How Long Does Laundry Take at a Laundromat?
If you're planning a trip to the laundromat, you want to know how long to block out. The good news: with the right approach, you can get a full load washed, dried, and folded in about an hour.
Quick Answer
A typical laundromat visit takes 1 to 1.5 hours: 25-40 minutes washing, 30-45 minutes drying, and 10-15 minutes folding. The big advantage over home laundry is running multiple loads simultaneously—what takes 6-8 hours at home can be done in 90 minutes at a laundromat.
Wash Cycle Times
Standard washing machine cycles run between 25 and 45 minutes depending on the cycle type and machine.
- Quick wash / light cycle: 20-25 minutes
- Normal cycle: 30-35 minutes
- Heavy duty / sanitize cycle: 40-50 minutes
- Delicate cycle: 25-30 minutes
Most people use the normal cycle, which averages about 32 minutes.
Dry Cycle Times
Drying time depends on three factors: the heat setting, how full the dryer is, and what you're drying.
Average dry times by fabric:
- T-shirts and light clothing: 25-30 minutes
- Jeans and heavier items: 35-45 minutes
- Towels: 40-50 minutes
- Blankets and comforters: 50-70 minutes
The key to faster drying: Don't overload. Clothes need space for hot air to circulate. A dryer stuffed to capacity can take twice as long—and might not fully dry at all.
Total Time for a Typical Laundromat Visit
| Scenario | Wash | Dry | Fold | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small load (1 washer) | 30 min | 30 min | 10 min | 1 hour 10 min |
| Medium load (1 large washer) | 35 min | 40 min | 15 min | 1 hour 30 min |
| Large load (multiple washers) | 35 min | 50 min | 20 min | 1 hour 45 min |
| Bulky items (comforters) | 40 min | 60 min | 10 min | 1 hour 50 min |
At The Wash House, we've optimized for speed. Our large-capacity washers handle more clothes per cycle, and our dryers run hotter than average—so that 40-minute dry time might be 30 minutes at our locations.
How to Speed Up Laundry Day
- Use multiple machines. If you have several loads, wash them simultaneously rather than sequentially.
- Pre-sort at home. Arriving with your laundry already separated into darks, lights, and delicates saves time.
- Choose the right machine size. Don't use a small washer for a medium load and then need to run it twice.
- Shake out clothes before drying. Untangling wet clothes helps them dry faster and more evenly.
- Skip the cooldown. If your dryer has a cooldown cycle at the end, you can often remove clothes before it completes.
What Takes Longer Than Expected
- Heavy fabrics hold more water. Jeans, hoodies, and towels take longer to dry than you'd think.
- Overloaded machines extend times. Overstuffed washers don't clean properly, and overstuffed dryers don't dry properly.
- Waiting for available machines. During busy times (weekend mornings, Sunday evenings), you might wait for a machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does laundry take at a laundromat?
A typical visit takes 1 to 1.5 hours: 25-40 minutes washing, 30-45 minutes drying, and 10-15 minutes folding.
How long does a washing machine take at a laundromat?
Most laundromat washers complete a cycle in 25-40 minutes depending on the cycle type and machine size.
Can I leave the laundromat while my clothes are running?
Briefly stepping out for coffee is fine, but don't leave for the entire cycle. Set a timer and come back before the machine finishes.
What's the fastest I can do laundry at a laundromat?
With a single load using a quick-wash cycle and high-heat drying, you can finish in under an hour. For most standard loads, plan for 60-75 minutes.
Does higher heat dry clothes faster?
Yes, but some fabrics shrink or get damaged with high heat. Use high heat for cotton towels and sheets, medium for everyday clothes, and low for delicates.
Is laundry faster at a laundromat than at home?
For multiple loads, yes. At home, 4 loads take 6-8 hours sequentially. At a laundromat, you can run all 4 simultaneously and finish in about 90 minutes.
What is the best time to go to avoid waiting?
Weekday mornings (before 10 AM) and weekday evenings (after 7 PM) are typically least crowded. Avoid Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons.
Experience Our Fast Machines
Our hot dryers and large-capacity washers get you in and out fast.
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