Some say the rise of full-service laundromats, on-demand pickups, and wash-and-fold apps have sealed the fate of self-service laundry. But are self-service washes really dead—or are they quietly evolving to meet a different kind of customer?

Let’s unpack the reality behind the machines.

Are self-service laundromats becoming obsolete?

No—but they’re changing.

The idea that self-service laundries are disappearing is mostly perception, not reality. Sure, they might not be booming in the same way flashy app-driven services are, but they’re far from dead. In fact, many are quietly thriving—especially in cost-sensitive suburbs and transient areas like university precincts and inner-city rentals.

Here’s why they still have skin in the game:

• Affordability: For many Aussies, self-service remains the cheapest option.

• Speed: No need to wait for someone to collect or deliver—just get in, wash, dry, done.

• Control: People trust their own washing methods more than strangers’.

So why the death rumours? Because attention—and money—have shifted towards convenience-first services. But attention doesn’t equal extinction.

Why do some laundromats fail while others survive?

Success in this industry often hinges on two things: location and experience.

• Location: A laundromat in a low-foot-traffic zone, or in an area saturated with competitors, will struggle. The best sites are near dense housing, student accommodation, and places with limited in-home laundry access.

• Experience: Cleanliness, working machines, tap-and-go payments, clear signage—these are basic expectations now. Operators who treat their laundromats like neglected vending zones are the ones going under.

As behavioural psychologist Adam Ferrier might put it, people default to what’s easy and frictionless. So when your machines are hard to use or the lighting makes it feel like a crime scene, guess what people do? They leave.

Is consumer behaviour killing self-service?

Not killing—but reshaping.

We’re in an age of behavioural ease. When people can tap their phones and have clean, folded clothes appear 24 hours later, it sets a new bar. But not everyone can—or wants—to pay for that.

What’s shifting is who uses self-service:

• Younger renters: Less likely to have in-home laundry and more cost-conscious.

• Gig workers and shift staff: Need flexible hours, often late-night.

• Eco-conscious users: Prefer washing multiple loads efficiently in commercial-grade machines.

Rather than disappearing, self-service laundromats are serving a narrower, more defined niche.

Can modernisation save the self-service model?

Absolutely—and many are already adapting.

Here’s what’s working:

• Smart payment systems: Cashless, app-enabled, and multi-language interfaces.

• Hybrid models: Offering both self-service and drop-off wash-and-fold in the same space.

• Ambience upgrades: Comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, charging points—yes, even decent lighting helps.

• Community tie-ins: Some laundromats double as cafés or co-working spaces, especially in gentrifying areas.

Want proof it’s working? Melbourne’s inner-north is full of laundromats doing exactly this. They’re not just surviving—they’re destinations.

And here’s a clever psychological nudge: when customers see others happily using a space (aka social proof), they’re more likely to believe, “this is a good choice.”

Are full-service options cannibalising self-service revenue?

Short-term, yes. Long-term? Not necessarily.

There’s a framing bias at play. We compare full-service apps to laundromats like they’re direct competitors. But often, they serve different needs:

The smart laundromat owners aren’t picking sides—they’re doing both. That’s behavioural design in action: removing barriers for every kind of user.

What’s the real future of self-service laundry?

Think smaller, smarter, and sharper.

The golden days of rows of coin-op machines humming endlessly might be over. But niche-focused, tech-enabled self-service? That’s just getting started.

We’ll see:

• Micro-laundromats inside apartment buildings

• Self-service pods at petrol stations or car washes

• Integrations with digital loyalty programs

• Machines that send notifications when your cycle is done

Self-service laundries aren’t dying—they’re becoming leaner and more responsive.

So… are self-service laundromats dead?

Not by a long shot.

They’re just not mainstream sexy anymore. But like vinyl records or black coffee, they still have their loyalists—and they serve a function that no app can fully replace: autonomy and affordability.

If you’re weighing up the business case, this article unpacks whether self-service laundry is profitable with real-world insights worth considering.

FAQ

Do people still use coin-operated laundromats in Australia?
Yes, especially in inner-city suburbs, near unis, or low-rent housing areas. Many have now upgraded to tap-and-go too.

What’s the average cost to use a self-service laundry?
Around $5–7 per wash and $1 per 8–10 minutes of drying. Still cheaper than most full-service alternatives.

Are self-service laundromats a good business in 2025?
If location, tech, and cleanliness are nailed, yes. But set-and-forget operations are no longer viable.