Laundromats remain a vital service for millions of people across the United States and Canada. Despite the growth of in-unit laundry appliances, a large percentage of urban renters, students, and low-to-mid income households rely on laundromats for clean clothes. Understanding how many people use laundromats—and why—can help owners make smarter business decisions, target marketing efforts, and evaluate growth potential.
Estimated Number of Laundromat Users in the U.S.
While exact user counts vary year to year, industry analysts estimate that nearly 35 million Americans use laundromats regularly. These users range from weekly visitors to those who use laundromats occasionally for bulky items or during emergencies. The core user base typically consists of renters and people living in multi-family housing without in-unit machines.
- Approximately 60% of laundromat users are renters
- 87% of laundromats are located in urban or suburban areas with high population density
- Usage is highest among households earning under $50,000 per year
- Many users visit once per week, staying for 1.5–2 hours per trip
- Heavy users include students, service workers, and elderly residents in apartments
Canadian Laundromat Usage
Canada has a smaller but still steady laundromat customer base. Major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal have thousands of renters without access to in-home laundry. While industry data is less centralized than in the U.S., urban laundromats in Canada report strong weekly foot traffic and continued demand for wash-and-fold services.
- Canadian laundromat usage mirrors U.S. trends, especially in cities with housing density
- Apartment dwellers and international students are the primary customer segments
- Laundromats with multilingual signage and contactless payment options see broader usage
- Demand for pickup and delivery is increasing across provinces
Who Uses Laundromats and Why
Not everyone who visits a laundromat lacks laundry equipment at home. In fact, many laundromat customers choose the convenience, capacity, or speed of commercial-grade machines. Some use laundromats seasonally, while others rely on them for oversized items like comforters or for occasional backup when home machines break.
- Primary users: apartment renters, students, low-income households
- Secondary users: homeowners with broken machines or seasonal needs
- Commercial users: Airbnb hosts, small hotels, hair salons, gyms
- Motivators: affordability, speed, machine capacity, no maintenance responsibility
Frequency of Use
Frequency varies by household size, location, and income level. The most common pattern is weekly visits, often on weekends or early mornings. Commercial customers or families with children may use laundromats multiple times per week.
- Over 50% of regular customers visit weekly
- Average visit duration is 90–120 minutes
- Drop-off and pickup services are reducing on-site time for some users
- Peak times are Saturday and Sunday mornings, followed by weekday evenings
Trends Influencing Usage
Laundromat usage is evolving due to housing trends, technology adoption, and customer expectations. The demand for self-service laundry remains strong, but customers increasingly expect digital conveniences. Operators who adapt to these changes often see stronger usage and better customer retention.
- More renters = stable demand, especially in cities with rising housing costs
- Growing popularity of app-based payment and loyalty tracking
- Higher interest in wash-and-fold, pickup, and delivery services
- Younger generations prefer cashless, unattended, or 24-hour models
- Eco-conscious consumers are drawn to high-efficiency machines and sustainable practices
Conclusion
Tens of millions of people use laundromats across North America, and demand remains steady due to urban housing, economic factors, and lifestyle needs. From students to seniors, renters to Airbnb operators, laundromats serve a wide range of customers who depend on reliable, affordable access to clean laundry. Understanding your market’s size and behavior is key to staying competitive and meeting your community’s needs.
