The Decline of the American Laundromat

I hope this isn't entirely true. Granted, many laundromats are trashy with broken machines, but most are well-maintained. There are a few benefits that mean a lot to me.

I enjoy the old-school video games.

I enjoy the idea that a 2-hour load is not only cut in half, plus a multi-load wash is done in one hour.

But most of all, it's the last respite that I feel comfortable sitting down and doing absolutely nothing. It's generally quiet enough that I can just let my thoughts roam, watch the TV, play video games, or even take a short walk.

Maybe it's nostalgia, or that I never lived in a place with a well-functioning washer and drier, but for a short bit of do-absolutely nothing moments, I'll happily take the laundromat over the beach any day.

I spent a lot of time in laundromats as a kid. My mom owned one at one point as well. They have a palpable pre-internet feel that is hard to come by these days, especially while still in civilization.

I'm happy to say good riddance. When I was young I had to carry the family's laundry to the laundrymat, wash and fold it there, and carry it back, every other week at least. It takes hours, and at the time you couldn't do much while sitting there and waiting (nowadays I suppose you have smartphones and laptops). The whole thing was just an exhausting, dreaded hassle.

Now I can put laundry in, it's OK if I don't attend to it immediately, and finally I can hang-dry my laundry at home, which is not just hugely more climate-friendly but also helps prevent shrinkage. An undeniable win all around.

If you need a quiet few hours, a walk is just as fulfilling and much less obligatory :)

You know, it's weird, but in other populous cities around the world, it's unusual to come across a laundromat (aside form hotels). I mean, if you look hard enough you can find some, but not easy.

I don't recall seeing them in east Asia and in Western Europe you can find some here and there --but definitely not very prevalent.

Plus, it's more convenient to have a facility in each unit, or failing that, in each apartment complex. You don't have to lug your stuff blocks away and have to interact with, at least in the US, odd elements, every so often.

On the other hand I do on occasion appreciate the big-loader units.

Sweden is one country where it's common to have a free laundry room or two in the basement of each apartment building. Only downside being since there are few (but large) machines and many units, you need to book a time days in advance.