How does Wash and Fold work in NYC?

While it may seem complicated to have your laundry (often referred to as Wash and Fold) done in NYC, it’s actually pretty easy. Maybe you just moved to NYC or have never sent your laundry out before. We are going to explain some of the ins and outs in this blog and give you a few tips on a few things to watch out for in answering the question of how wash and fold works in NYC.

Dani Ofsink – Answering your Questions…

Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Dani Ofsink and I am a student at Penn State. I work as an Intern on researching the Laundry Industry for Todd Layne Cleaners and helping to increase visibility on the most common questions that people are looking for answers on. Many recent questions relate to an explanation of “how does wash and fold work in NYC?” My email is at the bottom of this blog if you would like to get in touch for additional information.

Wash and Fold Cost in NYC

Pricing varies greatly between different Wash and Fold businesses. For the cleanest laundry, expect to pay around $3.00 per pound. I wrote another blog that provides lots of information on pricing and the ways that businesses cut corners or disguise the fact that they don’t actually have a presence in NYC. To read about it, click here.

Option 1 – Bring your Wash and Fold to your local Laundromat (cheapest option)

Do a little research and bring your laundry to a local Wash and Fold store in your neighborhood. Check their website, number of years in business and Google reviews. If you don’t see washers and dryers or a Laundromat in their store, that’s not a good sign and means that they probably outsource your laundry to a factory in Brooklyn or Queens that uses industrial washers and dryers. For your laundry, that means having your clothes washed with someone else’s (we’ll get into this later) and having your clothes dried in industrial dryers.

Option 2 – Schedule a Pickup and Delivery of your Wash and Fold in NYC

Scheduling a pickup and delivery is the easier option, but generally costs more money than dropping it off yourself.  There may be a separate charge for delivery, but some Wash and Fold businesses provide this service free with a minimum order. It’s easy and can usually be done by scheduling online, calling or sending a text message.

What should I put my laundry in if I am sending it out?

At Todd Layne Cleaners, we’ve seen some very creative ways of sending laundry out, everything from garbage bags to an entire hamper from someones house. The best thing to use is an actual laundry bag that can be securely tied up at the top. If you don’t have one, many Wash and Fold businesses can sell you one. If it’s your first time sending out laundry, you can use a strong hefty-type garbage bag and request a laundry bag on the return trip. We sell large laundry bags with a carrying strap at a subsidized cost of $7.99.

What is the typical turnaround time for Wash and Fold?

Typical turnaround time for Wash and Fold is 24 hours. Some Wash and Fold businesses will say that if you drop-off by 10am, you can get it back the same day. The busiest days for most Wash and Fold businesses are Monday and Tuesday. If an online Wash and Fold company offers same day service for your laundry, it may be a warning sign that they are rushing and not doing the best job with your laundry.

What about Special Requests for Baby Laundry or Allergy Sensitivities?

Some laundry companies can accommodate special requests for baby laundry or customers with allergy sensitivities. It is important to check the selection of unscented detergents or baby detergent like Dreft. Ask whether dedicated washers and dryers are used for this service, as residue from other scented products can still find there way into clothing. At Todd Layne Cleaners, we flush our washers with vinegar as an extra precaution.

What are some warning signs from online Wash and Fold search results?

There are many “laundry” companies that come up in search results in NYC that are nothing more than an app. Companies like LaundryHeap only have a website platform and outsource your laundry to another business or industrial plant in Brooklyn or Queens. In addition to the issues with getting laundry back that isn’t properly cleaned, you may be out of luck if something is missing from your laundry. Make sure that the Wash and Fold company that you choose is has physical storefronts and there own Laundromat in NYC for the best experience.

What if the price per pound is really low?

There are many ways to cut corners in the laundry and Wash and Fold business. One of the primary ways that low price Wash and Fold operators save money is by placing customer’s laundry in mesh bags and washing them together in the same washer. I’m not sure about you, but it certainly doesn’t sound good to me. Now your clothing is being washed with random peoples dirty clothing and you have no idea where its been. Dryers are industrial strength at very high temperatures to dry clothing as quickly as possible, but the result is shrinkage and fabric damage.

What do you get for $3.00 per pound and up in a Laundry Service?

At Todd Layne Cleaners, I can tell you that we never mix customer’s clothing together in the same washer. We also provide many free add-on options (Premium Detergents, Stain Remover, Color Booster, Fabric Protector, Scent Enhancer, Laundry Sanitizer) to choose from to make your laundry smell, look, and feel exactly how you prefer. Air Drying or Hang Drying for gym gear or delicates, no problem. Special folding method, no problem. Detergent or other cleaning product that we don’t stock, no problem. We are happy to follow all of a customer’s special requests. Other operators in this price point also provide exceptional Wash and Fold service, do some research and find the one that is right for you.

Other Questions about how Wash and Fold works in NYC?

To summarize what we discussed in this blog about how wash and fold works in NYC, decide whether you want to bring your laundry to a local Laundromat or have it picked up and delivered. Ask questions related to turnaround time (generally 24 hours) and make sure to have a laundry bag. Pricing is a big consideration and determines the level of service that you are going to receive. New Yorker’s are savvy enough to know that you get what you pay for. Beware of online laundry companies that do not have a physical storefront or Laundromat.

If you have any questions or would like additional information about anything in this blog, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. We’re also happy to answer questions about our services, delivery service in NYC or anything else. Call or text us anytime at 646.661.4777. One of our friendly and knowledgeable staff will quickly respond.

If you are an existing customer, we would love to hear your feedback. Text or call us at 646.661.4777 or send an email to [email protected].

Thanks for Reading!
Dani Ofsink – Author and Niece of the Boss 🙂

 

 

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