A laundromat is a shared space, kind of like a library but with more lint and louder spin cycles. And just like any shared space, a little courtesy goes a long way. Whether you are a laundromat veteran or this is your first time hauling a bag of clothes down to the local wash-and-fold, understanding laundromat etiquette will make the experience better for you and everyone around you.
Here at Sunshine Coin Laundry on Vermont Ave in Los Angeles, we are proud to have one of the friendliest customer communities in South LA. That doesn't happen by accident. It happens because most folks follow a few simple, common-sense rules. Let's walk through the 10 big ones.
1. Time Your Loads and Stay Nearby
A wash cycle typically runs 25 to 35 minutes. A dryer cycle takes roughly 30 to 50 minutes depending on the load size. Set a timer on your phone and stay close. Wandering off for a two-hour grocery run while your clothes sit in a machine is one of the fastest ways to frustrate other customers who are waiting for an open washer or dryer.
If you need to step out, keep it short. Grab a coffee, make a quick call, or browse your phone in the seating area. Just be back before that buzzer goes off.
2. Remove Your Clothes Promptly When the Cycle Ends
This is the golden rule of laundromat etiquette. When your washer or dryer finishes, move your clothes out within five minutes. Leaving a finished load sitting in a machine for 20 or 30 minutes holds up everyone else's laundry day.
Pro tip: If someone else's cycle has ended and their clothes have been sitting for a while, it's generally acceptable to carefully move them to a clean surface or an empty cart. Be gentle and respectful with other people's belongings.
3. Don't Hog the Machines
On a busy Saturday morning, every machine counts. If the laundromat is crowded, resist the urge to claim five washers at once. Use what you need for a reasonable load and let others have their turn. You can always run a second batch once the first one finishes. Our large-capacity machines can handle bigger loads, which helps you use fewer machines overall.
4. Check the Machine Before You Load It
Take a quick peek inside the drum before tossing your clothes in. Previous customers might have left behind a stray sock, a tissue that went through the wash, or some leftover detergent residue. A five-second check can save you from washing your whites with someone else's red sock. We have all been there, and it is not a good look.
5. Clean Up After Yourself
Spilled detergent on the counter? Wipe it up. Dryer lint trap full? Clear it out. Dropped a dryer sheet on the floor? Pick it up. Treating the laundromat like your own laundry room means leaving things at least as clean as you found them. It takes a few seconds, and staff and fellow customers will genuinely appreciate it.
At Sunshine Coin Laundry, we keep our facility spotless, but we count on customers to help maintain that standard between cleanings. It is a team effort, and everyone benefits.
6. Be Mindful of Your Detergent and Dryer Sheets
Strong fragrances can be a real problem for people with allergies or sensitivities. Use a reasonable amount of detergent (more soap does not mean cleaner clothes, by the way), and be conscious of heavily scented dryer sheets. If you notice the person next to you sneezing every time you open your dryer, that might be a clue.
Also, when it comes to detergent quantity, overloading causes excess suds that can leave residue in the machine for the next user. Follow the dosing instructions on the bottle. Your clothes and your neighbors will thank you.
7. Keep the Noise Down
The machines already provide plenty of background noise. There is no need to add to it with speakerphone conversations, videos playing at full volume, or music blasting from a portable speaker. Use headphones. Keep phone calls brief and at a reasonable volume. A laundromat can actually be a pretty peaceful place when everyone is considerate about noise.
8. Supervise Your Kids
We love seeing families at Sunshine Coin Laundry. That said, a laundromat is full of heavy machinery, hot surfaces, and chemical products. Keep little ones close and make sure they understand the machines are not playground equipment. Running between rows of washers or climbing on folding tables is a safety concern, and other customers appreciate a calm environment. Bring coloring books, tablets, or snacks to keep kids occupied while you wait.
9. Respect the Folding Tables
Folding tables are shared resources, not personal workstations. Fold your clothes, stack them in your basket, and free up the space for the next person. Spreading out across an entire table for 45 minutes while slowly scrolling through your phone is going to earn you some looks. Fold efficiently, then clear out. If you want to learn how to handle large items like washing a comforter at the laundromat, check out our complete guide for tips on folding bulky bedding without monopolizing the table.
10. Treat the Machines With Care
Slamming doors, overstuffing drums, and yanking on knobs might feel satisfying in the moment, but it damages machines and can lead to breakdowns that affect everyone. Close doors gently, load machines to the recommended capacity, and report any malfunctions to the staff instead of trying to force a stuck dial.
Taking care of the equipment helps keep our services running smoothly and ensures you always have a reliable machine available when you need one.
Bonus: Be Friendly
This one is not really a rule. It is more of an invitation. A smile, a nod, or a quick "Is this machine free?" goes a long way toward building a sense of community. Some of the best conversations happen between strangers waiting for the spin cycle to finish. You never know who you might meet.
Good Etiquette Makes Laundry Day Better for Everyone
Following these laundromat etiquette tips is not about being uptight. It is about making a shared space work well for everybody. When customers are considerate, the entire experience becomes faster, cleaner, and honestly a lot more pleasant.
If you are curious about whether using a laundromat is the right choice for you, take a look at our breakdown of laundromat vs. home washing costs. You might be surprised at how much you can save.
We would love to see you at Sunshine Coin Laundry, 10808 S Vermont Ave, Los Angeles. We are open 7 days a week from 6 AM to 10 PM, and our friendly staff is always happy to help. Bring your laundry, bring your good manners, and let's make laundry day a breeze.
