brunswick. Her apartment’s tiny washer finally carked it mid-deadline week. “I didn't have the brain space to deal with a repair guy. I threw everything in a basket and headed to the laundromat,” she said. “An hour later, I had clean sheets, dry towels, and time for a proper lunch.”

Or Marcus, a barista in Bondi, who hits his local every Sunday before his shift. “It’s weirdly peaceful. I listen to a podcast, fold my gear, and I’m done for the week.”

These aren’t edge cases. They’re becoming the norm.

FAQs

Do laundromats provide detergent?
Some do, either through vending machines or included in the wash cycle. But bringing your own is a safe bet.

Can I leave my laundry unattended?
It depends on the laundromat. Some are staffed, others rely on self-service. While most Aussies are pretty respectful, it’s wise to stick around or return promptly.

Are laundromats eco-friendly?
Many use high-efficiency machines and bulk washing practices, which can use less water and energy per load than home machines. Check if your local spot promotes eco-wash options.

It’s easy to underestimate laundromats. But in an age where time’s short and convenience is king, they’re more relevant than ever. Whether you're dealing with a washing machine breakdown, living in a compact space, or just needing a quick turnaround before Monday hits, having a go-to laundromat near me can be the low-stress answer you didn’t know you needed.

Sometimes, the hum of a tumble dryer beats the hum of domestic chaos.

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