Using a laundromat can be incredibly convenient. However, if it’s your first time, the process can seem a bit overwhelming. Don’t worry—this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to use a laundromat like a pro.
First step, get everything you need to do your laundry
Before heading to the laundromat, make sure you have everything you need:
- Laundry detergent: laundry powder works best in our washing machines, but liquid detergent is great too. Our vending machine also has laundry detergent so not to worry if you forget.
- Laundry baskets or bags: It’s best to bring your laundry in a laundry basket or bag. We have space under our folding bench to stock these while you wait for your cycle to finish.
How to use a laundromat washing machine
Now that you’ve arrived, let’s get to work!
- Load your machine: For best results separate clothes by colour and fabric type. Whites, darks, and delicates should be washed separately to prevent colour bleeding and fabric damage.
- Pay using the kiosk or insert coins: Nina’s Laundrette accepts card payments, if you’d like to pay by card head to the kiosk and tap the screen. If you’d prefer to pay using cash, our machines accept coins too.
- Add laundry powder or liquid detergent: Most machines have compartments for detergent, fabric softener, and bleach. Follow the machine’s instructions on how much to use.
- Select the temperature: Choose the appropriate water temperature based on the fabric type. Hot water is ideal for whites and heavily soiled clothes, while cold water is gentler on dark colours and delicates.
- Press start: Once everything is set, close the machine’s door. Double-check to ensure nothing is caught in the door before you press start.
How to use a dryer at a laundromat
Once your wash cycle is done, it’s time to dry your clothes:
- Empty pockets: Be sure to check all pockets for loose items like paper, screws, lighters, or pens that could damage your clothes or the dryer.
- Load your clothes into the dryer: Shake out your clothes before loading to help them dry more evenly.
- Option 1 – Pay by card: If you are paying by card, head to the kiosk and tap the screen, then select the amount of time that you’d like to dry your clothes for. Not sure how long your clothes will take to dry? Use our dryer time calculator.
- Option 2 – pay using cash: Insert your coins until you’ve added enough credit to dryer your clothes for the amount of time you desire.
- Select the dryer temperature: Choose a heat setting that matches your fabric. High heat is great for towels and heavy fabrics, while low heat is better for delicates.
- Press start: Remember to press the start button corresponding to the dryer you are using. If you’re using the dryer on top, click the start button with the arrow pointing up, if you’re using the bottom dryer, select the start with the arrow pointing down.
Important note for using dryers! When using two dryers that are stacked on top of each other you must pay for them and press start one at a time.
If you load all of your money up at once and then press start, all of your credit will be loaded into one machine.
If you do this by mistake, please scan the QR and complete our contact form to let us know what happened. Our team will provide a refund.
Laundromat etiquette
Good manners go a long way in shared spaces like laundromats. Here are a few key points to keep in mind to ensure everyone can enjoy the space:
- Return before your cycle ends: Other customers may need the machine, and it’s considered polite to be punctual. If you’re late, they might respectfully remove your clothes before you return to free up the machine.
- Respect other customers’ space: Wear headphones if you’re listening to music, and make sure you throw your rubbish in the bin. Report any spills, leaks or machine malfunctions using the QR codes on the machine.
- Use pet machines for pet items: Nina’s Laundrette has designated machines for washing pet beds and blankets to ensure that customers who have allergies can use our machines knowing their allergies won’t be triggered.
You’re ready to go
Using a laundromat doesn’t have to be intimidating. Nina’s Laundrette is here to make your experience as smooth and easy as possible. If you’re still unsure, watch the video we made on how to use our washing machines and dryers!