How Long Does Laundry Take at a Laundromat? (Typical Wash & Dry Times Explained)
If you’re planning a laundromat trip, knowing how long everything takes can help you budget time and avoid waiting around longer than necessary. Most laundromat visits follow predictable timing once you understand how washers and dryers are sized and priced.
This guide breaks down average wash times, dry times, folding time, and what affects how long your full laundry trip will take.
Average Laundromat Wash Times
Most commercial washers run 25–35 minutes, regardless of size. Here are typical 2025 estimates:
Small / Single Load Machines
- 25–30 minutes
Medium / Double Load Machines
- 28–32 minutes
Large / Triple Load Machines
- 30–35 minutes
Extra-Large / Mega Washers
- 30–40 minutes, depending on soil level and water volume
Tip: Larger washers don’t always take longer — many actually clean faster because they use higher water pressure and better rotation.
Average Laundromat Dry Times
Drying takes 20–40 minutes, depending on heat level and fabric weight.
Light Clothing (T-shirts, socks, underwear)
- 20–25 minutes
Mixed Loads
- 25–35 minutes
Towels, Jeans, Hoodies
- 35–45 minutes
Bedding, Duvets, Comforters
- 40–60 minutes in large-capacity dryers
Tip: Checking items halfway through can prevent over-drying and save money.
How Long Does a Full Laundry Trip Take?
A typical trip is: Washing: 25–35 mins Drying: 25–35 mins Folding + packing: 10–20 mins
TOTAL TIME: 60–90 minutes
If you run multiple loads, the time usually stays the same because:
- Loads wash simultaneously
- Loads dry simultaneously
- Folding time increases slightly
For three loads washed together, your trip is still usually 90 minutes or less.
Factors That Can Make Laundry Faster or Slower
1. Machine Availability
Busy hours = waiting time.
Off-peak hours = no waiting and faster turnover.
2. Machine Efficiency
Newer machines:
- Spin faster
- Remove more water
- Reduce drying time by 20–30%
3. Heat Setting
High heat dries faster — but not all fabrics are safe.
4. Load Size
Overfilled machines take longer to wash and dry.
5. Fabric Type
Heavy fabrics = slower drying
Light fabrics = faster
How to Speed Up Your Laundromat Trip
- Pre-sort clothes before arriving
- Choose medium heat for balanced speed
- Use wool dryer balls to reduce drying time
- Clean the lint trap before drying
- Use more than one dryer for dense fabrics
- Choose laundromats with newer equipment
Quick Time Chart (2025)
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Wash Cycle | 25–35 min |
| Dry Cycle | 20–40 min |
| Folding | 10–20 min |
| Full Trip | 60–90 min |
Final Thoughts
Most laundromat visits take around an hour when you use the right machines and avoid busy periods. Washing and drying happen fast, and once you learn the timing, you’ll be able to plan your trip with almost perfect accuracy.
To find laundromats with fast machines near you, visit: