Why more laundromats are turning to bulk chemicals and auto-dosing

By Jeff Moak

Laundromat operators talk about equipment constantly, but far less about detergent—even though it directly affects wash quality and operating cost. Detergent is rarely treated as an operational decision, even though it directly impacts the quality of the service we provide to our customers.

Some questions come up repeatedly in industry forums and Facebook groups. Occasionally someone responds with, “I buy 55-gallon pails,” which usually raises more questions than answers. For something as simple as the detergent we use as operators in our stores or closed facilities, it creates a lot of discussion.

Nearly every laundromat owner has sold detergent in one way or another. Maybe it was through a vintage Vend-Rite “Laundry Bar,” one of the newer Vision Vendor machines stocking everything from single-use boxes to larger format jugs, or simply selling it over the counter.

I’ve even seen operators selling pods in repurposed bubble-gum machines—something that raises obvious safety concerns.

Today, however, with the rise of Wash & Fold and Pickup & Delivery services, detergents have shifted from a product we sell to customers into a product we rely on ourselves to service the customer who may never step foot in the store.

It used to be easier when we were simply selling the brands everyone knows. But what happens when those retail brands are either too expensive to use in your service, or they just don’t do the job you need them to do to get orders properly clean?

When choosing a product, most operators evaluate three factors: quality, cost, and format.

Bulk Chemicals and Auto-Dosing Systems

One approach gaining attention in recent years is purchasing detergent in bulk—often in 55-gallon containers—and pairing it with an auto-dosing system. What was once largely limited to commercial laundries and institutional facilities is now becoming increasingly common in smaller closed facilities, and even open self-serve laundromats.

With this shift come three practical advantages — plus one bonus.

Consistency and quality

One of the biggest advantages of moving toward a dosing system in your store or facility is consistent dosing. Instead of relying on staff to add the right amount of detergent, it becomes automatic.

When paired with machines such as those from Electrolux or Domus—which can weigh the load and determine the correct amount of water to add—these auto-dosing systems can also adjust the amount of product going into the wash. This helps ensure every order you process is handled the same way.

As your volume grows, your usage remains consistent between orders and your quality of wash remains the same.

Cost Control

Setting up an auto-dosing system for your facility or laundromat may seem expensive at first, but reduced chemical cost and more accurate dosing can shorten the payback period.

Buying chemicals in bulk can also look expensive up front, but over the long term the math often works in your favour. When you compare the cost of smaller format products (such as Tide or Kirkland) purchased at retail, and even factor in the time spent going to the store to buy it if you’re not ordering, those hidden costs begin to add up quickly.

With an auto-dosing system, you also have the ability to set up a single machine, multiple machines, or an entire store of 20, 30, or 40 washers.

Operational Efficiency

Staff is often where operational efficiencies and quality are the hardest to control. Many operators struggle with staff overdosing detergent, even after repeated reminders.

The concept is similar to the old “set it and forget it” infomercial pitch. Auto-dosing operates in much the same way: load the machine, select the correct cycle, and the dosing system automatically adds the correct product, at the correct time, and in the correct amount.

Spilled detergent, overdosing, or missed products are no longer a concern.

The Bonus: Self-Serve Upsell

Until now, we’ve talked about how adding auto-dosing to your facility or store can benefit your Wash & Fold operation. One area we haven’t talked about is the ability to upsell this feature to your self-serve customers.

Instead of bringing detergent with them, or purchasing it from the vending machine, customers can select detergent directly from the washer interface. It becomes a value-added offering that can drive additional revenue for your store, using a system you were already implementing for Wash & Fold.

Systems for Laundromats

There have always been companies offering auto-dosing for closed facilities, but a few manufacturers (like Saier and Brightwell) have now developed systems specifically suited for laundromats. These solutions work on the self-serve side of the business and are priced priced within reach even for a single store owner — whether for a single machine or forty.

On the chemical side, many operators are also beginning to experiment with professional laundry products rather than traditional retail detergents. In our own operations, we’re preparing to introduce systems like these, while currently testing products from companies such as Renegade Brands and Aura, along with other commercial detergent programs that operators have been reporting success with.

Combined with compatible washer technology and the right chemical program, these systems can deliver the consistency, cost control, and operational efficiency discussed earlier, with the added benefit of potential revenue generation from self-serve customers.

A Shift in How We Think About Detergent

Like any system or piece of equipment in your facility or laundromat, proper planning, setup, and calibration are critical. Working with your distributor, dosing provider, or chemical supplier will ultimately determine whether your results are better or worse than traditional detergents — and whether your customers buy into your new offering.

As more laundromats begin offering Wash & Fold services, the way we think about detergents and chemicals needs to change. It’s no longer just a consumer product we sell — it’s part of the service we deliver.

If you’re looking for ways to control costs while maintaining or improving wash quality and consistency, professional detergents paired with auto-dosing systems may be worth exploring. In an increasingly competitive market, it can also give an operator a practical way to differentiate their store from the store down the street.

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