What Should I Bring to a Laundromat for the First Time?
Essential items for your first laundromat trip: quarters ($8-15), detergent, fabric softener, laundry basket, and entertainment. This complete checklist ensures you're prepared for a smooth laundry experience.
Quick Answer: Bring quarters, detergent, fabric softener, laundry basket, and something to do while waiting. Optional: stain remover, dryer sheets, and hangers.
Essential Items Checklist
✅ Must-Have Items
- 💰Quarters ($8-15)
Get from bank or grocery store before your trip
- 🧴Laundry Detergent
Liquid or powder, about 1-2 ounces per load
- 🌸Fabric Softener
Liquid for wash cycle or dryer sheets
- 🧺Laundry Basket/Bag
For transporting dirty and clean clothes
- ⏰Entertainment
Book, phone, or work to do while waiting
🔧 Helpful Optional Items
- 🧽Stain Remover
Treat stains before washing for better results
- 👕Hangers
For delicate items that shouldn't go in dryer
- 💧Water Bottle
Stay hydrated during longer visits
- 🍎Snacks
Avoid overpriced vending machine options
- 📱Phone Charger
Many laundromats have outlets available
💡 Money-Saving Tip
Bring your own supplies to save money. Vending machine detergent costs $1-2 per load compared to $0.25-0.50 when you bring your own. Over a year, this saves $50-100+ for regular users.
How Much of Each Item?
| Item | Amount per Load | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Quarters | $4-8 per load | Washing + drying costs |
| Detergent | 1-2 ounces | Follow package instructions |
| Fabric Softener | 1 cap full | Or 1-2 dryer sheets |
| Stain Remover | As needed | Apply before washing |
Step-by-Step First Visit Guide
Before You Leave Home
- • Sort your clothes by color and fabric type
- • Check pockets for coins, pens, tissues, or other items
- • Pre-treat stains if you have stain remover
- • Get quarters from bank, grocery store, or existing change
- • Pack supplies in a bag or basket for easy transport
Arriving at the Laundromat
- • Survey the facility - locate washers, dryers, change machine, seating
- • Check machine availability - look for open washers first
- • Read posted rules and operating instructions
- • Get additional quarters from change machine if needed
- • Choose your machines based on load size and availability
Starting the Wash Cycle
- • Add detergent first - pour into machine or dispenser
- • Load clothes loosely - don't pack tightly
- • Add fabric softener to designated dispenser if available
- • Insert quarters - most machines show required amount
- • Select water temperature and cycle type
- • Start the machine and note the cycle time
During the Wash Cycle (25-40 minutes)
- • Find available dryers and note their location
- • Set a timer on your phone for 5 minutes before wash ends
- • Stay nearby - don't leave the facility unattended
- • Use waiting time productively - read, work, or relax
- • Keep supplies handy for transferring to dryer
Transferring to Dryer
- • Move clothes immediately when wash cycle ends
- • Shake out each item to prevent wrinkles
- • Check for items that shouldn't be dried (delicates, wool)
- • Add dryer sheets if using them
- • Insert quarters and select appropriate heat setting
- • Start dryer and set timer for check-in
Finishing Up
- • Check clothes 10 minutes before cycle ends
- • Add more time if items are still damp
- • Remove promptly when dry to prevent wrinkles
- • Fold immediately on provided tables
- • Pack in basket and clean up your area
How to Choose the Right Machines
🌊 Washer Selection
Regular Size (2.5-3.5 cu ft)
- • Best for: 1-2 people, small loads
- • Capacity: 8-12 pounds of clothes
- • Cost: $2.00-$5.00 per load
- • Good for: Daily clothes, light fabrics
Large Size (4.0-5.0 cu ft)
- • Best for: 3-4 people, medium loads
- • Capacity: 15-20 pounds of clothes
- • Cost: $4.00-$8.00 per load
- • Good for: Jeans, towels, mixed loads
Extra Large (6.0+ cu ft)
- • Best for: Large families, bulky items
- • Capacity: 25+ pounds of clothes
- • Cost: $6.00-$10.00 per load
- • Good for: Comforters, sleeping bags
🔥 Dryer Selection
Heat Settings
- • High Heat: Cotton, jeans, towels
- • Medium Heat: Permanent press, blends
- • Low Heat: Delicates, synthetics
- • Air Dry: Very delicate items
Timing Guidelines
- • Light clothes: 25-35 minutes
- • Heavy items: 40-60 minutes
- • Delicates: 20-30 minutes
- • Towels/jeans: 45-60 minutes
Cost Considerations
- • Each cycle: $0.25-$0.50 (8-10 minutes)
- • Typical load: $1.00-$2.50 total
- • Large/heavy loads: $1.50-$3.50 total
- • Always bring extra quarters
Timing and Waiting Strategies
🌅 Best Times to Visit
- • Early morning (7-9 AM)
- • Mid-morning (10 AM-12 PM)
- • Weekday afternoons
- • Late evening (after 7 PM)
⚠️ Moderate Times
- • Lunch hours (12-2 PM)
- • After work (5-7 PM)
- • Saturday mornings
- • Sunday mornings
🚫 Avoid These Times
- • Sunday afternoons/evenings
- • Saturday afternoons
- • Holiday weekends
- • College move-in/out days
Making the Most of Wait Time
📚 Productive Activities
- • Read a book or magazine
- • Catch up on emails or work
- • Study or do homework
- • Write in a journal
- • Plan your week or organize tasks
- • Learn a language with apps
🎯 Relaxing Activities
- • Listen to music or podcasts
- • Watch videos on your phone
- • Chat with friends or family
- • Practice meditation or breathing
- • Sketch or do creative activities
- • Browse social media mindfully
Safety and Etiquette Tips
🔒 Safety Guidelines
- •Never leave clothes unattended
Stay in the facility while machines are running
- •Keep valuables with you
Don't leave purses, wallets, or phones unattended
- •Be aware of your surroundings
Choose well-lit, busy locations, especially at night
- •Trust your instincts
If something feels off, consider leaving and returning later
🤝 Good Etiquette
- •Remove clothes promptly
Don't make others wait for machines
- •Clean up after yourself
Wipe down folding tables and throw away trash
- •Be respectful of others
Keep noise levels down and give people space
- •Ask before moving clothes
If someone's load is done, politely ask or wait
Common Problems and Solutions
❌ Machine Ate My Money
What to do:
- • Note the machine number
- • Contact the attendant immediately
- • Call the customer service number posted
- • Keep your receipt if available
Prevention:
- • Check if machine is working before adding money
- • Look for "Out of Order" signs
- • Test the door and buttons first
- • Bring extra quarters for backup
💧 Clothes Still Wet After Drying
Solutions:
- • Add more quarters for additional time
- • Remove some items to reduce load size
- • Check if lint filter needs cleaning
- • Try a different dryer if available
Prevention:
- • Don't overload the dryer
- • Separate heavy and light items
- • Choose appropriate heat setting
- • Allow extra time for thick fabrics
🧺 Someone Moved My Clothes
What to do:
- • Look around for your clothes on tables
- • Ask other customers politely
- • Check lost and found if available
- • Report to attendant if clothes are missing
Prevention:
- • Return to check machines 5 minutes early
- • Set multiple timers on your phone
- • Stay in the facility during cycles
- • Be considerate of others' time needs
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring to a laundromat for the first time?
Essential items include: quarters ($5-10), laundry detergent, fabric softener, laundry basket/bag, and something to do while waiting. Optional items: stain remover, dryer sheets, hangers, and snacks.
How much money should I bring to a laundromat?
Bring $8-15 in quarters for 1-2 loads. Regular machines cost $2-5 to wash and $1-3 to dry. Always bring extra quarters in case machines need additional cycles or for change machine fees.
Do I need to bring my own detergent to a laundromat?
Yes, most laundromats require you to bring your own detergent. While some have vending machines selling detergent, it's more expensive ($1-2 per load vs $0.25-0.50 if you bring your own).
What size laundry basket should I bring?
Bring a basket that can hold 2-3 loads of clean, folded clothes. A medium to large basket (20-30 gallon capacity) is ideal for most trips. Consider wheeled baskets for easier transport.
How long should I expect to spend at a laundromat?
Plan for 1.5-2.5 hours total. Washing takes 25-40 minutes, drying takes 30-45 minutes. Factor in waiting time for available machines and folding time.