Choosing a Profitable Location to Open a Laundromat in 2025

Are you thinking about buying or building a laundromat? They can be a great business to invest in, after all everyone needs clean clothes! Bonus: it’s a recession-proof industry. Laundromats tend to stay busy, even when other types of businesses have financial problems. This laundromat investor blog will teach you how to pick the ideal location for your laundromat to make the most profit possible in 2025.

The Biggest Location Secret for Owning a Laundromat

Many new laundromat owners pick their location based on rent costs or current state of the existing Laundromat. They think cheaper rent means higher profits. But that's not always true. What matters most is knowing who lives nearby—your future customers!

Demographics tell you about the people in a neighborhood. Are they families, students, or older adults? Knowing this helps you choose a spot where lots of people need a laundromat. Places with apartments or dorms are great because they usually don’t have washers and dryers.

Think about the income levels in the area. Residents in lower income areas might use laundromats more often because it is likely less people have washers and dryers in their homes. Use websites like the U.S. Census Bureau or city data websites to research income and housing data. Research into your specific area or town should be extremely important and will only help you connect with the area you plan to invest time and money into.

4 Great Location Types for Your Laundromat in 2025

Here are four great locations that might help you have a successful laundromat business:

1. College towns

Most college students don’t have washers or dryers, especially in off campus apartments. A laundromat near a college campus will drive steady customers year round. Offering student discounts or deals can help bring in even more business.

2. Multi-housing neighborhoods

People living in multi-housing areas often need laundromats because many people don’t have their own machines. Newer popular cities may be the hotspot for these types of customers. Apartment high rises will be your best friend if they have a shared laundry room. There is a great opportunity for promotions and partnership with the building.  A close laundromat could mean repeat customers.

3. Tourist areas

Travelers need a place to do laundry, too. A laundromat near hotels, campsites, or vacation spots can get extra business when tourism is high since many visitors overpack clothes and need the ability to wash them.

4. Big businesses

Businesses like hotels, restaurants, medical offices, and gyms require frequent washing of sheets, towels, and linens. Offering commercial laundry services can provide more of a steady stream of business. Providing wash and fold and pickup and delivery options can help attract big repeat clients.

Quick check: Could this location be a winner?

We know its not as simple as a checklist but here are some ideas to help you be more confident in your location.  

• Check how many other laundromats are nearby. How many competitors are there?

• Pick a spot that customers can see from the road and get to easily.

• Choose locations near busy businesses like grocery stores, coffee shops, or gyms.

• Choose an area where new people are moving in and the neighborhood is growing.

• Use tools like Google Maps or demographic websites to help pick the right spot.

Steps for Selecting the Best Location

Once your spot has passed your initial check, here are some other things to consider.

Research the competition

Other laundromats aren’t your only competition. You may find luxury apartment buildings might not be the best source of customers if they are equipped with in unit washers. Apartments may have free laundry rooms, dry cleaners, and pickup services can also serve your potential customers. In some cases, these scenarios also may be used to your benefit becoming the main client for those washing needs. To stand out, you could offer better machines, have a cozy waiting area, or promote customer service. Marketing your laundromat in the best way to keep your laundromat on your community's mind. Check out other businesses to see what they do well and how you can improve.

Building inspection

Inspect the building carefully before signing a lease or buying laundromats for sale. Ensure the water and power setups are strong enough for laundromat equipment. Check expensive repairs like roofing and HVAC systems. Also, see if the entrance is accessible for all customers. Keep in mind that a second look may save you headaches in the future, an external partner may be best for your inspection. 

Visibility 

Visibility from public roads may be beneficial to help customers find you easily. If it’s blocked from view, customers might pass right by without noticing it. Sometimes big bright signage on a laundromat can be doing your advertising for anyone who passes by.  

Parking and transportation

Having plenty of parking is crucial. Customers carrying their heavy laundry baskets need close and  safe parking spaces. Check the number of spaces and if the lot is shared with other busy stores. Also, think about public transportation. Many customers might come by bus, train, or bike to your location if permitting.

Security check

Safety is important for your customers and employees. Research crime rates in the area. Check with local police and read public reports. Choose places near police stations, hospitals, and fire departments for added safety. Ask property managers about existing security measures if you're leasing.

Environmental issues

Always think about environmental regulations. Look into local water usage laws and rules about protecting wildlife. Eco-friendly laundry equipment helps you save on utilities while running a greener laundromat. This could also help you promote your clean practices.

Connect with neighboring businesses

Being close to other busy stores is great. Businesses like convenience stores, affordable restaurants, and gas stations attract customers who might also use your laundromat. Get to know these business owners. They can send customers your way and help watch your store when you’re not there. A laundromat can be a community staple and gathering place.

Read documents carefully

Before making any commitments, review the lease or contract carefully. If anything seems unclear, get clarification. Navigating this process with a lawyer is usually a smart decision. 

Think about growth

It’s smart to think about expansion when selecting a laundromat site. A larger space may be useful later. Get information about renovation costs and local permit requirements early, so you can understand the scalability of your investment.

Marketing opportunities

Once you’ve chosen the right spot, start planning how to bring in customers. Use street signs, special offers, and social media to promote your laundromat. Working with nearby businesses can also help bring in more people.

Community involvement

When a laundromat takes part in local events or supports the community, it stands out. You can join the community by joining events or helping out schools. It shows people you care—and they’ll want to support you back.

Wrapping Up

Choosing the best location is the key to running a successful laundromat. Consider your customers, accessibility, and growth potential before making a decision. With these tips, you can find the right spot and start making money in 2025.  

Ready to manage your new laundromat the smart way? Let Cents help you streamline your business. With Cents, you can track revenue, automate payments, and manage customer interactions all in one place. Our all-in-one platform gives you the tools to improve efficiency, cut costs, and grow your laundromat business with ease. Take Cents for a spin today and see the difference!