When your laundry card accidentally takes a dip in the washer or copes a spray from a leaking detergent bottle, what actually happens? Do you need to toss it out and start again, or can it be salvaged? Here’s the clean truth — and it’s more relatable than you might expect.

Quick answer: If a card gets wet in a laundromat, it may still work — but not always

Most modern laundry cards (including bank-issued debit/credit cards used with contactless laundry payment systems) are water-resistant, not waterproof. If the card is only splashed or briefly soaked, it might continue working as normal. But prolonged exposure or structural damage can corrupt the chip or magnetic strip, leading to card failure.

Can water ruin a laundry card?

Yes, but not always immediately.

Cards used in laundromats — from proprietary reloadable cards to Visa tap-and-pay cards — are generally built to handle occasional splashes. They’re not snowflakes. But here’s the kicker: if water seeps into the embedded chip or erodes the magnetic strip over time, you could find yourself stuck mid-wash with no way to pay.

Typical risks when a card gets wet:

• Chip corrosion: Even though chips are sealed, water can degrade their connection over time — especially if detergents or humidity are involved.

• Magnetic strip degradation: Older machines still relying on swipe technology? A soaked strip can stop working altogether.

• Delamination: Moisture trapped between card layers can cause bubbling, bending or even splitting.

• Static or machine errors: Some payment systems may reject slightly warped or unreadable cards to prevent fraud or malfunction.

And let’s be real — if your card got soaked alongside your socks, you might not notice the damage until you’re standing in front of a dryer that refuses to cooperate.

What types of cards are used in laundromats?

In most Aussie laundromats, you’ll encounter:

• RFID cards: Used in branded or private laundromat systems; these can be topped up at a kiosk.

• Tap-to-pay debit and credit cards: Increasingly popular due to convenience and contactless payments.

• Mobile wallets: Apple Pay or Google Pay can sub in for a physical card, dodging this whole “wet card” issue.

Each of these has different resilience levels. RFID cards might fail if the antenna inside is bent or damaged by water. Credit cards are slightly more durable, but even they have limits.

What should you do if your card gets wet?

First, don’t panic. It’s not like dropping your phone in the ocean.

Here’s what you can do:

• Dry it immediately: Pat it dry with a paper towel or soft cloth. Avoid rubbing, which could scratch the surface.

• Avoid heat: No hair dryers, heaters or microwaves. Let it air dry naturally.

• Check functionality: Try using it in a non-critical situation (like tapping on a vending machine) before your next laundry run.

• Inspect for warping or bubbling: This is a red flag, especially with reloadable laundry cards that contain embedded chips.

If the card is linked to your bank and still doesn’t work after drying, contact your bank for a replacement. If it’s a proprietary laundromat card, see if they offer reissuance or balance transfers.

Is it common for cards to fail in laundromats?

Short answer? Yes, it happens — and not just from water.

The most common reasons include:

• Accidental damage (washing machine adventures)

• Exposure to heat (left in a hot car)

• Overuse (frequent bending or tapping)

Many laundromat owners report that payment issues often stem from cards that have been through the wringer — literally. One Melbourne operator mentioned how customers frequently turn up with cards that look like they’ve been chewed by a dog or washed with denim.

How laundromats are becoming smarter about payment

To counter these issues, more operators are adopting contactless laundry payment systems — a growing trend especially across metro areas and uni-centric suburbs.

Instead of relying on physical cards that wear out, these setups let customers use:

• Apple Pay / Google Wallet

• NFC-enabled credit and debit cards

• QR-code-based payment systems

That means no fumbling for change or wondering if your soggy laundry card still works.

These systems also often come with mobile monitoring apps, allowing users to check machine availability, get alerts when the cycle ends, or even top up from home. It’s all part of a broader move toward convenience and durability.

What happens to your balance if your laundromat card dies?

If you’re using a reloadable laundromat-issued card and it stops working, the good news is your balance likely still exists — it’s stored on the backend, not on the card itself. This is where consistency becomes a persuasion principle: businesses that offer seamless replacements for damaged cards reinforce customer trust and repeat behaviour.

But policies vary. Some operators require proof of purchase or card ID, while others can retrieve your balance using your phone number or a linked account. Either way, always take a photo of your card number or keep your top-up receipts handy.

Are digital wallets safer than cards?

In most cases, yes.

They eliminate the physical risk entirely. With no card to damage, wash, or bend, your phone becomes the single point of access. And with biometric authentication, it’s also arguably more secure.

However, this also means laundromats must be equipped to accept digital payments — and not all of them are there yet.

Real-world example: The soggy student scenario

Picture this: it’s week 3 of uni, you’ve finally found a laundromat that doesn’t overcharge for dryers, and you’re down to your last pair of socks. You shove your jeans into the washer, close the lid… and realise your student ID-slash-laundry-card just did a tumble with your whites.

Cue the awkward towel walk home.

In this case, if the card used an RFID system, you might get lucky after it dries. But if the antenna’s gone, you’ll likely need a replacement — hopefully from a laundromat that lets you recover your balance.

This is exactly why more laundry businesses are leaning into contactless laundry payment tech — making sure your washing mishaps don’t derail your weekend plans.

So, what’s the bottom line?

If your card gets wet in a laundromat, it’s not always game over. Many cards bounce back after a quick dry, especially if they weren’t submerged too long. But over time, water exposure can cause unseen damage — particularly in older cards or those using RFID tech.

The smart move? Go digital when you can. Contactless laundry payment systems not only sidestep soggy card issues but often offer smoother, faster transactions — no spare change, no kiosk queues.

FAQ

Can I still use my card if it was in the washing machine?

Possibly, yes. Dry it thoroughly and test it. If it was in there for the full spin cycle, there’s a higher chance it’s damaged.

Do laundromats replace damaged cards?

Some do. If it’s their proprietary card, check if they can transfer the balance or issue a new one — often they’ll do this if you’ve got proof of top-up.

Should I switch to digital payments?

Absolutely. They’re safer, faster, and immune to laundry disasters.

And if you’re one of the many making the switch to contactless, here’s a deeper look at how using debit and credit cards in laundromats is changing the laundry game.

For more on the evolution of payment security and contactless technology, check out this guide by Consumer Reports.