The first self-serve laundromat opened in 1934 in Fort Worth, Texas. The industry took off in the ‘50s after cities became more densely populated. The term “laundromat” combines “laundry” and “automatic”. It was used to describe Westinghouse’s automatic laundry machines, but became associated with self-service laundries.
Start-up costs for a laundromat run from $200,000 to over $1 million. Budgets should include financing payments, rent and maintenance. Laundromats see high returns compared to other investments, with flexible hours and low labor costs.
The first real laundromat opened in Fort Worth in the 1930s during the Great Depression. It was called a “wash-a-teria” and offered affordable, self-service coin-operated machines. This model boomed despite hard economic times. Soon laundromats were opening nationwide.
In the 1940s, George Pendray of Westinghouse coined “laundromat”. By 1946 laundromats were popular, though some doubted public washing facilities would succeed. Ancient Romans used public laundries too. Laundrymen were known as “fullers” who wove cloth and cleaned worn garments by beating dirt out with clubs.
From 1957 onwards, the term laundromat became famous for every store offering laundry service with coin-operated automatic washing machines. This technology introduced the 24-hour Laundromat to the world.
Today, improvements in technology have upgraded commercial washers and dryers. Laundromats are usually open 24 hours a day, offering both self-service and drop-off services.