How Does a Laundromat Work?
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Individually Owned
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Most laundromats are set up by an individual. The person buys the appropriate sized building or leases one. They then install washing machines and dryers that will only operate when the designated amount of money is inserted in the appropriate slots. They also set up a vending machine that offers little laundry soaps, fabric softeners and bleach packets in case any customer forgot theirs at home. The owner opens the doors to the laundromat in the morning and closes them at night.
Self-Serve
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Customers use the laundromats without needing an attendant or the owner present. They go over to the washing machine and insert the amount of money that is being charged to use the washing machine. The machines only take quarters. Once the money is inserted the water will start in the machine. The customer controls the settings and adds soap and clothes and then waits for the washing machine to finish. Then she can move her wet clothes into one of the dryers. The dryers also take quarters to begin moving.
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Benefits of a Laundromat
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At home a person can only do one load at a time, but at a laundromat customers can do 10 loads of wash at a time if he wants. While a person waits for his clothes to finish, he can sit quietly and read a book. Some laundromats have a few arcade games for the kids. Laundromats also have some commercially sized washers and dryers for those big king sized quilts you may be needing to wash. They wash and dry the items that are too big for you to take care of at home.
Other Laundromat Facts
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Since the owners of a self-serve laundromat are rarely at the establishment you may be out a quarter or two if a machine breaks down. You will need to leave a message about which machine is broken and how much money you are out so that you get your money back and the machine gets fixed.
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- Photo Credit G Baden
