Laundromat vs. Laundry — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 24, 2024
"Laundromat" refers to a facility where people can wash and dry their clothes using coin-operated machines, whereas "laundry" can refer to both the clothing that needs to be washed and the act of washing clothes.
Difference Between Laundromat and Laundry
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
A laundromat is a commercial location equipped with washers and dryers available for public use, often requiring payment. Laundry, on the other hand, refers generally to clothes, linens, and other textiles that need to be washed or are in the process of being washed.
People visit a laundromat to do their laundry when they lack access to personal laundry facilities at home. Conversely, laundry can be done at home using personal machines or by hand, or it can refer to the items themselves that are dirty and need cleaning.
Laundromats provide a communal space often equipped with multiple large-capacity machines suitable for heavy loads, which is convenient for users with large amounts of laundry or bulky items. In contrast, laundry tasks at home might be limited by the size and capability of domestic machines.
The concept of a laundromat includes services beyond just washers and dryers, such as dry cleaning or ironing services at some locations, whereas laundry as a task encompasses washing, drying, and sometimes ironing and folding clothes.
While a laundromat is a fixed physical establishment, the term laundry can also be used to describe a business that offers laundry services, such as a laundry delivery service, which picks up dirty clothes and returns them clean.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
A commercial place with facilities for washing and drying clothes
Clothes and textiles that need washing; also the act of washing clothes
Usage Context
Used by people without home machines, or for large/bulky loads
Can be done at home or any facility; includes the items themselves
Services Offered
Washing, drying, sometimes dry cleaning and ironing
Washing, drying, ironing, folding
Typical Customers
Individuals without access to washing machines, large families, travelers
Anyone who wears clothes; includes households and businesses
Associated Costs
Usage of machines typically requires payment per load
Cost varies; includes water, electricity, and detergent at home or service fees externally
Compare with Definitions
Laundromat
Commercial laundry location.
They dropped off their rugs at the laundromat for a heavy-duty wash.
Laundry
Clothing and linens that need to be washed.
She sorted the laundry into darks and lights.
Laundromat
Facility offering self-service laundry equipment.
The nearest laundromat is three blocks away.
Laundry
A business that offers clothes washing services.
The laundry guarantees a 24-hour turnaround.
Laundromat
Public place for doing laundry.
She spends every Saturday morning at the laundromat.
Laundry
Process involving washing, drying, and often folding clothes.
She does the family's laundry every weekend.
Laundromat
Coin-operated laundry service.
The laundromat was crowded, with every machine in use.
Laundry
The act of washing clothes.
Doing laundry is his least favorite chore.
Laundromat
A business providing paid access to washers and dryers.
He went to the laundromat to wash his bulky bedspreads.
Laundry
The room in a house where clothes are washed.
He installed new shelves in the laundry room.
Laundromat
A launderette.
Laundry
Laundry refers to the washing of clothing and other textiles, and, more broadly, their drying and ironing as well. Laundry has been part of history since humans began to wear clothes, so the methods by which different cultures have dealt with this universal human need are of interest to several branches of scholarship.
Laundromat
A commercial establishment equipped with washing machines and dryers, usually coin-operated and self-service.
Laundry
Soiled or laundered clothes and linens; wash.
Laundromat
A self-service laundry facility with (traditionally) coin-operated (which now may use other per-load payment methods) washing machines, dryers, and sometimes ironing or pressing machines, open to the public for washing clothing and household cloth items.
Laundry
A commercial establishment for laundering clothes or linens.
Laundromat
A self-service laundry (service mark Laundromat) where coin-operated washing machines are available to individual customers
Laundry
A room or area, as in a house, for doing the wash.
Laundry
A laundering; a washing.Can we get some quotes for this sense, and maybe improve its def?
In our family of five, we have to do the laundry every other day.
Laundry
A place or room where laundering is done - including, by extension, other forms of laundering than clothes washing.
Laundry
That which needs to be, is being, or has been laundered.
You've left your dirty laundry all over the house.
Laundry
A penalty flag.
Laundry
A laundering; a washing.
Laundry
A place or room where laundering is done; a laundry room.
Laundry
A business establishment where clothing is laundered for a fee.
Laundry
A collection of items such as articles of clothing or bed linens that need to be laundered, or have just been laundered; as, put the dirty laundry in the basket and take it downstairs; hang the laundry out to dry.
Laundry
Garments or white goods that can be cleaned by laundering
Laundry
Workplace where clothes are washed and ironed
Common Curiosities
How does one use a laundromat?
You typically operate coin-operated machines to wash and dry your clothes by yourself.
Is it cheaper to do laundry at home or at a laundromat?
It usually depends on the volume of laundry and availability of home facilities; small loads may be cheaper at home, but large loads or bulky items might be more economical at a laundromat.
What types of clothes are considered laundry?
Any garments, linens, or textiles that require washing.
How often should one do laundry?
It varies by individual needs and habits, but typically once a week is common.
Can laundry services include dry cleaning?
Yes, some laundry services also offer dry cleaning along with traditional washing and drying.
What is a laundromat used for?
It is used for washing and drying clothes, particularly when home facilities are not available.
What should one not put in a laundromat washer?
Avoid items that are too bulky or delicate for commercial machines, like large comforters or fine lingerie.
How does one find a good laundromat?
Look for reviews, check for cleanliness and machine maintenance, and consider the location's safety and services offered.
Are laundromats safe to use at night?
Safety can vary by location; some are staffed and well-lit, while others might be less secure.
What is the best way to sort laundry?
Sorting by color and fabric type can help prevent damage and color bleeding.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Complex vs. Intricate
Next Comparison
Recommended vs. RecommendAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
