What Is It About Laundromats?
What is it about laundromats that give me the creeps? Is it because they're usually in the worst parts of town? That they're hot and stuffy? That they always feel dirty to me? I've been twice now since I got up here to prepare the new farm for living in. The first visit was exactly what I remembered my experience to be in my early 20s on first moving to south Florida. Hot. Dusty. Dingy. Stuffy. Uncomfortable. Almost creepy. This one was located right next to a liquor store in the not best part of town, so there were lots of people in and out of the parking lot who didn't look to be walking straight. They probably weren't driving straight either, now that I think about it.
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| Always good to be able to pick up a bottle while doing laundry. |
My second trip to the laundromat I looked for a step up and found it. A newer laundromat, newer machines, and air conditioning. Well, sort of. It was definitely cleaner, less dingy, and cooler. The A/C was running with the doors open to let out the dryer heat. The seating wasn't any more comfortable. Metal chairs as opposed to wooden benches. Would it hurt the owners to supply a cushion or two, or do they want you uncomfortable on purpose so you get out of there more quickly? And the cost. Do they really need to charge $1.25 a load? My gosh! Somehow I remember 50 cents almost 30 years ago.
Looking forward to having my washer, dryer, and clothesline up here on the farm.
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4 comments:
I just did a blog post about our laundry room and how much I appreciate having our own.
I wonder if you could find a laundry at a university or college? At least it wouldn't be as creepy-feeling!
Laundromats... a subject dear to my heart though I'm glad to not need one! My grandfather started one in the 1940s. My dad took it over when I was 7. I have lots of fond memories of working in it with him. They always did their best to keep it clean, mopped after each shift, etc, but, you're right, it did always feel dirty. And air conditioning is a joke. $1.25 a load is a decent price. Those owners likely get a HORRIBLE rate on utilities and water. Its treated water, and LOTS of it and add in some impact fees and you're really not looking at much profit. My dad sold his business to an employee just weeks before he died of cancer. They are struggling to keep it afloat. Me and my mechanical abilities (or lack there of) would definitely not be able to make a go of it. Its a different era too. Almost everyone who uses it is extremely low income or homeless. Gone are the days when every housewife went once a week and it was a pleasant cheery place full of friendly chatter and smidge of gossip. For the family that bought my dad's business sake, I hope they can just hold it out until their kids are grown and they have a house paid off. :-(
Really? I've always kind of liked laundromats and am a little sad now that I live in a house with laundry machines and don't have the chance to go anymore. I like how they're warm and humming and smelling of laundry soap, and you kind of peacefully mix with fellow human beings in the same quiet way that you all share a long bus or train ride. Plus it's a good excuse to sit quietly and read a book for an hour or two!
I hate going to the laundromat; can't wait until the day I can get a washer. Here the going rate for a load of clothes starts at $2.50 for a small load and goes up from there.
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