Are Coin Laundries Hygienic? Safety and Cleanliness Explained

Ever walked into a laundromat and thought, “Hmm, how clean is this place really?” You’re not alone. The paradox of cleaning your clothes in a public space has sparked more than a few raised eyebrows — and legitimate hygiene concerns. But are coin laundries actually unhygienic, or is this just another case of fear outpacing fact?

Let’s break it down with some behavioural logic, industry know-how, and a little myth-busting.

Can You Get Sick From Using a Coin Laundry?

Short answer: Very unlikely, as long as you use it properly.

Coin laundries aren't inherently dirty — but like any shared public space, their cleanliness depends on how well they’re maintained. Commercial washing machines actually reach higher temperatures than domestic ones, making them quite effective at killing bacteria and viruses. Research shows that washing at 60°C or above is sufficient to eliminate most germs found on clothing, including E. coli and influenza.

Dryers are a bonus hygiene boost. The high heat in commercial dryers can kill remaining pathogens, especially when you dry for at least 28 minutes.

But here’s the kicker — it’s not the machines that pose the biggest risk. It’s human behaviour.

What’s the Biggest Hygiene Risk in a Laundromat?

You know those moments when people dump their wet clothes straight onto folding tables? Or sit their laundry baskets (that have been in the boot of their car) right where your clean clothes go?

That’s where the real hygiene threats live.

The surface hygiene of folding tables, countertops, and seating areas can be inconsistent. A 2019 consumer hygiene study found that high-contact surfaces in public laundries had traces of skin cells, food particles, and — brace yourself — faecal bacteria. But the study also noted that this was no worse than your average public café table.

So what’s the behavioural takeaway? Use barrier habits:

• Lay a clean towel down on surfaces before folding.

• Wash your hands after loading and unloading.

• Avoid sitting clean clothes directly on public benches or counters.

Are Laundromat Machines Cleaned Regularly?

The best coin laundries — the ones that genuinely care about customer experience — clean their machines daily. Staff often wipe down internal drums, detergent trays, and handles with antibacterial solutions. Many will also run regular maintenance cycles with machine cleaners or vinegar-based flushes to prevent residue buildup.

But not all laundromats are created equal.

In Australia, laundromats aren’t subject to health inspections in the same way that cafes or salons are. That means owner responsibility is the hygiene linchpin. Look for laundries that:

• Display cleaning schedules

• Offer hand sanitiser or wipes

• Smell fresh (no damp or musty odour)

• Have visible staff presence

These are the social proof cues that behavioural scientists call signal honesty. They tell you the business is trustworthy — without needing to shout about it.

How Can You Make Laundromat Use More Hygienic?

Here’s a quick hygiene protocol that works well in any coin laundry:

• Sort at home: The less time you spend handling your clothes in public, the better.

• Use hot washes: Especially for towels, underwear, gym gear, or clothes worn during illness.

• Bring disinfectant wipes: Wipe handles and folding tables before use.

• Avoid overloading: Overstuffed machines clean less effectively.

• Dry thoroughly: Damp clothes are bacteria’s best mate.

If you want to go the extra mile, choose a laundry that offers contactless payment or tap-and-go washers — fewer shared surfaces, less germ transmission.

Do Coin Laundries Carry Bedbugs or Lice?

It’s rare, but not impossible — especially in high-density urban areas. Bedbugs can cling to fabric and transfer from one load to another, but they die quickly at high heat. The good news? Coin laundry dryers hit temperatures that are fatal to both lice and bedbugs.

To protect yourself:

• Use plastic, not fabric laundry bags (fabric can harbour pests)

• Go straight from dryer to bag — don’t leave clean clothes lying around

• Wash bedding, pillows, and soft toys on hot cycles periodically

Are Self-Serve Laundromats as Safe as Full-Service Ones?

Self-serve laundromats put hygiene in your hands — literally. You’re responsible for loading, unloading, and handling all your items. In contrast, full-service or attended laundries have staff who monitor hygiene practices and often clean between loads.

However, self-serve laundries aren't necessarily less clean — especially if they’re modern, well-maintained, and openly promote cleanliness.

Think about it like this: a quiet, unattended coin laundry that’s cleaned twice daily may be more hygienic than a busy full-service one that cuts corners.

FAQs

Do washing machines kill bacteria?Yes — especially when used with hot water (60°C or more) and quality detergent.

Should I wash my hands after using a laundromat?Definitely. Just like after touching any public surface — it’s about minimising cross-contamination.

Is it safe to wash baby clothes in a coin laundry?Yes, if you run a hot cycle, use baby-safe detergent, and avoid putting clean clothes on shared surfaces.

Final Thoughts

Coin laundries can be just as hygienic — if not more — than home washing when used correctly. The key is behavioural: how we use the space, not just the space itself.

And if you're looking for a convenient option that ticks the hygiene box, some coin laundry near me locations offer modern, well-maintained machines that are cleaned daily and optimised for hassle-free washing.

If you're still a little hesitant, think about this: you wouldn’t question the hygiene of your local gym towels or hotel sheets. Coin laundries are often held to the same — or higher — hygiene standards. And unlike your home machine, these commercial workhorses are designed to kill bacteria, not just shuffle it around.