How to Start a Laundromat Business: Step-by-Step Guide to Opening a Laundromat

To start a laundromat, decide whether to buy an existing store or build a new one, pick a location with renters and few in-home washers, secure a long lease, budget for commercial washers, dryers, plumbing, venting and utilities, arrange financing, get permits, and add wash-and-fold, pickup/delivery and card payments to boost revenue.

Step 1: Buy or build?

See How to buy a laundromat business for due diligence.

Step 2: Choose the location

Look for:

• Dense rental housing (apartments without in-unit laundry)
• Visible storefront with parking
• Low or outdated competition nearby
• Safe area with good lighting
• Utility capacity (water, sewer, gas, electric)

Step 3: Negotiate the lease

Laundromats need long leases (often with renewal options) because equipment lasts many years. Negotiate utility responsibilities, build-out allowances and exclusivity.

Step 4: Equipment and build-out

• Front-load washers in several sizes
• Stacked and large-capacity dryers
• Water heater/boiler, plumbing and drains
• Dryer venting and HVAC
• Card or app payment system
• Folding tables, carts, seating, Wi-Fi, vending, security cameras

Step 5: Financing

Options include equipment financing (often through distributors), SBA loans, bank loans and seller financing when buying. Get a full cost estimate first: How much does it cost to open a laundromat?.

Step 6: Permits and setup

Business registration, local licence, building and plumbing permits, health or wastewater permits where required, sign permits and insurance.

Step 7: Revenue add-ons

• Wash-and-fold service (per pound)
• Pickup and delivery via an app or website
• Commercial accounts (salons, gyms, Airbnb hosts)
• Vending and soap sales
• Dry cleaning drop-off

Step 8: Marketing

Grand opening promotions, Google Business Profile, signage, loyalty discounts, and a website where customers book pickup. For operations after opening, read How to run a laundromat business.

Frequently asked questions

How do I start a laundromat business?

Decide buy vs build, find a strong location, sign a long lease, finance equipment, get permits and add services like wash-and-fold.

How do you open a laundromat with no experience?

Buying an established laundromat, learning from distributors and starting with simple self-service operations helps first-time owners.

How do I start a coin laundromat business?

The steps are the same; many modern stores add card and app payments alongside coins.

Is it better to buy or build a laundromat?

Buying gives immediate income; building gives new equipment and a location you choose.

What is the most important factor for a laundromat?

Location: renter density, visibility, parking and utility costs.

Can a laundromat be run semi-absentee?

Yes, with cameras, card systems and an attendant or manager, though owners still need oversight.