Laundrette first-timer!!!

EmptyPurse

I'm sure someone here will be able to give me some advice :-)I've never been to a laundrette before but am going to have to go there tonight as I'm still waiting for my landlord to fix my washing machine/tumble dryer (grrrrrr). I haven't got a clue what I need to take with me though (apart from dirty clothes, obviously....!) How much is it likely to cost? Do I need to take lots of coins or can I pay for it on my debit card? Do I need to take my own washing powder and softener or is that provided for me? Are the machines quicker than domestic machines? I don't want to have to spend all evening there if at all possible.

Olliebeak

You'll need a few £1 coins and other change - but it may have somebody there who can give change. Many years since I've used one, but they do vary quite a bit. Some of them have a Manager on site but others are just 'open' with nobody seemingly supervising. They often have a machine where you can get soap powder but I'd advise taking your own AND some fabric conditioner - they are usually small packs that hold enough for one (maybe two at a push) wash. There's usually a variety of machines depending on what size wash load you have to do - so it's hard to say how much it will cost for the use of the machine. It's also advisable to use the spin dryer (if there is one) after the washer - helps to reduce the dryer costs.

One other thing, BEFORE putting your laundry into the machine - double check the inside of it!!!!!!! If the place isn't supervised, you never know what could be lurking in the bottom of the thing - sometimes something as innocent as somebody's last sock/dark coloured undies.

I've always found them to be slightly quicker than my current washing machine at home (mine can take around an hour and a half for a full programme, depending on what temp I've set it to) - but would advise you take a book/newpaper/puzzle book/something to drink. There's usually a small shop close by them that makes 'an absolute killing' from selling magazines/snacks/drinks to launderette users :rolleyes: .

Enjoy your trip into the unknown this evening - you'll probably find somebody there to chat to as well - often a good way to get to know local people.

whatatwit

Hi, I work in a launderette, try ringing them before to you go, to check out a few things.

What time they close, round here most close at 5pm, but ours is open until 7pm.

What time is the last wash, as you have a combined washer/dryer I presume you will be drying your stuff....usually last wash/dry time is at least 1 hour before closing...often 1 and half hours.

If there is an attendant on duty, then you may be able to buy soap and softener....but much cheaper to take your own.
Enquire about change, again if there is an attendant, you may be able to get some...not many take cards, due to the bank charges.

Most commercial washers have a pre-wash and then a mainwash, so take enough soap and the drums do tend to be larger than domestic washers.

If there is a spin dryer...(dalek like thing) then do use it. It will take out a lot of water and really speed up the drying time and keep the cost down. Push the laundry down into it and then cover with a towel/t-towel....this keeps everything in place and stops it jumping out.

Keep checking the dryer often after every coin. That way, you can pull out what is dry and give the rest of the stuff more room. If you have 2 dryers going, after 2 washers, then when you have taken out some dry stuff, merge what's left into 1 dryer....jeans and towels take the longest to dry and if there isn't enough stuff in the dryer for it to move then it won't dry (one pair of jeans stuck to the drum will take forever, 3 pairs will tumble and dry)

Have fun.

squeaky

You all forgot the most important thing to take with you...

A good book


I'll get me coat

EmptyPurse

Thanks for all the tips. I thought I might take a book and my knitting to keep myself occupied - v. old style!!!

V good point about checking 'last wash' times. It hadn't even occurred to me. I don't get home until 7pm so won't be down at the laundrette before 8pm - I do hope they're open late. I shall be v. stressed if I can't get my washing done tonight as I'm going away for the weekend tomorrow and need to get everything done tonight. Why, oh why, does everything have to break down just when you really need it?

squeaky

It's one of Murphy's laws...

Not that these two are - but I thought I'd cheer you up

Inanimate objects are classified scientifically into three major categories -- those that don't work, those that break down, and those that get lost.

Maintenance-free: When it breaks, it can't be fixed...

Alfietinker

Just for info, our village laundrette is open until 8 everyday - last wash to start no later 7 everyday so you may be OK. It opens at 7am though so if your's opens early could you go before work?

A standard machine is £2.80 and only takes £1 and 20p coins. The machines are much bigger than normal domestic drums though. The larger machine, for duvets etc, is £4.80. Tumble dryer works in 20p 'slots' and takes £1 and 20p. So you can put in 20p at a time and keep checking, or put in £1 for a bulk dry.

Definitely take a jam jar of washing powder and softener.

I only tend to wash duvets in there in the large machine, but the wash is about 40 mins, so I wander home and make a cup of tea whilst I'm waiting. Not sure how long the standard washes take.

Sometimes there is an attendant there who will help you but mostly you're on your own. Lovely smell though.

Just a point if you need to get change. Our local newsagent is so fed up with people popping in and handing over notes for a packet of chewing gum just to get change that you may not get the coins you need. Take as much shrapnel as you can in the first place.

MissEyre

This is taking me back to being a car-less student and having to drag a bin bag of laundry half way across town when I had absolutely run out of clean clothes...and then get to the laundrette to realise I had left my carefully saved bag of 20ps at home, and having to take my bin bag all the way home with me to fetch it Hope you get on ok! x

whatatwit

squeaky wrote: »

You all forgot the most important thing to take with you...

A good book


I'll get me coat

I agree...we have a bit of a lending library going

moanymoany

I remember the first laundrette that opened in Retford, it was a town attraction. We went to see it and found a stream of soap suds flowing down the street! It was before people realised that automatic powder was different from the usual.

launderette_owner

Hey, Im a launderette owner....how did you get on. You have been given some useful tips! If money is a bit thin on the ground come to my launderette..im the cheapest around! Hehe