Some people think laundromats are outdated, but step inside one on a Saturday morning and you’ll quickly see they’re still buzzing. The truth is, laundromats remain essential in 2025 for reasons that go far beyond washing clothes — from convenience and cost to community and culture. Let’s unpack why people still choose them, even in an age of home washing machines.

Why do people still use laundromats if most homes have washing machines?

Not everyone owns a washer and dryer. In Australia, many renters — especially in apartments and inner-city suburbs — lack laundry facilities. For them, laundromats aren’t just an option, they’re a necessity. Even homeowners often use them when machines break down or when facing loads too bulky for standard washers, like doonas, rugs, or camping gear.

Are laundromats more convenient than home washing?

Yes, in many cases. A laundromat’s high-capacity machines can wash multiple loads at once, saving hours compared to cycling through a single home unit. Add in dryers that can handle wet towels in under 30 minutes, and it’s a real time-saver. Parents juggling work and kids often see laundromats as a weekly reset button — one trip, and all the family laundry is done.

Do laundromats offer social and community value?

Surprisingly, yes. Laundromats have long been informal community hubs. In suburbs like Northcote, you’ll find students, tradies, and families sharing space while the machines hum in the background. This sense of unity taps into Robert Cialdini’s principle of social proof — people feel reassured seeing others solve the same problem in the same way. For newcomers to a neighbourhood, the laundromat can be one of the first places they connect with locals.

Are laundromats cost-effective in 2025?

Electricity bills in Australia continue to rise, and running a dryer at home can chew through power. Laundromats spread that cost across many users, often making it cheaper to do bulk washing there than at home. For people watching expenses closely — students, shift workers, or families in high-density housing — paying per load can be easier to budget than owning and maintaining machines.

What about sustainability and modern upgrades?

Many laundromats now invest in energy-efficient washers, water recycling systems, and cashless payment options. They’re not the dingy coin-ops of the past. Some even double as cafés or co-working spaces, letting customers sip coffee or answer emails while waiting. This modernisation reframes the laundromat from “chore space” to “productive pause.”

Do laundromats tap into behavioural science?

Absolutely. The scarcity effect plays a role: when time is short, the ability to knock over a week’s worth of laundry in under an hour feels incredibly valuable. Behavioural nudges like default detergent dispensers and tap-to-pay terminals also make the process seamless, reducing decision fatigue. It’s a classic case of “choice architecture” done right.

FAQs

Do Australians still rely on laundromats regularly?
Yes — particularly renters, students, travellers, and those with large loads that home machines can’t handle.

Are laundromats safe for delicate clothes?
Most offer settings for gentle cycles, but many customers still prefer to wash delicate items at home.

Do laundromats cost more than washing at home?
For small, frequent loads, home washing is cheaper. For large or bulky items, laundromats can be more cost-effective and time-efficient.

Laundromats may look like simple service spaces, but their role in modern life runs deep: convenience, affordability, community, and even sustainability. They’re proof that sometimes, the old solutions stick because they work better than the new ones. And for anyone searching laundromat near me, guides like this one break down exactly what to expect. For broader insights into consumer behaviour, the Australian Bureau of Statistics offers useful context on household living trends.