To start a profitable self-service laundromat, you need a minimum of 10 to 20 total machines (split evenly between washers and dryers) to achieve a viable return on investment. However, standard commercial laundromats typically operate with 40 to 100 machines in a diverse mix of sizes.
Size of the Laundromat
For example: Small laundromat (10-20 machines): Typically earns around $30,000 to $100,000 in annual gross revenue. Medium laundromat (20-40 machines): Can bring in $100,000 to $250,000 in gross revenue per year.
Buying a laundromat offers a ready customer base but may come with outdated equipment. Starting from scratch allows more control but costs more upfront.
A typical self-service laundromat owner makes between $𝟒𝟓,𝟎𝟎𝟎 and $𝟏𝟓𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎 in net profit per store annually. Because the industry generally operates on high-profit margins, owner earnings largely depend on the store's size, location, and the range of services offered.
While not legally required, there's a compelling case for starting your laundromat as a limited liability company (LLC). Not only does this choice bring added credibility to your enterprise, but it also offers protections that can be especially beneficial given the unique challenges that come with running a laundromat.
Laundromats face unique vulnerabilities due to their layout, equipment, and hours of operation: Fire: With numerous electrical appliances and dryers in use daily, the risk of fire is significant.
Yes, you can get bed bugs from a laundromat. While the extreme heat of hot washers and dryers kills them, you can unknowingly pick up bugs or eggs from shared surfaces like folding tables, seating, or unsanitized public laundry carts.
Owning a laundromat requires a massive upfront investment, constant maintenance, and high utility bills. It is also highly susceptible to location risks and is not a truly passive income source.
Laundromat Revenue vs Operation Costs: What to Expect
General liability insurance helps cover claims that your laundromat caused bodily injury or property damage to someone else. Commercial property insurance helps protect the owned or rented building you operate your laundromat from, as well as the equipment and supplies you rely on.
Laundromats boast a remarkable 95% success rate over their first five years of operation. This resilience makes them one of the most stable small business investments, primarily because clean laundry is an essential, recession-proof necessity.
In Japan, it is common to do laundry every day for couples or families. Single people typically do laundry 1 to 3 times a week. A family with small children will sometimes do it more than 2-3 times a day.
Running a laundromat usually only requires the owner to be present part-time, which is one of the biggest perks of this industry. You're able to set your own hours, and it's highly unlikely you'll have to be at your store 40 hours per week, especially once you get the hang of running your business.
Yes, washing a comforter at a laundromat is the best way to clean it safely. Commercial laundromats have large, industrial-sized machines that provide the space a comforter needs to tumble, wash, and rinse properly.
The Laundromat Millionaire Show with Dave Menz.
With the right mix of services, efficient operations, and a good location, laundromat owners can earn anywhere from $40,000 to $200,000+ per year. The key is smart management, regular maintenance, and consistent marketing to keep machines—and revenue—flowing.
Cleaning Up After Yourself is Proper Laundromat Etiquette
That means keeping your clothes organized, folding them neatly where possible, discarding lint or fabric softener sheets properly, wiping down machines after use, and cleaning up any spills. Also, be sure to take all your clothes with you when you leave.
Industry Benchmarks. Laundromats in the U.S. generate an average monthly revenue of $5,000 to $30,000. However, this can vary widely based on factors such as location, competition, and service offerings.
While not the most common way to get bed bugs, it is entirely possible to pick them up at a laundromat. The risk comes from shared folding tables, waiting chairs, and laundry carts, rather than the industrial machines themselves.
Let's break down the five most common laundry mistakes and how to avoid them—so your clothes look better, last longer, and feel fresher.
When you use a laundromat, you might encounter various germs and bacteria lurking around. High-traffic areas, like folding tables and machines, can be hotspots for contaminants. Knowing what to watch out for and how to protect yourself can help keep your laundry experience safe.
The most effective way to kill bed bugs in the laundry is through heat. Bed bugs and their eggs cannot survive temperatures above 122∘𝐹 (50∘𝐶).
The temperature in dryers can typically range from 120° to 160°F across varying cycles and platforms. There are some commercial dryers that can get as high as around 176°F.
Bed bugs usually come from places where people sleep or rest for long periods. Hotels, motels, dorm rooms, and apartment buildings are frequent hotspots. Public transportation, movie theaters, and waiting rooms can also harbor bed bugs. Bed bugs often latch onto luggage, backpacks, purses, or clothing.