Next-Gen Laundry: Trends and Tech Shaping Australia’s Laundromats

Why are some laundromats thriving while others still feel like a time warp to the 90s? The difference isn’t just cleaner machines or brighter lights — it’s smart tech. Australia’s self-service laundry game is changing fast, and not just in Sydney or Melbourne. From Alice Springs to Adelaide, owners are ditching coin slots and spreadsheets for apps, automation, and behavioural science-backed design.

This isn’t just a story about washers and dryers — it’s about how a smarter business model is reshaping local laundromats across the country.

What’s driving the evolution of Australia’s laundromats?

The short answer? Convenience, control, and cashless everything.

If you've ever stood in a laundromat juggling gold coins while wondering when your dryer will stop, you're not alone. Aussie customers — especially renters, uni students, and busy parents — are demanding smoother, smarter experiences.

Here’s what’s shifting:

• Cash is disappearing. Card and mobile payments are now expected, not a bonus.

• Time transparency matters. Real-time machine availability and cycle tracking is a basic ask.

• Remote control equals peace of mind. Owners want to monitor, manage, and maintain operations from anywhere.

This behaviour-led shift isn’t just user-driven. It's a textbook case of loss aversion — laundromat owners are realising they’re losing money every day they delay modernising.

How is tech transforming laundromat operations?

Today’s smartest operators don’t just install better machines — they install better systems.

• Payment integrations: Forget coin jams. Smart kiosks and apps allow tap-to-pay, mobile wallets, and even subscriptions.

• Usage data & analytics: Owners can see which machines are busiest, what hours drive the most revenue, and when breakdowns tend to spike.

• Maintenance alerts: Some platforms use predictive tech to flag issues before a customer gets frustrated.

• Customer behaviour insights: Want to know if people skip dryers when it’s hot out? Now you can.

Much of this is powered by what’s quietly becoming the industry’s MVP: the laundromat management app. These apps give owners a real-time dashboard of machine status, revenue, usage trends, and even customer feedback. It’s like having a virtual manager — minus the payroll costs.

Are Aussies ready for this shift?

They already are. According to a 2023 study by Statista, over 80% of Australians prefer contactless payments. Combine that with rising living costs and the rental squeeze, and laundromats are becoming high-traffic hubs again — especially in high-density suburbs.

And here's the kicker: customers don’t just tolerate tech upgrades, they reward them.

One Brisbane operator reported a 22% increase in return visits after adding mobile payment and SMS-ready alerts. It’s consistency and ease that keeps customers loyal — and Cialdini would tip his hat to that.

What behavioural science insights are shaping modern laundromats?

The shift isn’t just about tech — it’s about psychology. Here’s how laundromat owners are leaning into behavioural science:

• Framing effect: Highlighting “wash & dry in under 45 mins” feels faster than “1-hour cycle”.

• Defaults: Pre-setting most-used wash settings nudges faster decisions.

• Social proof: “Rated 4.9 stars by 300+ locals” beats “we care about quality”.

• Scarcity: “Only 3 machines left before the 6pm rush” adds gentle urgency.

• Ease of action: Clear signage, digital instructions, and machine number matching reduces customer friction.

These aren’t gimmicks — they’re nudges that work. As Adam Ferrier puts it, the best ideas “change behaviour without the customer feeling manipulated.”

Are there real-world examples of tech-forward laundromats in Australia?

Absolutely. Take these local innovations:

• Melbourne’s Inner North: One operator offers app-controlled bookings and even notifies users when their machine is 5 minutes from finishing — perfect for the Fitzroy café crowd who value their flat white time.

• Perth CBD: A laundromat there uses solar-powered dryers, LED lighting, and a dashboard that tracks energy savings alongside revenue.

• Regional NSW: A savvy business owner used usage data from their laundromat management app to adjust opening hours. The result? 17% cost savings and more weekend traffic.

These aren't giant chains — they're independents using insight over investment to grow.

What should future-focused laundromat owners consider?

If you’re in the game — or thinking of entering it — the next few years will reward those who think like tech startups, not coin-operated relics.

Here’s what’s worth considering:

• Start small: Introduce mobile payments and machine tracking before overhauling everything.

• Track and test: Use your app’s dashboard to test peak pricing, quiet-hour discounts, or even loyalty offers.

• Think beyond laundry: Some next-gen spots are offering coffee carts, book swaps, or Wi-Fi to create “linger-worthy” experiences.

• Focus on recurring behaviour: Design your space and service for weekly habits, not one-off visits.

And critically — don’t assume customers will tell you what they want. Watch what they do, not what they say.

FAQ: Quick answers to common queries

Is a laundromat still profitable in Australia in 2025?Yes — especially when tech-enabled. While competition exists, a well-positioned, well-managed site can generate stable, semi-passive income.

How much does it cost to digitise a laundromat?Basic smart kiosks and app integrations can start around $5–10k. But the ROI often justifies the outlay within 12–18 months.

Can you run a laundromat remotely?Absolutely. With a laundromat management app, many owners manage schedules, repairs, and revenue from their phone — whether they’re on-site or interstate.

The laundromat isn't dead. It’s just had a digital facelift.

And the cleverest Aussie operators? They’re not just washing clothes — they’re washing away old assumptions, one app update at a time. If you’re serious about growth, explore how a laundromat management app could be your smartest business partner yet.