Washing Machine vs. Laundromat: What’s Better?
Here’s a guide on whether to invest in our own washing machine setup or to just visit the local laundromats to handle the family laundry
Let’s be honest, the family laundry isn’t the most fun thing to do. A pile of dirty clothes that haven’t been washed for weeks in the basket, linens that are just too tiring to rotate and replace, and detergent isn’t exactly the kindest substance for our skin. Then, there’s the weather to consider: when the rain pours, it’s a rush to bring all the laundry inside!
On the other hand, passing things to a laundromat can risk losing or ruining certain clothes. Or sometimes, they don’t wash it as well as we hoped they would. Other times, it gets pricy, especially if we’re sending our designer pieces to the wash.
Here are some things to consider whether to get a washing machine or just rely on the local laundromat:
1. Do you have space?
Some washing machines may be compact, but that also means their load is a lot less, too. And if you’re a big family, whether in number or size, that means investing in one of those heavy-duty, old-school washing machines that make washing a king-sized duvet look like a walk in the park.
Unfortunately, those things are quite big and can take up a lot of space. For families living in a small house or a condo, washing machines may not be so space-friendly.
Or if we’re really just too terrified to wash the duvet ourselves, send it over to the local laundromat. They have the equipment to handle it!
2. Are the water sources easy to find and connect to?
Like any appliance that needs water, washing machines need a water source and a hose long enough to connect. When building our own house, we have control and an idea of where to put the water source. Pre-built condos and townhouses don’t offer that control, and we’ll have to adjust based on where the faucet is.
And if it’s not so easy, then maybe it’s best to just rely on the laundromat.
3. Do we have the time to do the family laundry?
Family laundry, like any chore, is time-consuming. Especially if the house has no kasambahay, then we’re going to end up facing a human-sized pile of dirty laundry at the end of the month. Worse, if we’re the kind of family that’s always busy, we’ll always need some fresh clothes on hand.
While some just buy a washing machine and outsource a laundress, others prefer to just send it to the laundromat. They’ll text us anyway once the laundry’s done.
4. Just how “delicate” are your pieces?
If it’s just some shirt we grabbed off the rack at a typical clothes store, then we’re probably just going to toss it into the hamper and not care.
However, we’re a lot more careful with our designer pieces. Not only because we appreciate the art, but also because of the money invested. Imagine if we send out our designer dress to a laundromat only for it to shrink, get wrinkled, or worse, torn because we assigned the wrong laundromat to handle the piece.
So, maybe if we have too many designer pieces, either we find a laundromat that specifically handles those kinds of pieces and fabrics, or we do it ourselves.
5. Anyone have sensitive skin?
Unfortunately, having sensitive skin means being susceptible to the typical commercial detergent. Sometimes, we just have to do the family laundry ourselves so we can use our preferred detergent.
Family Laundry: A Matter of Schedule
It can be difficult to manage the family laundry, especially when both parents are working. Handling a household chore like the family laundry may take a bit of financial and logistical juggling, especially if we plan to delegate the chore to a local laundromat.
It’s also not the most fun thing to do, but it is a necessity. For many Filipino families, freshly pressed and washed laundry is one of the greatest forms of love. It means they took the extra time to add the fabric softener and all the other things to make sure the whole family looks and smells great.
FAQ: Should You Invest in a Washing Machine or Stick to the Laundromat?
Before buying a washer, check your home’s layout. Big families often need heavy-duty models that can handle duvets and large loads, but these take up more space. If you live in a condo or small house, a laundromat may be more practical unless you can spare the room.
Washing machines need a steady water connection and a hose long enough to reach it. If you live in a pre-built condo or townhouse, you may not have control over faucet placement. If the setup feels complicated, relying on a laundromat might save you time and stress.
Family laundry can eat up hours, especially without household help. If work and errands already fill your schedule, a laundromat’s wash-and-fold service can be a lifesaver. They’ll even text when it’s ready—no pile of laundry waiting for you at home.
Designer pieces and special fabrics need extra care. If you own pricey pieces, you can either invest in a machine and wash them yourself with the right settings, or look for a laundromat that specializes in delicate garments to avoid shrinking or damage.
Sensitive skin calls for gentle, fragrance-free detergents that laundromats may not offer. Owning a washing machine allows you to control the type and amount of detergent used—an important factor for kids or adults with allergies.
More on homemaking and house management?
More Time with Family and Less Time on Household Chores
8 Dad-Certified Household Hacks To Maintain The House
Household Management: 10 Tips in Choosing and Dealing with Household Help
