5 Laundromat Success Stories [2024]

Updated: November 19th, 2023
Start A Laundromat

The first laundromat opened in the United States in 1887. It was invented by the entrepreneur Josephine Cochrane, who was frustrated with having to wash her family’s laundry by hand.

The laundromat is a self-service facility that provides washing and drying machines for personal use. There are many different types of machines available, including coin-operated ones and those that require a card. They also provide various types of detergents and fabric softeners for use with the machines.

A laundromat can make a lot of money if it is in the right location and has the right prices.

Here are some real life success stories of starting a laundromat:

1. Nina's Laundrette ($112K/year)

Jono Santamaria, a digital marketer, purchased an outdated laundromat in Australia and used his digital marketing and automation skills to transform it. Within a year, he doubled the previous owner’s revenue and is on track to double it again in FY23, thanks to investments in digital presence, store upgrades, and the addition of a commercial laundry service.

How much they make: $112K/year
How much did it cost to start: $13.3K
Current team size: 1

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How I Bought A Laundromat & Doubled Revenue in 12 Months

A digital marketer purchased Nina's Laundromat in Northcote, Australia in July 2021, investing in its digital presence and upgrading the machines to create a new brand. Within 12 months, the revenue doubled and the store added a commercial laundry service, bringing an additional AUD24K per year.

About
Jono started Nina's Laundrette almost 3 years ago
Revenue
Jono grew the business to $9.3K/month
Costs
It cost Jono $13300 to start the business
Read by 5,546 founders

So... can you actually make money with a laundromat?

Of course. There are millions to be made in this industry.

But how?

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2. SudShare ($1M/year)

How much they make: $1M/year
Current team size: 25

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15 year old launches unique app, breaks $1m revenue, raises $10m

SudShare, an app-based national laundry service, created by two Baltimore-based founders, is seeing 10-30% growth each month and has over 90,000 users across the United States, with plans to start serving commercial customers and go international in 2023 after raising $10M in seed round funding.

About
They started SudShare over 7 years ago
Revenue
They grew the business to $83.3K/month
Read by 1,157 founders

3. Rosie Wash Express Laundry ($288K/year)

How much they make: $288K/year
Current team size: 4

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How Much Cash Can a Laundromat Business Really Make?

Rosie Wash Express Laundry has doubled its income and expanded outside of its local area by introducing a wash-and-fold facility with pickup and delivery choices, generating $300K ARR and using Google My Business and loyalty programs to attract and retain customers.

About
Jeff started Rosie Wash Express Laundry over 7 years ago
Revenue
Jeff grew the business to $24K/month
Read by 599 founders