If you’ve been searching the term “coin laundry” while in the UK, you’re not alone. Thousands of people look it up each month, usually discovering that the British equivalent is a launderette (or laundrette).
Whether you’re an international student new to the UK, an expat unfamiliar with British terminology, or simply someone who learned the American term first, this guide covers everything you need to know about using these facilities. Modern coin laundries don’t always need coins anymore, and the industry has changed a lot in recent years.
Use our directory to find a coin laundry near you – whether you prefer traditional coin-operated machines or facilities with contactless payment options.
What is Coin Laundry? UK vs US Terminology
Understanding the Term
The term “coin laundry” comes from the United States, where self-service laundromats originated in the 1930s. In Britain, we call these facilities launderettes or laundrettes.
They’re exactly the same thing: pay-per-use washing facilities where you wash and dry your own clothes using commercial machines.
The “coin laundry” search term is growing in popularity across the UK. This reflects both American cultural influence and the international makeup of British cities, where people from different countries use different terms for the same service.
Why It’s Called “Coin Laundry”
These facilities earned their “coin-operated” name because customers originally inserted coins into machines to activate washers and dryers. You’d carry a pocketful of 20p and 50p pieces to get your washing done.
But here’s the interesting part: the industry is gradually moving beyond coins alone. Cards, contactless payments, and mobile apps are now common. The name stuck even as the technology evolved.
How Does Coin Laundry Work in the UK?
The Basic Process
Never used a launderette before? Here’s what happens:
- Find a launderette (use our directory to locate one)
- Check opening hours (some offer 24-hour access)
- Bring your laundry and supplies (see checklist below)
- Choose your machine based on load size
- Pay and start the cycle
- Wait 30 to 45 minutes (or run errands nearby)
- Dry your clothes if needed
Total time from start to finish: about 60 to 90 minutes.
For detailed step-by-step instructions with photos, see our first-time launderette guide.
What Machines Are Available
UK launderettes stock different machine sizes for different needs:
| Machine Type | Capacity | Best For | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard washer | 7 to 9kg | Weekly clothes for 1 to 2 people | £3.50 to £5.50 |
| Large washer | 12 to 18kg | Bedding, family loads | £6 to £10 |
| Extra-large | 18kg+ | Duvets, winter coats | £8 to £15 |
| Tumble dryer | Various | All loads (per 15 min) | £1 to £2 |
Standard machines handle most regular laundry comfortably. Think a week’s worth of clothes for one person or several days’ worth for a couple.
Large capacity washers shine when you need to wash bulky items. Duvets, winter coats, curtains, and blankets that won’t fit in home machines work perfectly in commercial equipment. These large machines make washing items like king-size duvets not only possible but straightforward.
Some locations also offer ironing facilities, though these are less common than washing and drying machines.
Do You Really Need Coins?
Coin-Operated vs Modern Payment Methods
While “coin laundry” traditionally means coin-only payment, UK launderettes now offer different options depending on your preference.
Our directory data shows that 65% of UK launderettes accept coins and cash – making traditional coin operation still the dominant payment method. These facilities accept 20p, 50p, £1, and sometimes £2 coins, with some locations also issuing tokens. Coin operation offers several advantages: no transaction fees, simpler budgeting with cash, and no need for apps or digital accounts. Many customers prefer the straightforward nature of coin payment without involving cards or smartphones.
Modern payment technology is steadily growing across the industry. An increasing number of launderettes now accept contactless cards and mobile devices, offer mobile apps with machine booking and cycle notifications, or use pre-paid cards similar to transport cards. Some facilities offer modern payment exclusively, while others provide both coins and contactless options for maximum flexibility – giving customers the choice of whichever method they prefer.
This slower adoption compared to retail (where 94.6% of UK card transactions were contactless in 2024, according to Barclays Consumer Spend data) reflects the launderette industry’s unique characteristics. Many are independent operations with older equipment where upgrading payment systems requires significant capital investment.
Recently opened or refurbished facilities increasingly offer multiple payment options to serve different customer preferences. Before visiting a new location, check our directory where you can filter for traditional coin-operated launderettes or search all facilities and filter by payment preference to find exactly what suits your needs.
Coin Laundry Prices in the UK (2025)
Typical Washing Costs
Launderette prices vary by location, machine size, and whether you choose self-service or service wash options:
- Standard wash (7 to 9kg): £3.50 to £5.50
- Large load (12 to 18kg): £6 to £10
- Extra-large/duvet wash: £8 to £15
Factors affecting price include your location (London costs more than rural areas), machine size, and wash programme type (economy vs intensive cycles).
Drying Costs
Drying adds to your total cost:
- Per cycle: £1 to £2 (usually 10 to 15 minutes)
- Most items need 2 to 3 cycles
- Total drying cost: £3 to £6
Tips to reduce drying costs: Use the highest spin speed on your washing machine to extract more water before transferring to the dryer. Consider air-drying items at home if weather permits.
Service Wash vs Self-Service
You have two main options:
- Service wash: Staff wash, dry, and fold for you. Costs £1.50 to £3 per kilogram. A typical 8kg load runs £10 to £20. Roughly double the self-service price, but you save 60 to 90 minutes of waiting.
- Self-service: You do everything yourself. Costs £7 to £12 for a complete wash-and-dry visit for standard loads.
When does each option make sense? Service wash works well for busy professionals who value time over money. Self-service suits students, retirees, or anyone with time to wait.
For comprehensive regional pricing breakdowns and money-saving strategies, see our detailed UK launderette cost guide.
Finding the Best Coin Laundry Near You
What to Look For
Not all launderettes are created equal. When choosing a facility, consider:
- Location and accessibility: Can you reach it easily? Is there parking or good public transport? Some facilities even offer collection and delivery services.
- Opening hours: Traditional launderettes operate 7am to 9pm. But 24-hour facilities are growing in popularity, particularly in university cities.
- Machine variety: Do they have large-capacity machines if you need to wash duvets? Check before making the trip.
- Payment methods: Can you pay the way you prefer? Modern facilities accept cards and apps, but many still require coins.
- Facilities and amenities: Free WiFi lets you work while machines run. Comfortable seating, vending machines, and clean toilets all improve the experience.
- Cleanliness: Well-maintained machines with regular servicing deliver better results and break down less frequently. Clean facilities with tidy floors and regularly emptied bins signal attentive management.
- Security: For 24-hour locations, look for adequate lighting, CCTV coverage, and staff presence during operating hours.
Top UK Cities for Coin Laundry
Popular cities with good launderette coverage include:
- London – Hundreds of facilities, from basic to premium
- Edinburgh – Strong student population means good coverage
- Manchester – Mix of traditional and modern facilities
- Birmingham – Growing number of 24-hour options
Using Our Directory
Our searchable directory helps you find the perfect facility:
- Filter by features: 24-hour access, payment methods, services offered
- Read reviews: Real customer experiences and ratings
- Check opening hours: Live information (though always call to confirm)
- Get directions: Integrated mapping
Search our UK coin laundry directory:
Tips for Using Coin Laundry Like a Pro
What to Bring
Arriving prepared makes everything smoother:
- Laundry detergent ranks as the most commonly forgotten item. While some facilities sell individual pods from vending machines, these cost £1.50 to £2 versus 15p to 20p per wash when buying bottles. Bring your preferred product in a small container.
- Fabric softener remains optional but improves results for towels and bedding. Commercial washers typically include a dispenser. If yours doesn’t, skip it rather than adding softener directly to the drum.
- Coins or card for payment: Your requirements depend on the facility type. For coin-operated machines, carry £8 to £12 in mixed coins – most accept £1 and £2 coins for larger amounts, with 50p and 20p pieces for smaller increments. For modern card-only facilities, bring your contactless card or smartphone (some require app downloads beforehand). Even if visiting a card-payment facility, carrying £5 to £10 in £1 coins as backup is smart planning – card readers occasionally malfunction, and having coins ensures you’re never stuck with wet laundry. Check our directory’s payment method filter before your first visit to confirm what you’ll need.
- Laundry bag or basket: Protects clean clothes and makes carrying heavy items manageable. Collapsible baskets fold flat for the outbound journey.
- Entertainment: A book, tablet, or charged smartphone helps pass the time. Many facilities offer free WiFi.
- Timer or phone: Track your wash and dry cycles so you don’t leave items sitting.
Peak vs Off-Peak Times
UK launderettes follow predictable demand patterns.
Busiest times:
- Weekend mornings (9am to noon): Families tackle weekly laundry
- Sunday afternoons (2pm to 6pm): People prepare for the work week
- Student term starts (late September, early January, late April): Chaos in university areas
Quietest times:
- Weekday late mornings (10am to noon)
- Early afternoons (1pm to 3pm)
- Late evenings at 24-hour locations
Arrive before 9:30am on Saturdays if you must visit during peak times. After that, machines fill rapidly.
Strategy for 24-hour locations: Night owls and shift workers can enjoy empty facilities between 10pm and 6am.
Coin Laundry Etiquette
Basic courtesy makes the experience better for everyone:
- Remove clothes promptly: When your cycle completes, transfer items quickly. Leaving clothes sitting in finished machines during peak hours frustrates people waiting. Most facilities tolerate 5 to 10 minutes, but anything longer tests patience.
- Clean up after yourself: Spilled detergent? Wipe it up. Lint-filled dryer filter? Clean it before leaving. The next user will appreciate it.
- Mind your space: Don’t spread belongings across multiple folding tables when others are waiting. Fold your items, move them to bags, and free up the table.
- Be considerate of time: During busy periods, don’t occupy machines longer than necessary. Some people are waiting.
- Fold and remove promptly: Once your clothes are dry, remove them from the dryer and fold them elsewhere if needed.
Safety Tips
- Don’t leave valuables unattended: Keep wallets, phones, and other valuables with you at all times.
- Use well-lit, busy locations: Particularly if visiting during evening hours or in unfamiliar areas.
- Check machines before loading: Look inside washers and dryers to make sure they’re empty and clean.
- Keep payment methods secure: Don’t leave cash or cards lying around while you sort laundry.
- Stay nearby: While security has improved, unattended items sometimes go missing. More to the point, you’ll need to transfer clothes when cycles finish.
Special Uses for Coin Laundry
Large Items and Seasonal Washing
Commercial machines handle situations where domestic equipment fails:
Duvets and comforters: Single duvets sometimes squeeze into big domestic machines, but doubles, kings, and super-kings require commercial equipment. Winter duvets with 10.5+ tog ratings become particularly bulky when wet. Our duvet washing guide provides specific instructions.
Winter coats and heavy jackets: Down jackets, wool coats, and padded jackets need careful washing but benefit from professional-grade capacity. Attempting these at home often results in inadequate rinsing or incomplete drying.
Curtains and blankets: Bringing these items to a launderette once or twice yearly refreshes room appearance dramatically. Heavy lined curtains particularly benefit from commercial extraction and drying.
Sports equipment: Football boots, gym bags, tent groundsheets. Items that benefit from robust washing action unavailable in domestic machines.
Moving house: Wash curtains, bedding, and clothes before packing. Many people also wash items upon arrival at a new home.
Emergency Situations
Life happens. Launderettes solve problems domestic machines can’t:
- Broken washing machine: Your home machine breaks mid-cycle with a drum full of soaking clothes
- Flooded home: Water damage leaves you without functioning appliances
- No hot water: Boiler failures mean you can’t wash at home
- Large unexpected mess: Children’s accidents or pet incidents require washing multiple loads urgently
24-Hour Coin Laundry Options
Why 24-Hour Matters
Round-the-clock access serves specific needs:
- Shift workers: Nurses, security guards, and hospitality staff work irregular hours. Traditional 9am to 9pm opening times don’t work for their schedules.
- Emergency washing: A flooded home or burst pipe at 11pm needs immediate solutions. 24-hour launderettes provide them.
- Avoid crowds: Hate waiting for machines? Visit at 2am when facilities are empty.
- Flexibility for busy schedules: Parents juggling work and childcare can do laundry after kids are in bed. Students can wash during late-night study breaks.
Finding 24-Hour Locations
24-hour facilities are more common in major cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh. University areas often have at least one 24-hour option to serve student schedules.
Security features to look for:
- Bright interior and exterior lighting
- CCTV cameras covering entrance and interior
- Emergency contact numbers clearly displayed
- Secure door locks (some require access codes after certain hours)
- Nearby populated areas (not isolated locations)
Safety considerations for night use: Always tell someone where you’re going. Park in well-lit areas close to the entrance. Trust your instincts: if a location feels unsafe, leave and find an alternative.
Find 24-hour coin laundries in your area
The Future of Coin Laundry in the UK
Technology Trends
The launderette industry is modernizing:
- App-based payment and booking: Several chains now offer mobile apps where you can pay, book machines in advance, and receive notifications when cycles complete. Some apps offer loyalty programmes with discounts for regular users.
- Machine availability tracking: Real-time monitoring shows which machines are available before you leave home. No more arriving to find every machine occupied.
- Contactless everything: Payment terminals, access doors, and even machine controls are becoming touchless for hygiene and convenience.
- Eco-friendly machines: Newer facilities install machines that use less water and energy per cycle. Some offer specific eco-wash programmes.
- Smart features: Machines that automatically dispense the right amount of detergent, detect load size, and adjust water levels accordingly.
Sustainability
Modern commercial laundry can be more environmentally friendly than home washing:
- Water efficiency: Commercial machines use less water per kilogram of laundry than most domestic machines. They’re designed for efficiency at scale.
- Energy-efficient dryers: Professional dryers extract more water during the spin cycle and dry clothes faster, using less energy overall.
- Eco-wash programmes: Lower temperature washes and shorter cycles reduce energy consumption while still achieving good cleaning results.
- Better than home washing: When you factor in machine manufacturing, disposal, and running costs, occasional launderette use can have a lower environmental impact than owning rarely-used home equipment.
Many modern facilities also use environmentally friendly cleaning products for machine maintenance and offer recycling bins for detergent bottles.
Your Next Steps
Coin laundry in the UK (we call them launderettes) offers an accessible, affordable solution for washing clothes without owning a machine. Modern facilities go beyond traditional coin operation with contactless payments, mobile apps, and comfortable waiting areas.
These services work brilliantly for international students, renters without space, people with broken machines, or anyone needing to wash large items like duvets and winter coats.
Find Your Nearest Coin Laundry
Search our UK directory to find facilities near you with your preferred payment method:
- Coin-operated launderettes – Traditional payment with no card fees
- Modern payment facilities – Contactless and app-based options
Filter by payment methods, opening hours, and services offered. Read real customer reviews to find the best match for your needs.
Explore Our Guides
- First time using a launderette? Read our step-by-step guide
- Need help washing a duvet? Check our complete duvet washing guide
- Want to know exact costs? See our UK launderette pricing guide