How to Find Cheap Laundromats Near You & Save Money

Whether it’s a crowded laundry room, a broken washing machine, or just an oversized load of washing, we’ve all had that thought about cheaper alternatives. Ultimately we ask ourselves, “What is the cheapest laundromat near me?”

You need to balance up some information when figuring out the best laundromat to go to though. First is the distance of course, in terms of it being close by. Secondly are the direct costs – you want somewhere cheap. But the costs aren’t as simple as the prices of a wash. You’ll need to consider:

Travel costs.
Time & busyness – your time is money.
What is included (or not)?
The quality of the laundromat (so you don’t need to go elsewhere to wash your clothes a second time).
Is it open and are the machines in working order?

Cheapest Laundromat Near Me Finder

The first step is to get a list of laundromats that match what you want. In this case, we’re wanting laundromats near us that are the cheapest. Simply enter your Zip code, postcode, city, etc. into the cheapest laundromat finder below and click the button.

If you’re not comfortable entering your location information, you can simply type “near me” and then hit that button!

Cheapest Laundromats Near Me Finder

Use the finder below and it will auto-search for the cheapest laundromats in your area and present them on a handy Google Map.

The great thing here is that the matches will not only find the closest laundromat but will also prioritize those with reviews mentioning “cheapest”, “low price” and other synonyms. As you can see below in the example it even highlights these related words for you.

Cheapest Laundromat Reviews Match — The laundromat finder shows and highlights reviews related to price and cheapness.

Because it focuses on the reviews, you know that it’s not just marketing spiel and that real people actually found it to be the cheapest laundromat in that location.

Coin Laundromat Near Me Finder

If you’re specifically wanting close by laundromats that are coin-operated laundromats, i.e. they accept coin payments directly into the machine, then use the finder below.

24 hour Laundromats Near Me Finder

Finally, if you’re looking for a laundromat near you that is open 24 hours a day, try the finder below.

Now that you have the list of cheapest laundromats nearby, you need to sift through the list and determine which is actually the cheapest. What’s important here is to NOT just select the first option in the list.

What to Look For in a Cheapest Laundromat

The laundromat finders will direct you to a detailed Google Map page with laundromats in your area that match your criteria. But you need to stop and think before choosing one at random:

1. Don't Just Pick the First on the List

As mentioned, the first laundromat returned isn’t necessarily the best for you. Let’s take a look at an example result below.

laundromat finder advertisement top — The first result in Google Maps is often an ad for a laundromat.

Result number 1 is actually an ad. This means that the company has paid to be shuffled to the top of the list. It doesn’t mean that it is the best and in most cases will not be.

2. Read the Reviews for Each Laundromat

The Google Maps results page from the laundromat finder will highlight any reviews in the left pane that match your criteria.

So for example, if you chose the “Cheapest laundromat finder”, it will highlight reviews mentioning low cost. If you chose the “24-hour laundromat finder” it will highlight reviews mentioning 24-hour opening.

However, you should also click on each laundromat shown that is nearby and read the more detailed list of reviews. This will help you determine if it really is the cheapest laundromat in the area, or if it is at least reasonably priced.

3. Laundromat Distance & Location

When considering the cost, also factor in how close the laundromat is to you. Obviously, you’ll need to travel there, and back so take into account the distance. From that, you can figure out how much it will cost to get to the laundromat in terms of gas/petrol, or bus/train fares.

A closer laundromat that is not as cheap, might actually work out cheaper once you cost out travel.

Additionally, check out what is close to the laundromat. If there are other stores nearby, you can make the most of your time and do some shopping while your clothes are washed. Your time has value, so combining two things together frees up your time to make money in a variety of ways.

4. Laundromat Amenities

A cheap laundromat is only worth your while if it has all of the amenities you need. If you get there and it doesn’t have everything you need, you’ve wasted your time and your money.

Some amenities that you might want to consider:

Washers & Driers
Coin Operated Machines
Coin-Free Machines
Change Machines
Quick Wash Functions
Detergent Vending
Folding Tables
Seating
WiFi (Free or Paid)
Coffee & Drinks Machine
TV
An Attendant
Laundry Carts
Laundry Folders
Restroom
Phone Charging Outlets
Vending Machine
Parking

Personally, we put extra importance on WiFi. Having a good solid connection means that you can use your downtime in the laundromat to earn some extra cash with surveys, or watching videos online.

You may even be able to earn enough to make your laundromat visit free!

5. Laundromat Popular Times

One thing to consider is that it is likely that because you’re looking for the cheapest laundromat, so will everybody else. That means that it will likely be very busy at certain times.

Luckily the laundromat finder takes you through to the Google Maps overview which actually shows you when it is busy or quiet. Click on each laundromat and scroll down in the window that pops up:

laundromat popular times — Cheap laundromats will be busy so choose your time wisely.

Another option is to make sure that you’re looking at cheap laundromats that are open 24/7. That way, you can go early in the morning or late at night to wash your clothes in peace!

According to American Coin-Op, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are the slowest, least busy times for laundromats. Unsurprisingly, they report that Saturdays and Sundays are by far the busiest days for laundromats.

6. Look at the Photos

The reviews will undoubtedly have photos. Check the photos to get a feel for the laundromat. It may only be cheap because it is old-fashioned or run down. Looking at the photos will help you avoid the cheap, bad laundromats and only focus on the cheap, good laundromats.

Check that it is a clean laundromat that is well maintained.

7. Focus on Safety

A cheap laundromat is all well and good, but it means nothing if it isn’t safe.

Having an on-site attendant, i.e. a member of staff is very important to ensure your safety. Additionally, having CCTV will mean that you’ll be safer because of that deterrent.

Finally, consider the area. Avoid it if it is in the “bad part of town”. That may be the reason that the laundromat is cheap. It may be worth paying a little more for that feeling of safety and comfort.

When to Use a Laundromat

Most people have a washer and dryer and home because of the convenience but there are times when using a laundromat makes sense. It can in some situations actually save a little bit of cash.

#1 No Washer or Dryer at Home

Not everyone has the luxury of a washer or dryer at home. It may be that they don’t have the space at home, or can’t financially afford one at the moment.

In this case, using a cheap laundromat is an ideal option.

Consider buying a machine: Buying a washing machine for your home will always be the better option. If it is financially possible we do recommend it over using a laundromat.

#2 Washer/Dryer is Broken

Things happen and appliances break. Sometimes we don’t have the funds to replace them right now, so a cheap laundromat can be the perfect temporary solution.

It gives you time to save up for a replacement or repair and means that you’re still able to wash your clothes without breaking the bank with dry cleaners etc.

#3 You Need to Wash Heavy/Bulky Items

Even cheaper laundromats have heavy-duty machines. These machines can handle comforters, duvets, sheets, towels, and more easily.

Home washers and driers can sometimes struggle to wash these kinds of items adequately and in some cases are too small to even fit the items.

#4 You're Away From Home

If you’re away from home for a significant amount of time and staying in a hotel, for example, you may not have access to washers and dryers.

In this case, being able to go to a low-cost laundromat close to your hotel can be a lifesaver.

Save Money & Time With These Laundromat Hacks

By now you should have figured out which is the cheapest laundromat nearby. But, what if I told you, you can cut costs and make the laundromat even cheaper?

With these hacks, you can save even more money when using a laundromat.

#1 Bring Your Supplies With You

Even the very cheapest laundromat will have a markup on the laundry detergents, dryer sheets, etc. that they sell. They exist to make money after all.

In almost all cases, you can reduce the cost of your laundromat visit by simply buying your detergent, dryer sheets, and fabric softener at a store. It also means that you can use coupons at the store to bring costs down further or even get cashback on your purchases, or earn money by uploading the receipt that you get from the store.

#2 Only Wash What is Actually Dirty

The temptation to take not just dirty clothes, but just about everything you own can be overwhelming. You may think “I’m going to the laundromat, so I may as well make the most of it”.

This is a mistake because it may mean that instead of being able to fit your dirty clothes only into a small machine, you have to use the more expensive larger machine, or do multiple loads.

But, on the other side of the coin, wait until you have a full load of washing so you’re not making multiple trips per week and paying over and over again for no reason.

#3 Select the Right Size Machine

Remember how we mentioned that a cheap laundromat is often busy? Well, that can lead to a more expensive situation.

If all of the smaller washers are taken, don’t just jump straight in and use the spare more expensive ones. Check how long is left of the smaller machines have left and it may be worth just waiting it out to save some more money on your cheap laundromat visit.

Load Size & Cost: Further down we cover average prices and you can see that the cost difference for using larger machines can be significant over time.

#4 Don't Use the Dryer

The dryer is expensive, so if you have a way to transport your wet clothes back home easily, you can save some extra money on your laundromat trip.

If it’s a nice sunny day, just hang the washing out to dry in your garden. After all, sunshine is free!!

#5 Use Color Catchers

Separating out your clothes into darks, colors, whites, etc. will mean multiple loads of washing at the laundromat. But, this can be avoided simply by using color catcher sheets which will allow you to throw everything in, in one load.

This way, you save money and also time.

Laundromat Q&A

Let’s finish up with a laundromat Q&A. You’ve found a selection of cheap laundromats, and you’ve learned how to save even more money while using them, so now let’s look at some specific questions, answers, and tips.

Is it Cheaper to do Laundry at the Laundromat Than Washing at Home?

In almost all circumstances, it will be cheaper to do your laundry at home. It doesn’t matter how cheap a laundromat is, it will never be a lower cost than running your own machines at home.

However, it can work out as a good temporary option, or when you have a huge bulk of washing to do in one go.

What is the Average Laundromat Price Per Load?

A laundromat’s price per load can vary widely. It depends on the country, the location within the country, and how cheap or expensive the particular laundromat is.

In the USA, the laundromat price per load is generally around:

Double Load: $3.00
Triple Load: $4.00
4 Load: $5.00
6 Load: $7.00
8 Load: $8.00

In the UK, the laundrette price per load is generally around:

Standard Size: £4.00
Large Size: £6.00

Can You Leave Your Laundry at the Laundromat?

Absolutely, yes you can leave your laundry at the laundromat. Just make sure that there is an attendant and that it is in a good neighborhood.

In fact, we suggest that if it is safe to do so, you do leave your laundry. You can save some time by shopping while your clothes are washing. Alternatively, you could use the time to make some cash on the side while you wait.

Summary

If you’ve ever found yourself questioning “what’s the cheapest laundromat near me?” then you should have found the answer using our laundromat finders above.

Just make sure that you take into account the other costs such as travel, what is available, the quality of the laundromat, etc. This ensures that you really have chosen the very cheapest laundromat near where you are.

Finally, make sure to follow our tips above to shave off even more cash from your laundromat trip. Everything considered you should now be able to do your laundry, safe in the knowledge that you’re getting it for as low a cost as possible.

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Alan Bloom (Earnologist)

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