LaundryFinder

Self-Service Laundromats Near Me

Find coin-operated laundromats where you control your wash • 10,900+ locations

10,900+
Self-Service Locations
$2-$5
Per Wash Load
1-2 hrs
Total Time
50-70%
Savings vs Drop-Off

What is Self-Service Laundry?

You Control Everything:

  • 1.Choose your own machine size and cycle
  • 2.Use your preferred detergent and softener
  • 3.Wash delicates exactly how you want
  • 4.Pay only for what you use

Benefits of Self-Service:

  • 50-70% cheaper than drop-off service
  • Wash multiple loads simultaneously
  • Available 24/7 at many locations
  • No appointment needed

Self-Service vs Other Options

Service TypeCostTimeYour EffortBest For
Self-Service$3-$7/load1-2 hours (your time)High (you do everything)Budget-conscious, control over process
Wash & Fold$15-$30/loadSame/next day pickupNone (drop off & pick up)Busy professionals, time-strapped
Home Washing$0.50-$1/load2-3 hours (hands-off)Medium (load/unload)Have washer/dryer at home

Self-Service Laundry Tips

🏠

Sort at Home

Pre-sort darks, lights, and delicates before arriving to save time at the laundromat.

🧴

Bring Your Own Supplies

Detergent from vending machines costs 2-3x more. Bring your own and save $1-2 per visit.

👀

Check Machine Before Loading

Look inside the drum for forgotten items, residue, or debris before loading your clothes.

📏

Use the Right Size Machine

Don't overpay for large machines with small loads. Fill machines 2/3 full for best results.

Go During Off-Peak Hours

Weekday mornings and early afternoons are least crowded. Weekends and evenings are busiest.

🌀

Use High-Spin Cycle

High-spin extracts more water, reducing drying time and saving $0.50-$1 per load.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a self-service laundromat?

A self-service laundromat is a coin-operated or card-operated facility where you wash and dry your own clothes using commercial machines. You bring your own detergent or purchase it on-site, load the machines yourself, and wait for your laundry to finish.

How do self-service laundromats work?

1) Bring your laundry and detergent, 2) Choose an appropriate machine size, 3) Load clothes and add detergent, 4) Insert coins/card and select cycle, 5) Wait 25-45 minutes for washing, 6) Transfer to dryer, 7) Insert payment for drying (30-45 min), 8) Fold and go.

How much does self-service laundry cost?

Self-service laundry costs $2-$5 per wash load and $0.25-$0.50 per 10 minutes of drying. Total cost per load is typically $3-$7 depending on machine size and location. Bringing your own detergent saves $1-$2 per visit.

Are coin laundromats cheaper than card laundromats?

Coin laundromats are typically 10-20% cheaper than card-only facilities. Card machines may add convenience fees. However, card laundromats often have newer, more efficient equipment that may save time and use less water.

What should I bring to a self-service laundromat?

Bring: laundry in a bag/basket, detergent, fabric softener (optional), dryer sheets (optional), quarters or card for payment, a book or phone charger for waiting, and reusable bags for clean clothes. Some people bring snacks or drinks.

How long does self-service laundry take?

Self-service laundry takes 1-2 hours total. Washing takes 25-45 minutes depending on cycle. Drying takes 30-45 minutes for a standard load. Using high-spin wash cycles reduces drying time. Plan 90 minutes for a single load including folding.

What's the difference between self-service and wash-and-fold?

Self-service means you do everything yourself (cheaper, $3-$7/load). Wash-and-fold means staff does your laundry for you (convenient, $1.50-$2.50/lb or $15-$30/load). Self-service saves 50-70% but requires your time and effort.

Can I leave my clothes at a self-service laundromat?

You can leave clothes unattended during wash/dry cycles, but stay nearby. Most laundromats aren't responsible for theft or damage. Busy times mean others may remove your clothes when the cycle ends. Consider staying or returning promptly.

Find Self-Service Laundromats Now

Search 10,900+ coin-operated locations across 22 states