# Getting started at a laundromat: beginner's guide | Speed Queen --- # Getting started The beginner's guide to using a laundromat stress-free from your very first visit Topics [All ](/en/blog/index.md)[How to wash ](/en/blog/how-to-wash/index.md)[Laundry tips ](/en/blog/laundry-tips/index.md)[Getting started](/en/blog/getting-started/index.md) First time at a laundromat? It's simpler than you think. Our guides cover the essentials: how a professional machine works, how much your laundry weighs (and which capacity to choose), what a cycle actually costs, and the real differences between a laundromat and a dry cleaner. Each article answers the questions most first-time users have. Start with the [First time at a laundromat ](/en/blog/first-time-laundromat/index.md)guide for a complete step-by-step walkthrough, or try our [machine finder quiz ](/en/tools/machine-finder/index.md)to figure out which capacity suits your needs. 20 articles [![Washer-dryer combo or separate dryer: which to choose](https://static.laveries-speed-queen.fr/images/blog/washer-dryer-combo-vs-separate-cover.webp)](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/washer-dryer-combo-vs-separate/) [Getting started · May 12, 2026 · 9 min](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/washer-dryer-combo-vs-separate/) ## [Washer-dryer combo or separate dryer: which to choose](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/washer-dryer-combo-vs-separate/) [2-in-1 washer-dryer or separate washer + dryer: honest comparison table, 3 use cases, laundromat alternative for occasional peaks (duvets, sleeping bags).](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/washer-dryer-combo-vs-separate/) [Read article ](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/washer-dryer-combo-vs-separate/) [![Choosing a Washing Machine: Capacity, Energy, Budget (2026)](https://static.laveries-speed-queen.fr/images/blog/choose-washing-machine-cover.webp)](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/choose-washing-machine/) [Getting started · March 23, 2026 · 12 min](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/choose-washing-machine/) ## [Choosing a Washing Machine: Capacity, Energy, Budget (2026)](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/choose-washing-machine/) [What washing machine capacity for your household? 5-12 kg by size, front vs top loader, energy class A-B, budget EUR 300-1000. Plus the laundromat alternative.](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/choose-washing-machine/) [Read article ](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/choose-washing-machine/) [![Family Laundry Routine: A Weekly Plan That Works](https://static.laveries-speed-queen.fr/images/blog/family-laundry-routine-cover.webp)](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/family-laundry-routine/) [Getting started · March 23, 2026 · 14 min](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/family-laundry-routine/) ## [Family Laundry Routine: A Weekly Plan That Works](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/family-laundry-routine/) [How many loads per week for a family of 4? Day-by-day schedule, 5 golden rules to stay on top of laundry, and when the laundromat saves time.](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/family-laundry-routine/) [Read article ](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/family-laundry-routine/) [![How to Fold Laundry: Fitted Sheet, T-Shirt & Storage](https://static.laveries-speed-queen.fr/images/blog/fold-laundry-storage-cover.webp)](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/fold-laundry-storage/) [Getting started · March 23, 2026 · 12 min](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/fold-laundry-storage/) ## [How to Fold Laundry: Fitted Sheet, T-Shirt & Storage](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/fold-laundry-storage/) [Fitted sheet in 4 steps, t-shirt in 3 folds, vertical storage Marie Kondo style. Fast, practical techniques for every item.](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/fold-laundry-storage/) [Read article ](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/fold-laundry-storage/) [![How to Wash Pet Blankets & Beds at a Laundromat](https://static.laveries-speed-queen.fr/images/blog/laundromat-pet-blanket-bed-guide-cover.webp)](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/laundromat-pet-blanket-bed-guide/) [Getting started · March 23, 2026 · 12 min](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/laundromat-pet-blanket-bed-guide/) ## [How to Wash Pet Blankets & Beds at a Laundromat](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/laundromat-pet-blanket-bed-guide/) [Blankets, removable bed covers, toys: the laundromat's 18 kg machines and 60 C cycle are ideal for pet textiles. Full step-by-step guide.](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/laundromat-pet-blanket-bed-guide/) [Read article ](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/laundromat-pet-blanket-bed-guide/) [![Organise Your Laundry Room: Storage, Sorting & Space](https://static.laveries-speed-queen.fr/images/blog/organize-laundry-room-storage-cover.webp)](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/organize-laundry-room-storage/) [Getting started · March 23, 2026 · 12 min](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/organize-laundry-room-storage/) ## [Organise Your Laundry Room: Storage, Sorting & Space](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/organize-laundry-room-storage/) [How to organise a laundry room even in a small space? Sorting baskets, product storage, laundry schedule: the system that saves time.](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/organize-laundry-room-storage/) [Read article ](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/organize-laundry-room-storage/) [![Sort Your Laundry: by Colour, Fabric and Temperature](https://static.laveries-speed-queen.fr/images/blog/sort-laundry-correctly-cover.webp)](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/sort-laundry-correctly/) [Getting started · March 23, 2026 · 14 min](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/sort-laundry-correctly/) ## [Sort Your Laundry: by Colour, Fabric and Temperature](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/sort-laundry-correctly/) [Sort by colour or temperature? Both. Quick sorting chart, basket system and the 5 mistakes that damage your clothes.](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/sort-laundry-correctly/) [Read article ](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/sort-laundry-correctly/) [![Student Laundry on a Budget: GBP 15-30/Month](https://static.laveries-speed-queen.fr/images/blog/wash-laundry-student-budget-cover.webp)](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/wash-laundry-student-budget/) [Getting started · March 23, 2026 · 13 min](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/wash-laundry-student-budget/) ## [Student Laundry on a Budget: GBP 15-30/Month](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/wash-laundry-student-budget/) [How much does laundry cost as a student? GBP 15-30/month at a laundromat. Starter kit, laundromat vs own machine, tips to save.](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/wash-laundry-student-budget/) [Read article ](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/wash-laundry-student-budget/) [![How to Do Laundry While Travelling: Vanlife, Camping & More](https://static.laveries-speed-queen.fr/images/blog/wash-laundry-travel-vanlife-cover.webp)](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/wash-laundry-travel-vanlife/) [Getting started · March 23, 2026 · 10 min](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/wash-laundry-travel-vanlife/) ## [How to Do Laundry While Travelling: Vanlife, Camping & More](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/wash-laundry-travel-vanlife/) [How to wash clothes on the road: laundromats abroad, hand-washing, laundry sheets, fast drying. Budget 5-15 per week.](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/wash-laundry-travel-vanlife/) [Read article ](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/wash-laundry-travel-vanlife/) [![Laundromat vs Home Machine: True Cost Over 10 Years](https://static.laveries-speed-queen.fr/images/blog/laundromat-vs-home-machine-cover.webp)](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/laundromat-vs-home-machine/) [Getting started · March 20, 2026 · 10 min](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/laundromat-vs-home-machine/) ## [Laundromat vs Home Machine: True Cost Over 10 Years](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/laundromat-vs-home-machine/) [Laundromat or home washer — which really costs less? 10-year cost breakdown, capacity, wash quality and convenience by household profile.](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/laundromat-vs-home-machine/) [Read article ](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/laundromat-vs-home-machine/) [![Washing Machine Broken Down: What to Do While You Wait](https://static.laveries-speed-queen.fr/images/blog/washing-machine-breakdown-what-to-do-cover.webp)](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/washing-machine-breakdown-what-to-do/) [Getting started · March 20, 2026 · 7 min](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/washing-machine-breakdown-what-to-do/) ## [Washing Machine Broken Down: What to Do While You Wait](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/washing-machine-breakdown-what-to-do/) [Washing machine not working? Quick diagnosis of the 5 most common problems, when to call a repair technician, and how to manage laundry in the meantime.](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/washing-machine-breakdown-what-to-do/) [Read article ](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/washing-machine-breakdown-what-to-do/) [![Duvet at a Laundromat: Cost, Drying & Frequency (2026)](https://static.laveries-speed-queen.fr/images/blog/duvet-wash-price-laundromat-cover.webp)](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/duvet-wash-price-laundromat/) [Getting started · March 16, 2026 · 13 min](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/duvet-wash-price-laundromat/) ## [Duvet at a Laundromat: Cost, Drying & Frequency (2026)](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/duvet-wash-price-laundromat/) [How much to wash a duvet at a laundromat? Approx. 14-18 EUR all-in (18 kg + 40-60 min drying). Twice a year minimum. Dry cleaner comparison & protocol.](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/duvet-wash-price-laundromat/) [Read article ](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/duvet-wash-price-laundromat/) [![Laundromat Prices in 2026: How Much Does It Cost?](https://static.laveries-speed-queen.fr/images/blog/laundromat-prices-2026-cover.webp)](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/laundromat-prices-2026/) [Getting started · March 16, 2026 · 12 min](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/laundromat-prices-2026/) ## [Laundromat Prices in 2026: How Much Does It Cost?](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/laundromat-prices-2026/) [How much does a wash at a laundromat cost in 2026? From 4 to 12 € depending on capacity. Table by machine, prices by city, and what's included.](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/laundromat-prices-2026/) [Read article ](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/laundromat-prices-2026/) [![Laundry Weight: Dry or Wet? What Machine Capacity Means](https://static.laveries-speed-queen.fr/images/blog/laundry-weight-dry-or-wet-cover.webp)](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/laundry-weight-dry-or-wet/) [Getting started · March 16, 2026 · 8 min](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/laundry-weight-dry-or-wet/) ## [Laundry Weight: Dry or Wet? What Machine Capacity Means](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/laundry-weight-dry-or-wet/) [Washing machine capacity is always rated in dry laundry. But how much does wet laundry weigh? Ratios by fibre and mistakes to avoid.](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/laundry-weight-dry-or-wet/) [Read article ](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/laundry-weight-dry-or-wet/) [![Moving Day: Wash Everything at Once at a Laundromat](https://static.laveries-speed-queen.fr/images/blog/moving-day-laundry-cover.webp)](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/moving-day-laundry/) [Getting started · March 16, 2026 · 12 min](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/moving-day-laundry/) ## [Moving Day: Wash Everything at Once at a Laundromat](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/moving-day-laundry/) [Curtains, duvets, sheets, covers: the moving day laundry checklist + how to organize a laundromat run with 18 kg machines to handle it all in 1h.](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/moving-day-laundry/) [Read article ](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/moving-day-laundry/) [![How Much Do Jeans Weigh? Chart by Cut and Size (2026)](https://static.laveries-speed-queen.fr/images/blog/how-much-jeans-weigh-cover.webp)](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/how-much-jeans-weigh/) [Getting started · March 15, 2026 · 7 min](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/how-much-jeans-weigh/) ## [How Much Do Jeans Weigh? Chart by Cut and Size (2026)](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/how-much-jeans-weigh/) [Slim, regular or raw jeans: expect 500 to 1,000 g per pair. Chart by cut, size and machine capacity to load without guessing.](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/how-much-jeans-weigh/) [Read article ](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/how-much-jeans-weigh/) [![How Much Does a Washing Machine Weigh? By Capacity](https://static.laveries-speed-queen.fr/images/blog/washing-machine-load-weight-cover.webp)](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/washing-machine-load-weight/) [Getting started · March 15, 2026 · 8 min](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/washing-machine-load-weight/) ## [How Much Does a Washing Machine Weigh? By Capacity](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/washing-machine-load-weight/) [A washing machine weighs 55-85 kg depending on capacity. Table by type (compact, front-loader, top-loader, commercial) and why heavier machines are more stable.](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/washing-machine-load-weight/) [Read article ](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/washing-machine-load-weight/) [![First Time at a Laundromat: Step-by-Step Guide](https://static.laveries-speed-queen.fr/images/blog/first-time-laundromat-cover.webp)](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/first-time-laundromat/) [Getting started · February 2, 2026 · 6 min](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/first-time-laundromat/) ## [First Time at a Laundromat: Step-by-Step Guide](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/first-time-laundromat/) [How does a self-service laundromat work? What to bring, how much it costs (4-12 €), how long it takes: everything you need to know before you go.](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/first-time-laundromat/) [Read article ](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/first-time-laundromat/) [![Laundromat or Dry Cleaner: How to Choose by Fabric](https://static.laveries-speed-queen.fr/images/blog/laundromat-vs-dry-cleaning-cover.webp)](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/laundromat-vs-dry-cleaning/) [Getting started · February 2, 2026 · 11 min](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/laundromat-vs-dry-cleaning/) ## [Laundromat or Dry Cleaner: How to Choose by Fabric](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/laundromat-vs-dry-cleaning/) [Laundromat at 5 EUR or dry cleaner at 15 EUR: when is the price gap justified? Comparison by textile type, result and value for money.](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/laundromat-vs-dry-cleaning/) [Read article ](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/laundromat-vs-dry-cleaning/) [![Laundry Weight Guide: Per-Item Chart (Jeans, Sheets…) (2026)](https://static.laveries-speed-queen.fr/images/blog/laundry-weight-guide-cover.webp)](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/laundry-weight-guide/) [Getting started · February 2, 2026 · 11 min](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/laundry-weight-guide/) ## [Laundry Weight Guide: Per-Item Chart (Jeans, Sheets…) (2026)](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/laundry-weight-guide/) [How much does a pair of jeans, a sheet, or a towel weigh? Full weight chart per item to load your washing machine correctly. 9, 11 & 18 kg capacities.](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/laundry-weight-guide/) [Read article ](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/laundry-weight-guide/) ## FAQ How much does a laundromat wash cost? At a Speed Queen laundromat, expect around $3-5 for a 20 lb (9 kg) machine, $5-7 for a 25 lb (11 kg) machine, and $8-12 for a 40 lb (18 kg) machine (duvets). Drying costs $1-2 per cycle. Detergent and softener are included. How long does a full laundromat cycle take? A wash cycle takes about 35 minutes, drying takes 25 to 45 minutes depending on the fabric. In total, expect 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes for a complete wash + dry cycle. Do you need to bring your own detergent to a laundromat? No, Speed Queen laundromats have detergent and fabric softener built into the machines. The dosage is automatic and adjusted for each cycle. ## Other topics [How to wash ](/en/blog/how-to-wash/index.md)[Laundry tips ](/en/blog/laundry-tips/index.md)[All articles](/en/blog/index.md) ## Most read articles Selection [1](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/laundromat-prices-2026/) ### [Laundromat Prices in 2026: How Much Does It Cost?](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/laundromat-prices-2026/) [Getting started • 12 min](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/laundromat-prices-2026/) [2](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/choose-detergent-guide/) ### [Which Detergent to Choose: Liquid, Powder, Pods (2026)](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/choose-detergent-guide/) [Laundry tips • 12 min](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/choose-detergent-guide/) [3](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/clean-washing-machine-guide/) ### [How to Clean a Washing Machine: Vinegar & Baking Soda (2026)](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/clean-washing-machine-guide/) [Laundry tips • 10 min](https://laveries-speed-queen.fr/en/blog/clean-washing-machine-guide/)