What Should I Bring to a Laundromat?
The Ultimate Laundromat Packing Checklist
A little preparation before your laundromat visit goes a long way. Arriving well-equipped means you won’t need to make emergency trips to the vending machine, run out of change midway through, or leave your clothes sitting wrinkled in a dryer. Here’s everything you should bring for a smooth, efficient visit to Love Wash.
The Essentials
Your Laundry (Pre-Sorted)
Bring your laundry in bags or baskets, pre-sorted into loads: whites, lights, darks, delicates. If you’re washing bedding or a doona separately, keep that in its own bag. Pre-sorting at home means you can start multiple machines the moment you arrive rather than sorting at the laundromat.
Laundry Detergent
Liquid detergent is the most convenient option for laundromats â it dissolves quickly and is easy to measure. Pods are even simpler: just toss one in the drum before loading. Powder works too but make sure it’s fully dissolved before the cycle starts. Love Wash has vending machines with detergent if you forget, but bringing your own is cheaper and lets you use your preferred brand.
Payment
Love Wash accepts tap-and-go card payments at all locations, making cash and coins unnecessary. That said, some older or rural laundromats may still be coin-only, so it’s worth keeping a small supply of $1 and $2 coins if you’re visiting a new location.
Optional but Recommended
Fabric Softener or Dryer Sheets
If you like the softness and fragrance that fabric conditioner adds, bring a small bottle. Add it to the softener compartment of the machine drawer (usually marked with a flower symbol). Dryer sheets can go directly into the dryer drum.
Stain Remover Pen or Spray
Spotted a stubborn stain when loading? A pre-treatment pen lets you tackle it immediately before the wash. This significantly improves the chances of the stain coming out completely.
Mesh Laundry Bags
Mesh bags protect delicate items like underwear, bras, and anything with embellishments or loose threads. They prevent tangling and keep small items from getting lost in the drum or dryer.
A Good Book, Podcast, or Work
Your wash cycle will take 30â45 minutes. Make use of the time. Bring something to read, a pair of headphones, or your laptop if the laundromat has WiFi (Love Wash Bella Vista and Zetland offer free WiFi).
A Laundry Trolley or Extra Bags
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If you’re dealing with a large volume of laundry, a small wheeled trolley makes the loading and unloading process much easier. Most laundromats have trolleys available on-site, but having your own guarantees access during peak times.
What NOT to Bring
- Items marked dry clean only
- Clothes with excessive pet hair (pre-remove with a lint roller at home)
- Valuable items like jewellery or electronics
- Food that may create odours or attract pests
Love Wash Has You Covered
At Love Wash, we stock our vending machines with everything you might need in a pinch â detergent, softener, stain removers, and more. Our trolleys, folding tables, and seating areas are clean and well-maintained. But arriving prepared means your visit will be faster, cheaper, and smoother.
