Recent are also listed at the bottom of this page.
This month we are saluting those special people in your company who keep the doors open and the equipment humming through their hard work and dedication.
Shawn Simmons of NextGen Laundry Group nominated one of his store managers, Mhon-Lee Limun. Find out what makes him indispensable!
EVERYTHING CLEAN SHOW
There’s a lot of information to absorb as you make your plans to attend the “show of shows” — the 2025 Clean Show in Orlando, FL from August 23-26. We’ve broken the information into special pages to save you time.
Check back frequently as new information comes in and we add to these pages. Register today. See you there!
TCATA Awards Scholarships
The Textile Care Allied Trades Association (TCATA) announced the recipients of its 2025 Educational Fund Scholarships, awarded annually to support the educational goals of employees and family members of TCATA member companies.
CLATA Cancels Plans for Clean Show Reception
The Cleaners and Launderers Allied Trades Association (CLATA) board of directors has cancelled its plans to hold its much-anticipated reception for Canadians at the 2025 Clean Show. A letter from the board announcing the cancellation cited “thoughtful consideration of the current travel sentiments and attendance trends.” The move has sparked debate and comment online, as some members express support, others sharp disappointment.
READ THE LETTER IN CONFERENCES AND EVENTS…
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT …
MAY SERIES — Laundromat Spin
Get into the Spin
Throughout history, laundry has been a community touchstone. Today’s laundromat may be small or large, and might include side services like Wash-Dry-Fold, pickup and delivery, or even a bistro or coffee counter. That’s what makes this aspect of the fabricare industry fascinating; laundromats are as varied as the personalities of their owners.
If you spend any time online and put in the words “start or buy a laundromat” you will be overwhelmed by the number of people trying to do the same thing. Whole Facebook discussion boards are dedicated to discussing the pros and cons of owning versus leasing a facility, starting from scratch or buying an existing laundromat, and all the nuances of what makes a particular business successful.
Whether you are already have a laundromat, or are seeking to acquire/build one, there are resources out there to help you. Here are some that are vital to your success:
- CLA — This association has a depth of knowledge and resources that you can’t top anywhere. CLA assists newbies to seasoned entrepreneurs through webinars, online resources, in-person meet-ups, marketing ideas, company profiles and more, CLA is a must for you to bookmark. More info on the website.
- Laundromat Owners Forum on Facebook — The members of the group discuss store issues, personnel situations, equipment repair tips, insurance questions, marketing tips and a lot more. Always lively and interactive. Check it on Facebook.
- The Clean Show — August 23-26, Orlando, FL. There is just no greater resource, including educational sessions by CLA, in-person hands-on equipment displays, and the opportunity to network with others in your field. Visit the website to get signed up.
As we dig into the creative side of laundromats this month, we’ll look at successful entrepreneurs who are trying to rewrite the playbook. Others are simply making the old formula work in new ways. Those who make it have a few things in common.
- They are realists, not just dreamers
- They have capital to invest
- They are willing to work to learn the business
- They value input from successful operators
- They spend time networking
- They are willing to take risks
- They love the idea of owning a business
If even one of those items is left off the list, the chances of success diminish. For those who have them, owning a laundromat (or a string of them) might just be the ticket to a satisfying business.
It’s not cleaning clothes that gets laundromat owners excited. After all, it’s a pretty mundane activity. What gets them going is the idea that their company is theirs to shape and create as they want, and the sky is the limit on creative ideas. Everything from interior decor and exterior appearance, to mix of equipment, to side services, to staffing will reflect the owner’s vision.
We’ll be covering this topic all month, so if you have a success story you want to share, feel free to chime in. Send us photos. Tell us your story. Our readers would love to learn from you. Send your story and photos to: Becca Anderson, becca@fabricarecanada.com.
Elevating the Experience
NextGen Laundry seeks to revolutionize the laundromat industry in Canada.
When you combine an executive background in technology consulting with a passion for modernizing laundromats across the country, you get NextGen Laundry Group, founded by Shawn Simmons. Shawn opened the first location at 199 Lakeshore Rd E. in Port Credit, Mississauga, ON in October 2024. The company has ambitious plans to expand, with new locations coming to Burlington, ON in Fall 2025 and Oakville, ON in Summer 2026, as well as a vision to franchise the brand nationwide.
Assume it will happen
I’ve talked about disasters like flood or fire in past months (read that here), but there are other situations you need to be prepared to face. A little preparation and staff training will reduce the impact of one of these events.
Your Laundromat Bucket List
Must-Visit Laundromats Around the World
SERIES: Laundromat Spin
While most people may associate laundromats with plastic chairs and flickering fluorescent lights, many have gotten a serious ‘glow-up’, becoming community hubs, coffee shops, co-working spaces and more. Here are a few that stand out from the rest.
Everything Speaks
How Small Things Shape the Customer Experience in Your Laundromat
SERIES: Laundromat Spin
Creating a great customer experience doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, effort, and a plan. But while you’re building the big stuff—like loyalty programs or better equipment—there are small things you can fix right now that can instantly elevate the experience you deliver in your operation.
Laundry in his blood
To the average person, doing laundry is something to dread. For Jeff Moak of Super Clean Laundromat, it’s a reason to get out of bed with a smile on his face every day. He’s one of the people who make the laundromat side of the industry interesting and enjoyable just through his enthusiasm.
Laundromat Management Tips from the Pros
Moderator Danielle Bauer, CLA Executive Vice President, hosted a panel discussion on April 30, 2025 entitled Store Manager Insights. The webinar brought together two experienced managers to talk about issues that all managers face. Danielle did a great job keeping it all on track and covered a lot of territory in a short amount of time.
