A self-service laundromat (also called a laundrette, washateria, or coin laundry) is a facility filled with commercial-grade washers and dryers that customers operate themselves. You bring your dirty clothes, load the machines, add detergent, pay, and walk away with fresh, clean laundry — all without ever talking to an attendant if you don’t want to.

That’s the simple definition. But in 2025, the best self-service laundromats are so much more than rows of old machines in a dingy building. They’re bright, air-conditioned hubs with free Wi-Fi, contactless payment, huge energy-efficient machines, folding tables, TVs, and even complimentary coffee. Places like Surf -N- Laundry in Pensacola have completely redefined what “doing laundry” feels like.

The History of Self-Service Laundromats

The world’s first self-service laundromat opened on April 18, 1934, in Fort Worth, Texas. It was called “Wash-a-teria” and was started by a man named J.F. Cantrell. He put four electric washing machines in a building, charged customers by the hour, and provided soap and hot water. People brought their own clotheslines to hang things outside to dry.

The concept exploded during and after World War II. Housing shortages meant millions of Americans lived in apartments without washing machines. Soldiers returning home started families and needed affordable ways to wash diapers and work clothes. By the 1950s, there were over 50,000 laundromats across the United States.

Today, there are an estimated 35,000 laundromats in the U.S. alone, generating over $5 billion in annual revenue. And while the basic idea hasn’t changed — you still wash your own clothes — everything else has.

How a Modern Self-Service Laundromat Actually Works

Here’s the step-by-step process at a good 2025 laundromat (like ours):

1. Bring your laundry — in baskets, bags, or whatever works. Most people sort at home (whites, colors, delicates), but you can do it there too.
2. Choose your washer — Machines come in different sizes: 20 lb (1-2 loads), 40 lb (3-4 loads), 60 lb (5-6 loads), 80 lb, and even 100 lb giants for comforters, sleeping bags, or horse blankets.
3. Load the machine — Don’t overload! Leave room for clothes to move.
4. Select cycle — Hot, warm, cold, delicate, heavy duty, sanitize, etc.
5. Add detergent — Bring your own (most people do) or buy premium pods from the vending machine (Tide, Gain, Downy, etc.).
6. Pay — Modern machines take credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, loyalty apps, or quarters. At Surf -N- Laundry, every single machine is contactless.
7. Wait or leave — Cycles take 25–40 minutes. Many places (including us) have free Wi-Fi, big-screen TVs, comfortable seating, and coffee so you can relax or work.
8. Transfer to dryer — Most dryers are huge stackable commercial units that finish in 25–35 minutes.
9. Fold and go — Plenty of folding tables, rolling carts, and space.

Total time for an average family: 90–120 minutes from walking in to walking out with perfectly clean, folded clothes.

Self-Service vs. Wash-Dry-Fold vs. Dry Cleaning

People often confuse the three:

• Self-Service — You do everything yourself. Cheapest option (usually $3–$9 per load depending on size).
• Wash-Dry-Fold (Drop-Off) — You drop off your laundry, staff washes, dries, and folds it perfectly. Usually $2.00 –$2.50 per pound. Great when you’re busy.
• Dry Cleaning — For suits, dresses, wool, silk — uses chemical solvents, not water. Much more expensive.

The best laundromats (like Surf -N- Laundry) offer all three services under one roof.

Why People Love Self-Service Laundromats in 2025

There are dozens of reasons millions of Americans use laundromats every week:

• Massive cost savings — A decent home washer + dryer costs $1,500–$3,000 plus installation, water, electricity, and repairs. Laundromat visits cost pennies in comparison.
• Perfect for apartments & rentals — Over 40 million U.S. households don’t have in-unit laundry.
• Commercial machines clean better — Hotter water (up to 160°F), stronger agitation, and triple the spin speed removes more dirt, allergens, and bacteria than home machines.
• Handle huge items easily — King-size comforters, pillows, dog beds, rugs, sports equipment — things that won’t even fit in a home washer.
• Time efficient for big loads — Wash four loads at once instead of waiting 8 hours at home.
• When your home machine breaks — No one wants to wait two weeks for a repairman.
• Environmental benefits — Modern Electrolux and Dexter machines use 40–60% less water and energy than 10-year-old home units.
• Social & community aspect — Yes, really. Regulars know each other. Kids play. People watch the game together.

Laundromat Etiquette: The Unwritten Rules Everyone Should Follow

Good etiquette keeps everyone happy:

• Remove your clothes promptly when the cycle ends
• Wipe down the washer lid and dryer lint trap
• Don’t hog multiple machines during busy times unless you really need them
• Keep kids supervised
• Don’t leave detergent bottles or trash behind
• Be respectful — headphones if you’re watching videos, quiet phone calls

What Makes a GREAT Self-Service Laundromat in 2025?

Not all laundromats are created equal. Here’s what separates the best from the “I’ll never go back there” places:

• Brand-new or very recent equipment (Electrolux, Dexter, Maytag Commercial)
• Contactless payment on EVERY machine
• Bright LED lighting and clean floors
• Free high-speed Wi-Fi
• Air conditioning that actually works
• Attendants on duty during all open hours
• Security cameras and safe, well-lit parking
• Multiple sizes of machines, including 80–100 lb giants
• Comfortable seating and big-screen TVs
• Free coffee/tea/water
• Spotless bathrooms
• Wash-dry-fold service available
• Free pickup & delivery for larger orders

Final Thoughts

A self-service laundromat is more than just a place to wash clothes — it’s a smart, affordable, efficient solution for modern life. Whether you’re a college student surviving dorm life, a parent drowning in kids’ laundry, a military family, or someone whose home washer finally died, a great laundromat makes life significantly easier.

And when that laundromat is bright, clean, modern, and run by people who genuinely care? It stops feeling like a chore and starts feeling like a win.

That’s exactly what we built at Surf -N- Laundry.

Come visit us this week. Your clothes (and your sanity) will thank you.

Surf -N- Laundry