Just a decade ago, self-service laundromats were often viewed as outdated, inconvenient, or reserved mainly for students and tourists. But today, in towns and cities across Ireland and the UK, they are enjoying a surprising resurgence. Modern, stylish, and equipped with energy-efficient machines and cashless payment options, laundromats are becoming a staple of daily life for a growing number of people.
So, what’s driving this revival? In this article, we explore the reasons behind the growing popularity of self-service laundromats in Ireland and the UK—and why they’re here to stay.
With record-high electricity prices, households are turning to laundromats as a cost-saving solution. Laundromats offer predictable, pay-per-use pricing—avoiding bill surprises.
Compact city apartments often lack laundry appliances. Laundromats provide large-capacity machines and eliminate the need for in-home laundry setups.
Modern laundromats are fast, open daily, and offer Wi-Fi, coffee, or drop-off services. One trip can handle all your laundry needs.
Laundromats help reduce household energy use. Commercial machines are more efficient, and many locations now use solar power and eco detergents.
More people live in short-term rentals without laundry access. Laundromats provide a convenient, no-commitment solution close to amenities.
Laundry is becoming a social task. Many laundromats now double as cafés or eco-hubs, making the experience more pleasant and productive.
Owning machines means paying for purchase, repairs, and electricity. Laundromats remove these long-term costs and offer flexibility.
Due to weather conditions and indoor drying issues, many use laundromats just for drying—especially in winter or small spaces.
Touchscreen machines, mobile payments, app alerts, and live monitoring make today’s laundromats high-tech and user-friendly.
Franchise laundromats and retail-based units (e.g. petrol station kiosks) are expanding across the UK and Ireland, making services more accessible.
Laundromats are no longer relics of the past. They're efficient, social, eco-friendly, and cost-effective. As energy prices rise and lifestyles shift, self-service laundromats are becoming essential parts of urban life in Ireland and the UK.
