How to Run a Profitable Laundromat Business In 2025
Exploring the Laundromat venture could be very lucrative, but not every laundromat is successful. Some make lots of profit, while others struggle to stay in business. You might be asking, “What makes the difference?”
Now here’s the point — a few key factors which can either make or break your business. If you desire to launch into the laundromat business or want to improve your current location, there are some important things you need to know.
The location you select, the parking situation, and the cleanliness of your laundromat can determine if your customers stick to your brand or choose another one.
The Power of Location in the Laundromat Business
The right location is one of the most important factors in running a profitable laundromat. Get this wrong and you will struggle to make money, no matter how nice your laundromat is. A laundromat in a bad location is a losing game.
The best laundromat locations are in areas with high demand. Apartments are one of the biggest sources of customers. Do you know that several apartment buildings lack washers and dryers in the units, and even when they do, the machines are often too small to handle large loads.
Can you just imagine?
Families living in apartments are in need of a place to do their laundry efficiently and on time, which is why laundromats near apartment complexes tend to do well. Another thing to consider is competition.
You may struggle to attract clients if there are already too many laundromats in the area. However, if there are no laundromats close by, but a lot of apartment buildings, it could be the ideal place to set up shop.
Gas-powered dryers are another big advantage for laundromats. Customers want to get in and out quickly, and commercial dryers can dry clothes in 20 minutes. You can compare that to an apartment dryer, which might take over an hour to do the same job.
Speed and efficiency are important when people are choosing where to do their laundry. Before picking a location, take the time to study the area. Ensure that you look at how many apartment complexes are nearby and check if they have laundry facilities, so you can know how many people might need your services.
Why Parking is Critical for a Laundromat
Another major factor that can determine how well a laundromat does is a Parking space. If your customers have a hard time finding a parking spot, trust me, they will go somewhere else. A good laundromat should have at least 20 to 30 parking spaces, depending on its size. Larger laundromats need even more.
A laundromat that possesses thousands of square feet but only a handful of parking spots will struggle to attract customers. Easy access to parking is just as important as the number of spaces. Customers should be able to park close to the entrance, unload their laundry, and get inside without a long walk.
If parking is far away or if customers have to cross busy streets to get to your laundromat, they will probably look for an option that is more convenient for them. Parents with children need easy access. Carrying heavy laundry baskets while keeping an eye on kids can be stressful.
If they have to always cross a crowded parking lot or dodge traffic, they may settle for a different laundromat that makes their work easier. Renting out parking spaces for U-Haul services can bring in additional income, especially if you’re a laundromat owner that is looking for extra ways to make money.
Apartment complexes often have a high turnover rate, which means people are constantly moving in and out. Offering moving truck rentals on-site could be a great way to make extra income without much additional effort.
Keeping a Laundromat Clean is a Must
No one wants to do their laundry in a dirty laundromat. Even you and I know that you won’t like that for yourself. If a place looks messy or unkempt, customers will not come back. One of the simplest yet most important ways to keep your customers happy is by keeping your laundromat clean.
You know the adage that says cleanliness is next to godliness. A clean laundromat will make your clients trust you the more as they feel impressed that their clothes are being washed in a sanitary environment. Your dryers, washers, floors, and folding tables should always be clean.
Employees should make it a priority to keep the place looking fresh and inviting. Some laundromats try to offer wash-and-fold services, but this can sometimes lead to problems. If employees are too busy folding clothes for customers, they are most likely to neglect their duty to keep the place tidy.
Also, some might even accept cash payments from customers without reporting them. As a laundromat, your main focus should always be providing a clean, functional space for people to wash their clothes. Customer service is another important part of keeping a laundromat inviting.
Employees should be friendly and make customers feel comfortable. A positive experience will help in encouraging people to recommend the laundromat to friends and family.
How to Make Extra Money from a Laundromat
Though dryers and washers are the main source of income for a laundromat, there are quite a number of ways to boost profits. Vending Machines: You can earn extra money when you install vending machines that sell snacks, drinks, and laundry supplies.
Even in areas where a grocery store is nearby, vending machines still generate much income. Bitcoin ATMs: Cryptocurrency is growing in popularity, and having a Bitcoin ATM can attract customers who desire an easy way to buy or sell digital currency.
These machines just need a little maintenance and provide passive income. Skill-Based Gaming Machines: Skill-based gaming machines can be a huge source of income especially in locations where they are legal.
Many customers desire to have something to do while waiting for their laundry, and these machines can bring in steady profits.
Why a Laundromat is a Smart Business Choice
Starting up a laundromat is a super amazing business for people who desire a steady income with a simple business model. Laundromats do not need managing a large inventory or dealing with complicated billing systems unlike restaurants or retail businesses.
Laundromat owners pay for utilities like water, gas, and electricity. The machines keep running and generating income as long as these bills are covered.
Employees must ensure that they maintain the facility, but there is no need for complicated payroll structures or handling accounts receivable. For those who prefer a simpler, hands-off business, focusing on self-service is often the better choice.
Also Read: How to Start a Trucking Company in 2025: A Step-by-Step Guide
What Makes a Laundromat Successful?
Running a laundromat successfully entails three important factors:
- Choosing the right location where there is strong demand
- Availability of many of parking spaces that are easily accessible
- Keeping the laundromat clean and welcoming
As a laundromat owner, you can create a business that attracts customers and keeps them coming back, when you follow these principles. Beyond the basics, adding extra revenue streams like vending machines, Bitcoin ATMs, and gaming machines can further increase profits.
With the right approach, a laundromat can generate a steady income for you and a stable business that provides a valuable service to the community. Owning a laundromat is not just about washing clothes. It is about building a business that meets people’s needs while generating steady income.
If you are planning about starting a laundromat, then you must pay attention to these key factors which will set you up for success.