Must-Visit Laundromats Around the World

SERIES: Laundromat Spin

In 1934, the first self-service laundry, called a ‘washateria’, opened in Fort Worth, Texas. Customers rented time on electric washers, bringing a different level of convenience to the daily chore. Over time, laundromats became staples in cities everywhere, serving families, individuals, students and more. 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.

Splash Laundromat – Barcelona’s Nightclub-Inspired Laundry Experience

In Barcelona, designer Frederic Perers has transformed the mundane task of doing laundry into a chic, nightclub-like experience with Splash Laundromat. The space is located near Plaça Catalunya and boasts an industrial aesthetic, featuring reflective steel surfaces and vibrant orange lighting. At Splash, the washing machines and dryers are positioned at the back, enclosed behind steel panels for a sleek look. Adding to its unique charm, the entrance features neon lights and a shop window playfully supported by clotheslines, blending functionality with artistic flair. Beyond aesthetics, Splash is committed to sustainability, utilizing state-of-the-art, energy-efficient machines and pre-treating wastewater to minimize environmental impact.

Celsious – Brooklyn, New York

Located in Brooklyn, New York, Celsious has redefined what it means to do laundry – proving that sustainability and style can co-exist, even in a laundromat. Founded by German-born sisters Corinna and Theresa Williams, Celsious was born to modernize the outdated laundromat model while prioritizing eco-conscious practices. From energy-efficient machines to biodegradable detergents, every detail of Celsious is designed with the environment – and the customer experience – in mind. The sisters have infused European sensibility with ‘Brooklyn cool’, turning a routine task into a feel-good ritual. Celsious has done an excellent job of marketing laundry as elevated, sophisticated, and attracting New York clients who identify with its company values. Learn more here.

Laundré – San Francisco, California

“Your world is much bigger than your laundry basket!” Meet Laundré , an airy, modern space that pairs high-end Electrolux washers with craft coffee, fresh pastries and co-working spaces. Founder Ariana Roviello envisioned a laundry experience focusing on three core elements: space, service and sustainability. Laundré proves that even a mundane chore can become an elevated experience with the right vision. With two locations in San Francisco, Laundré is making laundry a more harmonious experience. Ariana also includes a paid option for clients and prospective laundromat owners who need advice on branding, marketing and growth. You can book time here.

The Laundry Café – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

In Philadelphia, The Laundry Café is redefining what a neighbourhood laundromat can be – blending modern laundry services with the warmth of a community hub. Founded by entrepreneurs Maurice Tose and Brian Holland, The Laundry Café was built to transform a typically utilitarian space into a welcoming environment, where people could do more than just their laundry. Offering state-of-the-art, energy-efficient machines, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and an in-house café, customers can sip coffee, catch up on work or relax while their clothes tumble away.

The Laundry Café is deeply rooted in community building, regularly hosting events like job fairs, book readings and financial literacy workshops to uplift and educate its community members. Praised as a leading example of the ‘hybrid laundromat’ trend, The Laundry Café turns chore time into quality time – proving that with a little creativity (and caffeine), even laundry day can become a meaningful experience. It’s not just about clean clothes; it’s about creating a clean, safe and inspiring space for everyone who walks through the door.

Wasbar – Restaurant and Laundry – Multiple Locations across Belgium

Why not have a delicious meal while you wait for your laundry to dry? Enter Wasbar. Founded in 2012 by entrepreneurs Dries Henau and Yuri Vandenbogaerde, the concept was born from their own student days, lugging laundry to their mothers’ homes due to a lack of facilities in their apartments.

Determined to transform this mundane chore, they envisioned a space where washing clothes could be both efficient and enjoyable. Wasbar seamlessly blends a self-service laundromat with a trendy café and bar, allowing patrons to sip on artisan coffee or cocktails while their clothes tumble dry. Their innovative approach caught national attention when they clinched victory on the Flemish entrepreneurial TV show Topstarter, propelling Wasbar into the spotlight. Today, Wasbar has three locations and is open to franchise opportunities.

Final Spin

From chic cafés to community centres to tech-savvy hubs, today’s laundromats are proving that even the most everyday task can be inspiring. With thoughtful design, sustainability and community focus leading the way, laundry day just might become the best part of your week.

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