What to Bring to a Laundromat: Complete First-Timer Checklist
Heading to a laundromat for the first time? Don't worry—we've got you covered. This comprehensive checklist ensures you'll never forget essential supplies, saving you time, money, and frustration.
Quick Checklist: Detergent ✓ Quarters/Card ✓ Laundry Basket ✓ Dryer Sheets ✓ Entertainment ✓ Phone Charger ✓
The Essential Items (Must-Have)
These items are absolutely necessary for a successful laundromat trip. Forgetting any of these will either cost you extra money at vending machines or make doing laundry impossible.
1. Laundry Detergent
Why it's essential: Most laundromats don't provide detergent. Without it, you can't properly clean your clothes.
How much to bring:
- • Regular load (12-16 lbs): 1-2 tablespoons liquid or 1-2 pods
- • Large load (20-30 lbs): 3-4 tablespoons or 2-3 pods
- • Extra-large load (40+ lbs): 4-6 tablespoons or 3-4 pods
Money-Saving Tip: Laundromat vending machines charge $1.50-2.00 for single-use detergent packets. Bringing your own from home costs about $0.25-0.50 per load—that's 75% savings!
2. Quarters or Payment Method
Why it's essential: Laundromat machines require payment to operate. Running out of quarters mid-wash is a nightmare scenario.
How much money to bring:
Coin-Operated:
- • 1 load: $10-15 in quarters
- • 2 loads: $15-25 in quarters
- • 3+ loads: $25-40 in quarters
Card/App Payment:
- • Credit/debit card
- • Laundry card (if applicable)
- • Mobile payment app
Pro Tip: Call ahead or check online to see if the laundromat accepts cards. Many modern facilities use card-operated or app-based systems, eliminating the need for quarters entirely.
3. Laundry Basket or Heavy-Duty Bag
Why it's essential: You need something to transport your clothes to the laundromat and back home. Without it, you'll struggle with loose armfuls of laundry.
Best options:
4. Fabric Softener or Dryer Sheets
Why it matters: While technically optional, these items prevent static cling, add pleasant scent, and make clothes softer. Laundromat dryers are powerful and can create significant static without them.
Liquid Fabric Softener
Add during rinse cycle (if washer has dispenser)
Best for: Sensitive skin, precise scent control
Dryer Sheets
Toss 1-2 sheets in dryer with wet clothes
Best for: Convenience, static reduction, pleasant scent
5. Stain Remover or Pre-Treatment Spray
For tough stains: Coffee, wine, grass, grease, and other stubborn stains need pre-treatment before washing for best results.
Best stain removers to bring:
- • Spray bottle of stain remover: OxiClean, Shout, or Zout work well
- • Stain stick: Portable Tide-to-Go or similar for on-the-spot treatment
- • Small bottle of white vinegar: Natural alternative for odors and stains
Comfort Items (Highly Recommended)
Laundry takes 1-2 hours from start to finish. Bring these items to make your wait time productive and comfortable.
Phone & Charger
Essential for setting wash/dry timers, entertainment, and staying connected. Bring a portable charger or charging cable.
Reading Material
Book, magazine, tablet, or e-reader. Many laundromats have WiFi, making it perfect for catching up on reading.
Headphones
Essential for listening to music, podcasts, or watching videos without disturbing others. Laundromats can be noisy.
Laptop or Tablet
Turn laundry time into work time. Many laundromats have WiFi and seating areas perfect for productivity.
Snacks & Water
Sealed drinks and snacks keep you hydrated and energized. Avoid anything that could spill on machines or clothes.
Folding Board
Portable folding board helps create crisp, store-quality folds. Great if tables are crowded.
Optional But Helpful Items
Bleach (for whites only)
If washing whites, bring a small bottle of bleach. Use washer's bleach dispenser or add during wash cycle. Never mix with other detergents!
Hangers for Delicates
Bring hangers for dress shirts, blouses, or items you don't want to tumble dry. Many laundromats have hanging rods.
Mesh Laundry Bags
Protect delicates, lingerie, and small items like socks from getting lost or damaged. Prevents stretching and tangling.
Disinfecting Wipes
Quickly wipe down folding tables or machine surfaces if needed. Especially useful during cold/flu season.
Pen and Notepad
Track which machines you're using and set wash/dry times. Some people prefer analog tracking over phone timers.
What NOT to Bring to a Laundromat
Some items create safety risks, violate laundromat policies, or simply don't belong. Avoid bringing these:
❌ Excessive Valuables
Don't bring expensive jewelry, large amounts of cash ($50+), or unnecessary electronics. Keep valuables minimal and always in sight.
❌ Dry-Clean Only Items
Items marked "dry clean only" will be ruined in regular washers/dryers. Check labels before packing your laundry.
❌ Pets (Unless Pet-Friendly)
Most laundromats prohibit pets except service animals. Check policy beforehand if you need to bring a pet.
❌ Open Food or Messy Snacks
Avoid foods that could spill on machines or clothes (soups, sauces, crumbly snacks). Sealed drinks and simple snacks only.
❌ Prohibited Chemicals
Don't bring gasoline-soaked clothes, paint thinner, or other flammable substances. These are fire hazards and violate safety codes.
Money-Saving Tips: What to Bring vs What to Buy
| Item | Bring From Home | Buy at Laundromat | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detergent | $0.25-0.50/load | $1.50-2.00/load | Save $1.25-1.50 |
| Dryer Sheets | $0.05-0.10/sheet | $0.50-0.75/sheet | Save $0.45-0.65 |
| Fabric Softener | $0.20-0.40/load | $1.00-1.50/load | Save $0.80-1.10 |
| Stain Remover | $0.30-0.60/use | $1.50-2.50/use | Save $1.20-1.90 |
💰 Total Savings Per Visit
By bringing your own supplies from home instead of buying from vending machines, you can save $3-6 per laundromat visit. If you visit weekly, that's $150-300 saved annually!
📋 Printable Laundromat Checklist
Copy this checklist to your phone or print it out for your first visit:
Essential Items ✓
- Laundry detergent
- $15-20 in quarters or payment card
- Laundry basket or bag
- Fabric softener/dryer sheets
- Stain remover spray
Comfort Items ✓
- Phone & charger
- Book, tablet, or laptop
- Headphones
- Snacks and water
- Mesh bags for delicates (optional)
Pro Tip: Create a "laundry day" bin at home with all your supplies ready to go. This eliminates the need to gather items each trip!
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I absolutely need to bring to a laundromat?
The essential items are: laundry detergent, quarters or payment card, laundry basket or bag, and your dirty clothes sorted by color. Most laundromats don't provide detergent, so bringing your own is crucial. Also bring fabric softener or dryer sheets if desired.
Do laundromats provide detergent and supplies?
Most laundromats have vending machines that sell detergent, fabric softener, and dryer sheets, but at marked-up prices (typically $1-2 per packet vs $0.25-0.50 if you bring your own). It's more economical to bring your own supplies from home.
How much money should I bring to a laundromat?
Bring $10-20 in quarters for a typical load. Washers cost $2-5 per cycle, dryers cost $0.25-0.50 per 8-10 minutes. A complete wash and dry typically costs $5-10 per load. Many modern laundromats also accept card payments, so check beforehand.
Should I bring my own laundry basket to a laundromat?
Yes, definitely bring a laundry basket or large bag. You'll need it to transport dirty clothes to the laundromat and clean clothes home. Having your own basket also ensures you have a clean place to set your laundry while waiting. Wheeled laundry carts are even better for heavy loads.
What shouldn't I bring to a laundromat?
Don't bring: excessive valuables (wallets with large cash amounts, jewelry), items that need special care (dry-clean only clothes), pets (unless the laundromat is pet-friendly), or food/drinks that could spill on machines. Keep valuables minimal and always supervised.
Can I bring bleach to a laundromat?
Yes, you can bring bleach for whites, but use it carefully. Many laundromats have bleach dispensers built into washers. If bringing your own, use a sealed container and follow all safety precautions. Never mix bleach with other cleaners, and always dilute it properly according to the washer's capacity.
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