Your first visit to a laundromat can feel strange. Which machine do you use? How much detergent? What if you shrink your favourite top? Relax. Using a laundromat is easy once you know the steps. This guide walks you through it, from packing your bag at home to folding clean clothes.
Step 1: Choose self-service or drop-off
Laundromats in Nairobi work in one or both of these ways:
- Self-service: you use the machines yourself and pay per wash and per dry.
- Drop-off: you hand over your bag, staff wash, dry and fold it, and you collect it later or have it delivered. You usually pay per kilo.
If you are short on time, drop-off is easier. Call or WhatsApp the laundromat first to ask which options it offers and its opening hours.
Step 2: Sort your clothes at home
Sorting at home saves time and protects your clothes. Make three piles:
- Whites and light colours
- Darks and bright colours
- Delicates: lace, silk, wool and anything with a “hand wash” or “dry clean” label
Keep towels and bedsheets apart from clothes if you can. Towels shed fluff onto dark clothes. Items labelled “dry clean only” should not go in a washer. Send them for dry cleaning instead.
Step 3: Prepare each item
- Empty every pocket. Coins, pens and lip balm can ruin a whole load.
- Close zips and fasten hooks so they do not snag other clothes.
- Turn jeans and printed T-shirts inside out to protect the colour.
- Put socks and underwear in a mesh bag so they do not get lost.
- Point out stains. Treat them early, or tell the attendant what caused them. Our guide How to Remove 10 Common Clothing Stains can help.
Step 4: Pack the right things
For a self-service visit, bring:
- Your laundry in a strong bag or basket
- Detergent, if the laundromat does not supply it (ask first)
- Fabric softener, if you use it
- A mesh bag for small items
- Your phone, for payment and to pass the time
For drop-off, you only need your bag and any notes about stains or delicate items.
Step 5: Load the washer (self-service)
- Fill the drum about three-quarters full. Overloading means clothes do not get clean.
- Add detergent to the right drawer. Commercial machines need less than you think.
- Choose the temperature: cold for darks and colours, warm for most everyday clothes, hot for towels, bedsheets and very dirty whites.
- Choose a gentle cycle for delicates.
Step 6: Dry carefully
Commercial dryers are fast and hot. To avoid shrinking:
- Use low heat for cotton T-shirts, activewear and anything stretchy.
- Use medium or high heat for towels, sheets and jeans.
- Take out delicates and air-dry them.
- Remove clothes as soon as the dryer stops to reduce creases.
Step 7: Fold right away
Fold while clothes are still warm, and creases will fall out more easily. Hang shirts and dresses straight away. If you want crisp shirts for the week, ask about ironing and pressing.
How long does a laundromat visit take?
For self-service, plan for about 1.5 to 2 hours for one wash and dry, including folding. A drop-off order usually takes longer to come back, but you do not have to wait at the shop.
Laundromat etiquette
- Take clothes out of machines as soon as your cycle ends.
- Do not move another person’s clothes unless the staff allow it.
- Clean the lint filter after using a dryer.
- Wipe up any detergent you spill.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to bring my own detergent?
It depends on the laundromat. Some include detergent in the price and some sell it at the counter. Ask before you go. For drop-off orders, detergent is included.
Can I wash a duvet at a laundromat?
Yes. Commercial washers handle most duvets. For a deep clean without the work, use a duvet cleaning service.
Is it cheaper to use a laundromat or wash at home?
Once you add up water, electricity, detergent and your time, a laundromat often costs about the same or less. Read Laundry Service vs DIY for a full comparison.
What if I don’t have time to go to the laundromat?
Use pickup and delivery. We collect from your door in Lavington, Kileleshwa, Kilimani, Hurlingham and State House for free. See how pickup works.
Skip the wait
DropCleanGo is a laundromat at Leo Residences, Hatheru Road, Lavington. Open Monday to Saturday from 7am to 7pm, and Sundays and public holidays from 10am to 4pm. Book a pickup or WhatsApp 0116 090 010. New to laundromats? Start with What Is a Laundromat?
Photo: Jackson Wilson on Unsplash.
