What to Bring to a Laundromat: The Complete Checklist

Heading to the laundromat for the first time? Walking in unprepared means wasted trips, wasted time, and unnecessary spending on vending machine supplies. Here's a complete checklist of what to bring to a laundromat so you have everything you need for a smooth, efficient visit.

Essential Laundromat Checklist

Must-Haves

• Your laundry — pre-sorted into darks, lights, and whites if possible (see our laundry guide for sorting tips)
• Payment — $5-$10 in quarters, or a credit/debit card for card-operated machines. Some laundromats accept mobile pay.
• Laundry detergent — bring your own to save $1-$2 per load vs. vending machine pods
• A laundry bag or basket — for transporting clothes to and from the laundromat

Recommended

• Dryer sheets or wool dryer balls — reduce static and soften clothes
• Stain remover pen or spray — for pre-treating spots before washing
• A mesh laundry bag — protect delicates, socks, and small items from getting lost
• Reusable shopping bags — for carrying clean, folded laundry home

Nice to Have

• Phone charger / earbuds — for entertainment while you wait
• A book or tablet — laundry time is great reading time
• Snacks and a water bottle — avoid overpaying for vending machine food
• A timer or phone alarm — know exactly when your cycle ends so you can move clothes promptly (good laundromat etiquette)
• A small amount of bleach (in a sealed container) — if you're washing white loads

What NOT to Bring

• Valuables — leave expensive jewelry and electronics at home or keep them on your person
• Too much detergent — a small travel-size bottle or pre-measured pods are plenty. Overdoing detergent leaves residue.
• Unsorted laundry in one giant bag — sorting at the laundromat takes up folding table space and slows you down. Sort at home.

How Much Money to Bring to a Laundromat

For a typical visit (1-2 loads of laundry):

• Coin-operated machines: Bring $8-$15 in quarters
• Card-operated machines: $6-$12 on your debit/credit card
• Vending supplies (if needed): $2-$4 extra for detergent or dryer sheets

Not sure what your local laundromat charges? Check our laundromat pricing guide for current averages, or find laundromats near you to check payment methods before you go.