If you’re worried about your clothes shrinking, there are ways to avoid that particular problem. Wash them in cold water, and then either hang them out to air dry, or dry them in the dryer on the lowest setting.
During your first visit to the Laundromat, time how long it takes a regular sized load of clothes to dry, so you don’t waste any extra time waiting for the cycle to run out. The clothes may finish drying before the cycle is done.
Did you know that there’s a growing trend for laundromats to offer free wi-fi service for customers? It is true- and that makes the trip to the laundromat not only easier but it offers you the chance to use the time even more productively if you choose.
Did you know that doing your laundry at the laundromat saves on water? The average home washer uses about 3 gallons of water per load? However, high-efficiency commercial washers found at the laundromat use only approximately 1 gallon of water.
One of the earliest powered washing machines used a water pump. The pump was attached to a water faucet, and when the faucet was opened, the force of the water rotated the pump blades, which turned pulleys and caused the wooden tub to spin.
In old fashioned laundry methods, laundry was often soaked in lye (a process called bucking). The lye helped to remove stains and encourage a fresh white color, while also acting as a good degreasing agent.
The first Wringer Washer—a machine very similar to those we see in today's laundromat—was invented in 1907. In fact, during the Great Depression Wringer Washers were the first public laundries. Most other laundry facilities back then were a drop-off and pick-up service, similar to a dry cleaner.
Think of your clothes as performing a dance inside our washing machines, and when your clothes dance together, they get close. Because of that, you never want to put anything delicate in with anything metal that could rip or tear your delicates.
One of the benefits of doing your laundry at a laundromat is that our professionals supply carts where you can hang your clothes after drying them to prevent your clothes from wrinkling.
Who is credited with creating one of the first hand powered washing machines? Jacob Schaffer. Known for his work in botany, Schaffer was also an inventor and in 1766 he published a book explaining the benefits of his new washing machine.
It’s not only renters and college students that use laundromats. Every home benefits from the large industrial machines and the fast service. Dropping off throw rugs, comforters, and curtains at a laundromat will save you time and money.
One early washer featured all the modern conveniences. Painted a bright, cheery red, it was constructed of wood and featured a lid that clamped shut, a spring-based agitator cranked by hand, and an attached hand-cranked clothes wringer.
No one likes running out of laundry money when their laundry’s sitting in the washer and completely soaked. It’s a good idea to double-check that you have enough before you leave your house, either in quarters or in bills that can go in a change machine.
When you’re sorting your laundry in preparation to wash it, make sure you separate the light colored clothes from the dark colored ones. If you don’t, the dark colored ones could bleed some of their color onto the lighter clothing.
Do you typically wash your towels, linens and cotton clothing items together to save space? Your loads will dry faster if you separate heavier linens – like towels – from lighter weight cottons.
If you want to save money while using a laundromat, bringing your own detergent, dryer sheets, or other products with you can be cheaper. But you don't have to worry if you forget them or are traveling. Laundromats sell single-use detergent packs if you need them.
In 1934, the first known laundromat, called the Washateria, was opened by C.A. Tannahill in Ft. Worth, TX. This groundbreaking self-service enterprise featured four electric washers that customers could rent and use by the hour.
Many trace the history of the modern laundromat back to the Depression era. It was during that time that enterprising businessmen started using wringer washers to operate public laundries, where customers left their dirty laundry and then picked it up when it was done.
Is it best to sort your laundry at home or at the laundromat? While there is plenty of room for sorting your clothes, many clients prefer to sort at home so clothes will be ready to go into the machines right away.
You don’t have to just stare into space while waiting for the washers and dryers to be done. Bring a book to read, or a video game you can play with headphones. Many laundromats even have Wi-Fi to help make it easy to stay connected.
Did you know that laundromats are actually sometimes a fantastic center for community interaction? Bulletin boards may offer services or goods that are available, and conversation with neighbors is often a given. What’s not to love?
The industrial-sized washers and dryers at a laundromat can handle larger-sized loads than traditional washers and dryers can, which makes them perfect for laundering items such as king-sized quilts.
Planning on doing laundry while you're on vacation? You might want to place a few scented dryer sheets in your luggage. This keeps your clothes smelling fresh when you unpack them, and then you can use the dryer sheets when you do laundry at the laundromat.
Unfortunately, before the concept of washing clothes regularly became common, those who weren’t wealthy just had to deal with dirty clothes. Fortunately, we don’t have that problem any more.
