From Washboards to Wi‑Fi: The Evolution of Laundromats

Washing clothes has transformed from a laborious communal chore into a convenient self-service routine spanning coin-operated machines and smartphone apps. This article explores how laundry was done before laundromats, the history of the laundromat industry from its 20th-century origins to today, and a peek into what the future holds for laundromats in terms of technology, business models, and sustainability.

Before Laundromats: Washing by Hand and Communal Washhouses

Before the advent of washing machines or laundromats, people cleaned laundry by sheer muscle and communal effort. In ancient times and rural areas, it was common to wash clothing in rivers or streams, pounding and scrubbing garments against rocks or wooden boards to loosen dirt (Laundry – Wikipedia). Early tools like wash paddles and scrub boards were used to beat and rub clothes, and later the invention of the washboard provided a portable scrubbing surface (Laundry – Wikipedia). Once washed, fabrics were wrung out and hung to dry in the sun or on a line, as drying devices did not yet exist (Laundry – Wikipedia).

By the 19th century, many communities – especially in Europe – built dedicated washhouses (or lavoirs in French) for public use (Laundry – Wikipedia). These washhouses were communal laundry facilities usually fed by a local stream or spring, often consisting of stone basins for washing and rinsing. They gave washerwomen a sheltered place to work, with constantly refreshed water and inclined stone lips against which to scrub laundry (Laundry – Wikipedia). Laundry work was typically “women’s work,” and washhouses became important social spaces where women gathered weekly to scrub, rinse, and wring out clothes together (Laundry – Wikipedia). In cities, those who could afford it might hire laundresses or use commercial laundry services, but most families still relied on hand-washing at home or in communal spots.

Technological progress slowly began easing the burden. The Industrial Revolution introduced hand-cranked washing machines in the mid-19th century – essentially wooden or metal tubs with internal agitators operated by turning a handle (Laundry – Wikipedia). By the early 1900s, electric washing machines had appeared, though they were primitive by today’s standards. The first electric-powered washer (patented in 1908) was a breakthrough for saving labor and time, but it remained a luxury that only wealthy households with reliable electricity could enjoy (On this day in history, April 18, 1934, first self-operated ‘washateria’ opens in Fort Worth, Texas | FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth). Most people still scrubbed clothes manually or made weekly trips to boiling cauldrons and wash tubs. Thus, on the eve of the laundromat’s invention, doing the laundry was time-consuming physical drudgery – a chore ripe for innovation.

The Birth of the Laundromat (1930s–1940s)

The concept of the self-service laundromat was born during the Great Depression in the United States, revolutionizing how people did laundry. On April 18, 1934, the first public self-service laundry opened in Fort Worth, Texas – a humble storefront equipped with just four electric washing machines available for rent by the hour (Washateria vs Laundromat: What are the Difference & History? | SpinZone Laundry). This establishment was called a “Washateria,” a coined term blending “wash” with “cafeteria,” indicating an affordable, serve-yourself model (On this day in history, April 18, 1934, first self-operated ‘washateria’ opens in Fort Worth, Texas | FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth). The Washateria’s creator (credit is often given to a local entrepreneur named John F. Cantrell or C.A. Tannahill) tapped into a real need: many families could not afford the new electric washers for their homes, nor even electricity in some cases (On this day in history, April 18, 1934, first self-operated ‘washateria’ opens in Fort Worth, Texas | FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth) (On this day in history, April 18, 1934, first self-operated ‘washateria’ opens in Fort Worth, Texas | FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth). By pooling machines in one location and charging a small fee for use, the Washateria let ordinary people enjoy the “luxury” of an electric wash. Customers flocked to this first laundromat, delighted to let a machine do the hard work of washing while they waited (On this day in history, April 18, 1934, first self-operated ‘washateria’ opens in Fort Worth, Texas | FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth). Soon, more Washaterias sprouted up as entrepreneurs copied the idea – within a few years, dozens and then hundreds of self-service laundry stores were operating, especially across Texas (Washateria vs Laundromat: What are the Difference & History? | SpinZone Laundry).

Early laundromats were rudimentary. Patrons would haul in baskets of dirty clothes, pay an attendant to use a washer for an hour, and then lug heavy wet laundry back home to line-dry (since these facilities initially offered no dryers) (Washateria vs Laundromat: What are the Difference & History? | SpinZone Laundry) (Washateria vs Laundromat: What are the Difference & History? | SpinZone Laundry). The electric clothes dryer was not invented until about 1937, and even then, it took time to appear in self-service laundries (Washateria vs Laundromat: What are the Difference & History? | SpinZone Laundry). The first laundromats also did not use coin-operated machines – instead, an attendant would activate the washer and keep time, meaning early stores were staffed and kept business hours (On this day in history, April 18, 1934, first self-operated ‘washateria’ opens in Fort Worth, Texas | FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth). Despite the simplicity, the self-service format was a hit. Word spread that for a modest fee, you could avoid hours of hand scrubbing. Throughout the late 1930s, the laundromat concept gained traction and began expanding beyond its Texas origins (On this day in history, April 18, 1934, first self-operated ‘washateria’ opens in Fort Worth, Texas | FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth).

During this period, new terminology emerged. “Washateria” remained the popular name in the American South (and is still used regionally to this day), but elsewhere people struggled for a generic term. In 1940, a marketing pioneer named George Edward Pendray, working for Westinghouse Electric, coined the term “Laundromat.” He derived it from “laundry” + “automat,” comparing self-service laundry to the coin-operated Automat cafeterias of the era (Washateria vs Laundromat: What are the Difference & History? | SpinZone Laundry). Westinghouse soon trademarked “Laundromat” as the name of a new line of automatic washing machines they introduced after World War II (Washateria vs Laundromat: What are the Difference & History? | SpinZone Laundry). (In fact, the Westinghouse Laundromat was an early front-loading washer model that launched in 1946, featuring advanced capabilities for its time (Washateria vs Laundromat: What are the Difference & History? | SpinZone Laundry).) As the machines hit the market, laundromat-style stores began appearing under that name. A major innovation arrived in 1947: inventor Harry Greenwald developed a coin-operated timing device that could be attached to washers (Washateria vs Laundromat: What are the Difference & History? | SpinZone Laundry). He partnered with Westinghouse to install coin meters on their Laundromat washers, creating the first truly coin-operated laundry machines (Washateria vs Laundromat: What are the Difference & History? | SpinZone Laundry). This meant laundromats no longer required an attendant to collect fees or operate the equipment – customers could simply insert coins to start the machine, enabling unattended self-service at any hour. By the late 1940s, the first fully automated, 24-hour laundromats had opened, allowing night-owl customers to wash clothes whenever convenient (On this day in history, April 18, 1934, first self-operated ‘washateria’ opens in Fort Worth, Texas | FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth). The stage was set for rapid growth of coin laundries across America.

The laundromat idea also spread internationally in the post-war years. In the United Kingdom, for example, the first coin-operated public laundry (called a “launderette” in British English) opened on May 9, 1949 in London’s Queensway area (About | National Association). This British launderette was an instant success and marked the beginning of a global trend. Throughout the 1940s and into the 1950s, “laundromat” entered the common lexicon (though due to the trademark, some businesses styled themselves as launderettes, laundryettes, etc. to avoid legal issues (Washateria vs Laundromat: What are the Difference & History? | SpinZone Laundry)). The vision of democratizing laundry had proven immensely popular: by allowing people to wash their clothes in a shared facility with modern machines, laundromats filled a vital need for urban dwellers, students, and anyone lacking expensive home appliances.

Postwar Boom and Laundromat Culture (1950s–1980s)

By the 1950s, laundromats were popping up in cities and suburbs all over the United States. Coin-operated laundry stores became a familiar sight on American street corners, often open long hours to serve customers’ schedules. In this booming mid-century period, some laundromats evolved from bare-bones wash rooms into more organized, customer-friendly businesses. Investors and owners realized that a clean, well-maintained store would attract more repeat customers. They put effort into upkeep and extra services – fixing broken machines, hiring janitors, and sometimes adding conveniences like soda vending machines or drop-off laundry service. In fact, by the 1960s many laundromats had branched out to offer wash–dry–fold service (where staff would do your laundry for a fee), ironing or tailoring services, and even dry-cleaning partnerships (History of Laundromats – Laundry Solutions Company). These additions helped differentiate stores in an increasingly competitive market.

The number of self-service laundries continued to grow through the 1960s and 1970s. After a slight lull in the late ’50s (when post-war economic prosperity enabled more Americans to buy washers for their homes), laundromats saw another surge of usage in the ’60s as urbanization and apartment living expanded (History of Laundromats – Laundry Solutions Company). College students and young professionals relied on local coin laundries, and even households with a washer sometimes used laundromats for oversized loads like bedding. Laundromat culture became a real phenomenon – these spaces often served as community hubs where neighbors chatted while waiting for the spin cycle to finish. It wasn’t uncommon to see children playing or people reading newspapers amid the rows of whirring machines. In popular culture, laundromats began appearing as settings for everyday life; by the 1970s, they were a recognized element of the urban landscape in America and beyond.

Internationally, similar growth occurred. The UK launderette industry expanded steadily in the 1950s–60s, and by the early 1980s Britain had around 12,500 launderettes nationwide at its peak (About | National Association). Other countries in Europe, Asia, and elsewhere adopted the self-service laundry model to varying degrees, especially in densely populated cities. (In some places, alternatives developed – for instance, Scandinavian countries often provided shared laundry rooms in apartment basements, reducing the need for public laundromats.) Still, wherever people lived without in-home laundry, the coin laundry store became a vital service.

Technology during this era also kept evolving. Washing machines and dryers in laundromats grew larger and more efficient. By the late 20th century, most laundromats offered both washing and drying, and many had machines of various sizes (for small loads or giant 50-pound loads). Coin mechanisms became standard and more sophisticated, and some laundromats began experimenting with token or card systems as early as the 1980s. In the United States, the industry organized itself with trade groups – the Coin Laundry Association was founded in 1960–61 to support store owners. As home appliances became more common, laundromat owners in the ’70s and ’80s faced a maturing market. The total number of stores in the U.S. stabilized and then started to decline slightly toward the end of the century as more single-family homes installed their own washer-dryer units. In the UK, launderette counts also fell from that 1980s peak for similar reasons (About | National Association). Nonetheless, laundromats remained indispensable for certain groups: renters, students, low-income households, and anyone who needed to wash large items or do many loads at once. As one UK industry report noted, every town could support at least one well-run launderette for those who “are unable to manage [laundry] at home” or have special laundry needs (About | National Association). Laundromats had firmly entrenched themselves in society by the end of the 20th century – even if growth had slowed, the existing stores were woven into the fabric of daily life.

Modern Laundromats: Adapting to Change (1990s–Today)

The past few decades have seen laundromats adapt to the changing times and consumer expectations. Many modern laundromats strive to offer a clean, safe, and even pleasant environment despite being utilitarian by nature. It’s now common to find amenities such as free Wi‑Fi, cable TV, air conditioning, seating areas, and children’s play corners in laundromat facilities (Washateria vs Laundromat: What are the Difference & History? | SpinZone Laundry). Some upscale laundromats even double as community spaces, featuring coffee machines or snack bars to make laundry day more comfortable. While the classic image of a dingy fluorescent-lit laundromat persists, the industry has increasingly recognized that customers appreciate a welcoming atmosphere (and will choose one laundromat over another for it).

Another big shift in recent years is the move toward cashless payments and automation. Traditionally, coin laundromats have relied on quarters (or tokens) to operate machines – to the point that many Americans associate laundry day with hoarding quarters. Today, however, more laundromats are installing digital payment systems. Customers can swipe a reloadable laundry card, use a credit/debit card, or even pay via mobile app to start a machine. Many new washing machines come equipped with card readers or IoT connectivity out of the box. While coins are still accepted at most locations, owners report an increasing share of transactions going cashless (Washateria vs Laundromat: What are the Difference & History? | SpinZone Laundry). This trend not only caters to customers who don’t carry much change, but also simplifies operations (no more lugging sacks of coins to the bank). In fact, some innovative stores have gone entirely coinless and allow payments through smartphone apps that can also notify you when your load is done.

Modern technology is also making behind-the-scenes management easier. Owners can now monitor their machines remotely – tracking machine performance, coin box levels, and maintenance needs from a computer or phone (Laundromats 2024: Opportunities, Challenges… and Industry Evolution – PlanetLaundry). Advanced software can send alerts if a machine malfunctions or if a store’s peak hours demand more attention. This use of data and connectivity helps keep laundromats running efficiently. A few pioneering stores have introduced features like text message alerts to customers when their wash cycle finishes, or live websites that show which machines are currently free. Though the core process (wash and dry) remains the same, digital innovation is streamlining the laundromat experience in subtle ways.

The business model of laundromats has also expanded. In addition to self-service washes, full-service options have grown popular. Many laundromats now offer wash-and-fold laundry service: customers drop off a bag of dirty clothes, and a few hours later they pick up neatly folded, clean laundry. Some businesses have gone even further, launching pickup and delivery laundry services that operate out of laundromat locations. Using a smartphone app or website, you can schedule a pickup, have your laundry washed at a local laundromat, and get it delivered back to your doorstep – effectively outsourcing the chore entirely (Washateria vs Laundromat: What are the Difference & History? | SpinZone Laundry). These services cater to busy professionals and families and have become a new revenue stream for laundromat operators. In recent years, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic encouraging contactless services, the demand for pickup/delivery laundry has spiked. The industry sees this as a growth area and many storefront laundromats are now hybrid operations, simultaneously serving walk-in self-service customers and processing laundry for delivery clients.

Despite increased competition from home laundry appliances, the laundromat industry remains significant. As of the early 2020s, there are still on the order of 10,000–30,000 laundromats operating in the United States (estimates vary depending on definition), generating around $5–6 billion in annual revenue (On this day in history, April 18, 1934, first self-operated ‘washateria’ opens in Fort Worth, Texas | FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth). However, profit margins can be challenging – rising utility costs, higher rents, and changing consumer habits have led to a slight decline in the number of laundromats in recent years (On this day in history, April 18, 1934, first self-operated ‘washateria’ opens in Fort Worth, Texas | FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth). In some areas, aging “mom and pop” laundromats have closed down, while in other markets new, modern laundromats are opening where demographic demand is strong. The result is an industry that is consolidating and reinventing itself rather than disappearing. Laundromats today target niches that still need them (e.g. urban apartment districts, college towns, military bases) and focus on providing better service and value to stay competitive.

A contemporary laundromat in the U.S. typically features an array of high-efficiency front-loading washers and large dryers lining the walls. Customers can do multiple loads at once, which is a major time-saver compared to a single home washer. Many establishments are open 24/7 or late into the night to accommodate various schedules. Where once you needed a pile of quarters, now you’re just as likely to see people tapping a payment card or phone at the machine. The hum of dryers and the rattle of machines have not changed, but the surroundings are cleaner, the process is easier, and the experience is more convenient than ever. Laundromats continue to fill an important need – and as we’ll see next, they are poised to keep evolving with the times.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Laundromats

What does the future hold for the humble laundromat? In a world of smart homes and on-demand services, laundromats are adapting by embracing technology, new business ideas, and eco-friendly practices. Here are some key trends shaping the laundromat of the future:

• High-Tech Automation and “Smart” Laundromats: The next generation of laundromats will be even more connected. We can expect wider use of apps and IoT for machine control – imagine reserving a washer via smartphone or getting push notifications when your cycle is done. Some companies are developing machines with cloud-based monitoring, allowing owners to optimize operations across multiple locations in real time (Laundromats 2024: Opportunities, Challenges… and Industry Evolution – PlanetLaundry). There’s even exploration of AI for route optimization in pickup services or predictive maintenance (spotting a machine issue before it breaks). Fully automated laundromats with minimal staffing could become common, leveraging security cameras and app-based entry systems for 24-hour safe access.

• Enhanced Customer Experience & Hybrid Spaces: To remain attractive, laundromats are likely to further blur the lines with other businesses. A growing trend is the “laundromat café” or “laundrobar,” where laundry facilities are combined with a coffee shop or bar. Around the world, these hybrid venues let patrons sip a latte or craft beer and enjoy free Wi-Fi while their clothes wash, turning a chore into a social outing (7 Laundromats That Also Serve Great Drinks and Food – Bon Appétit Recipe | Bon Appétit). Live music nights, comfortable lounge seating, and even co-working spaces are being integrated into some forward-thinking laundromats. This trend acknowledges that customers value their time – if going to the laundromat can also be a chance to relax or socialize, it adds tremendous appeal. In the future, more laundromats may partner with cafes, bookstores, or community centers, making them multifunctional hubs rather than standalone utilitarian spaces.

• Expanded Services (Beyond Four Walls): The notion of what a laundromat offers will continue to broaden. Pickup and delivery laundry, as mentioned, is on the rise and could become a standard offering in most urban laundromats. We may see consolidation or partnerships where a few large service providers handle regional laundry logistics, with brick-and-mortar laundromats acting as processing nodes. Subscription laundry services might emerge, where for a monthly fee a customer has their laundry picked up weekly by a local laundromat. Additionally, locker systems are being tried: a customer can drop off dirty clothes in a secure locker at any time; the laundromat staff cleans them and places them in a pickup locker for retrieval – all coordinated by apps and texts. These kinds of innovations extend the laundromat’s reach to customers who may never set foot inside until they’re picking up clean clothes.

• Sustainability and Green Initiatives: An important focus for future laundromats is becoming more eco-friendly. Commercial laundry machines are getting more efficient with each generation – using less water per load and cutting energy use, all while delivering clean clothes (The Sustainable Spin: Eco-Friendly Practices in Laundromats | CleanCloud Blog). Many laundromat owners are now investing in energy-efficient washers and dryers that can reduce water usage and electricity costs significantly. For example, modern high-speed front-load washers can get clothes clean with a fraction of the water older models needed (The Sustainable Spin: Eco-Friendly Practices in Laundromats | CleanCloud Blog). Some laundromats are installing greywater recycling systems to reclaim and reuse rinse water, which can cut water consumption by up to 50–70% (The Sustainable Spin: Eco-Friendly Practices in Laundromats | CleanCloud Blog). To lower energy bills (and carbon footprint), there’s a movement to put solar panels on laundromat rooftops and utilize solar energy for heating water or powering machines (The Sustainable Spin: Eco-Friendly Practices in Laundromats | CleanCloud Blog). In fact, renewable solar power is becoming more affordable and is a natural fit for laundromats, which have consistent electricity needs. Beyond the machines themselves, future laundromats are also looking at eco-friendly detergents and practices. Many are starting to offer or even require the use of biodegradable, non-toxic detergents and cleaning agents, to reduce the environmental impact of wastewater (The Sustainable Spin: Eco-Friendly Practices in Laundromats | CleanCloud Blog). Recycling bins for detergent containers and hangers, and initiatives to minimize single-use plastic (such as encouraging reusable laundry bags), are also part of the green laundromat movement. All these steps not only appeal to environmentally conscious consumers but can also save money in the long run, making sustainability a win-win priority.

• Resilience and Community Role: Lastly, the future laundromat will continue to serve as a community cornerstone, especially in lower-income and disaster-prone areas. We’ve seen laundromats act as essential services post-disasters (providing a place to wash clothes after hurricanes, for example), sometimes with charities or companies sponsoring free laundry days for those in need. Going forward, laundromats might strengthen this community role – some have begun hosting literacy programs (reading corners for kids on laundry day) and other outreach. By doubling as community centers in small ways, laundromats can remain relevant social infrastructure. On the business side, we may also see franchising and consolidation, with regional chains of laundromats offering standardized high-quality experiences. New investors and even private equity have noticed that laundromats, when modernized, can be profitable steady businesses (Laundromats 2024: Opportunities, Challenges… and Industry Evolution – PlanetLaundry). This could lead to a wave of “new-look” laundromats replacing the aging, decades-old ones, especially in growing urban neighborhoods.

In summary, the laundromat has come a long way from the days of scrubbing clothes by the river. The convenience of self-service laundry, first realized in the 1930s, quickly became a fixture of modern life. Laundromats reached their height in the mid-20th century and have since adjusted to a world where washing machines are common – by focusing on those who still rely on shared laundry, and by evolving their services. As we move further into the 21st century, laundromats are blending technology with hospitality and sustainability. You might soon use an app to have your laundry done without ever visiting a store, or if you do visit, it could be a trendy café-like space with ultra-efficient machines and solar panels on the roof. One thing is certain: people will always need to wash clothes, and laundromats – in whatever form they take – will be there to help get the job done, spinning forward into the future.

Sources:

1. Historical communal laundry practices and washhouses – Wikipedia (Laundry – Wikipedia) (Laundry – Wikipedia) (Laundry – Wikipedia)

2. Early washing machine development and limitations – Fox News (Dallas) (On this day in history, April 18, 1934, first self-operated ‘washateria’ opens in Fort Worth, Texas | FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth)

3. First laundromat (“Washateria”) in 1934, Fort Worth – SpinZone Laundry (Washateria vs Laundromat: What are the Difference & History? | SpinZone Laundry)

4. Origin of the term Washateria – Fox News (Dallas) (On this day in history, April 18, 1934, first self-operated ‘washateria’ opens in Fort Worth, Texas | FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth)

5. Origin of the term Laundromat (Westinghouse, 1940) – SpinZone Laundry (Washateria vs Laundromat: What are the Difference & History? | SpinZone Laundry)

6. Invention of coin-operated laundry machines (1947) – SpinZone Laundry (Washateria vs Laundromat: What are the Difference & History? | SpinZone Laundry)

7. First 24-hour unattended laundromats (late 1940s) – Fox News (Dallas) (On this day in history, April 18, 1934, first self-operated ‘washateria’ opens in Fort Worth, Texas | FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth)

8. First UK launderette (1949, London) – National Association of Launderettes (UK) (About | National Association)

9. Laundromat growth and added services in mid-20th century – Laundry Solutions Co. (History of Laundromats – Laundry Solutions Company)

10. UK laundromat industry peak and decline – NALI (UK) (About | National Association)

11. Recent US industry statistics and challenges – Fox News (Dallas) (On this day in history, April 18, 1934, first self-operated ‘washateria’ opens in Fort Worth, Texas | FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth) (On this day in history, April 18, 1934, first self-operated ‘washateria’ opens in Fort Worth, Texas | FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth)

12. Modern laundromat amenities and trends – SpinZone Laundry (Washateria vs Laundromat: What are the Difference & History? | SpinZone Laundry) (Washateria vs Laundromat: What are the Difference & History? | SpinZone Laundry)

13. Growth of pickup & delivery services – SpinZone Laundry (Washateria vs Laundromat: What are the Difference & History? | SpinZone Laundry)

14. Laundrobar hybrid concept – Bon Appétit (7 Laundromats That Also Serve Great Drinks and Food – Bon Appétit Recipe | Bon Appétit) (7 Laundromats That Also Serve Great Drinks and Food – Bon Appétit Recipe | Bon Appétit)

15. Sustainability in laundromats (efficient machines, water recycling, solar) – CleanCloud Blog (The Sustainable Spin: Eco-Friendly Practices in Laundromats | CleanCloud Blog)