Washers and dryers for home use are for sale in appliance, department and home improvement stores. Few people would consider buying a home that does not have a washer and dryer hook-up. So why are laundromats still relevant today? Surprisingly, clean clothes are big business. According to Wikipedia, over 35,000 laundries are in existence in the United States. These businesses employ 197,650 workers, according to US Government statistics from May 2013.
Consider how and when a family with their own washer and dryer might want to use a laundromat. First, most homes have only one washer and dryer. A laundromat allows washing of multiple loads at one time. This might be very useful right after a long vacation that resulted in many dirty clothes, or when seasonal garments are brought out of storage and it is convenient to do many loads at once.
Non-commercial washers are limited in size. Even the largest home washers and dryers on the market today might not be large enough for a king size comforter, for instance. Most laundromats include over-sized, multiple-load machines that can handle any washable item.
When the clothes washer breaks down there are few alternatives. It is possible to do dishes by hand when the dishwasher needs service and clothes can be hung outdoors if the dryer is not working. Doing laundry for a family by hand is simply not possible.
Apartment dwellers, too, might prefer a laundromat. In large complexes, laundry rooms can be problematic. The machines get heavy use, and even a conscientious property manager might not be able to keep up with the maintenance. The facilities might be too small to accommodate the number of residents or might present security issues. Coin-operated washers and dryers are an open invitation to thieves and vandals. Laundromats For Sale also added, “Some tenants might be justifiably uncomfortable in an isolated laundry room at night or when most of the other tenants are away at work. A clean, well-lighted laundromat with an attendant on the premises is an attractive alternative that eliminates all the risks of lonely laundry rooms in apartment complexes.”
Another vulnerable population that is well-served by the laundromat industry are the homeless who are trying to maintain a level of cleanliness and dignity under very difficult circumstances. Laundromat fees are usually quite moderate and supplies can be purchased in one-use size packages in the facility itself. This is also a benefit for business travelers on lengthy trips but tight budgets who may not be able to afford the prices charged by hotels for in-house laundry services.
Numerous small to medium-sized businesses need laundry services. Many may not have space in their own buildings for a washer and dryer, or simply not want the bother and expense of purchasing and installing the appliances. Washers and dryers are big, heavy and hard to transport when a move becomes necessary. Cleaning companies, for instance, must frequently launder rags, towels and mop heads that are used every day. Car washes and small catering companies are also among the businesses that need laundry services on a regular basis. Laundromats serve not only families but their entire community.
The physical act of doing laundry is hard work. Dirty clothes must be sorted, packed into baskets or bins and lugged to the washing machine. Large jugs of laundry detergent are heavy. Folding or hanging clean clothes requires a fairly wide range of motion, flexibility and strength. Not everyone is capable of these activities. Many laundromats offer a very convenient drop-off service. The customer leaves the clothes, and they are returned to him clean, dry, and neatly folded for a very reasonable charge. This is a tremendous time, money and labor-saving advantage for people who are elderly or disabled.
Laundromats provide an important service to their communities. They will remain relevant so long as people value cleanliness and take pride in their appearance.
