Washing machines have impeccable timing. A while ago, my washing machine left me in my pyjamas, holding a cuppa, and staring at a flood of water as I began my day.
Then my drying machine also decided it was time for an early retirement. With a mountain of dirty clothes rapidly reaching Everest proportions, I realised it was time to check out a laundry shop.
Now, if you’ve ever experienced the pleasure of dragging a week’s worth of clothes around London, you’ll know that finding a reliable, efficient, and (crucially) affordable launderette is important.
So, after countless recommendations and a few dodgy experiences, I’ve compiled a list of the top laundry shops in London. Here are my top picks that make it easier to address the never-ending laundry pile.
How much does it cost to do laundry at a laundry shop in London?
To wash laundry yourself, expect to spend at least £5 for 6 kg. To use a dryer, expect to spend at least £1 for every 6 minutes.These prices are just estimates and will vary depending on the laundry shop and whether it’s do-it-yourself or if someone else is washing for you.
How I chose
Customer reviews: I waded through an ocean of online reviews and listened to different testimonials from regulars I met at the shortlisted laundry shops.
Quality of service: I put my own stained garments to the test. Whether it was wine, grease, or lasagne, I made sure each shop could tackle the mess with finesse.
Speed and convenience: No one wants to wait a fortnight for their clothes to be cleaned. So if it wasn’t do-it-yourself, I prioritised shops that offered swift, reliable service, ideally with same-day or next-day turnaround.
Cost: I scrutinised their pricing because, let’s face it, no one wants to pay a king’s ransom just to wear a clean shirt. I made sure the shops I chose offered great value for money.
1. Central Wash Launderette
Address: 92 Crawford St, London W1H 2HE, United Kingdom
Contact details: +442075637045
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 8 AM to 7 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM
Many of the regulars I’ve talked to were pleased with the efficiency of the machines. True enough, when I brought a load of washing here, I didn’t have to wait long to use a machine!
There were no leftover soap suds or stains from other people’s clothes either. My wash load was roughly a few pounds (it was a small load) and took a little over an hour to get it all done.
They do have dry cleaning and wash-and-fold services, which other customers told me were pretty good. The people at the shop also said they can have everything done and ready for pick up within 2 hours.
But this place can get really busy, especially on weekends. Nearly everyone I spoke to mentioned how it can be a bit of a struggle to find a free machine then. Parking is another sticking point.
My advice? Use them – but try to schedule your visit on weekdays!
Pros
- Efficient machines
- Fast wash and fold service
- Reasonable prices
Cons
- Crowded
- Limited parking
Customer reviews
Genuinely can’t believe how clean the place is, not a speck of lint anywhere!
“Unbelievably clean premises and an attentive staff member on hand to answer any questions. The machines were in good working order (only 1 washing machine out of order). Plenty of machines, change machine and although I didn’t need to use it, I believe there is a detergent/fabric softener dispenser as well. A little pricey at £6 a wash, and I needed a £5 dryer session, but hey it’s London and I believe that’s pretty much the standard prices for most places now. Genuinely can’t believe how clean the place is, not a speck of lint anywhere! I’d definitely use this laundrette again if in the area.”
Vicky Clark, Google Reviews
The machines cleaned really well with no issues
Very clean (spotless) and convenient launderette. The machines cleaned really well with no issues. I did the self serve wash as doesn’t take long. A wash cycle is £5 for a small machine (still fits a lot) and lasts just over half an hour, £1 for a cup of soap if needed, £1 for softener, and dryer is £1 for ten minutes. My small wash was totally dry in 20 minutes. I was done in an hour and cost £8 in total for a ‘small’ load. Nice coffee shop opposite on the corner to go use restroom and get a snack while waiting.
Sam Kelleher, Google Reviews
2. SUDS Launderette and Dry Cleaning Ltd
Address: 310 Earl’s Court Road, London SW5 9BA, United Kingdom
Contact details: +447443399664
Operating hours:
- Monday & Tuesday, Thursday to Saturday – 8 AM to 10 PM
- Wednesday – 8 AM to 8 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM
SUDS Launderette and Dry Cleaning Ltd is top-notch when it comes to location—right near the underground station and a bunch of shops. I chatted with a few regulars, and they all agreed it’s super-convenient.
The dry cleaning service? Absolute lifesaver. Some were chuffed that SUDS managed to rescue their favourite clothes from nasty stains. Quite a few also mentioned the speedy service and quality.
The staff also have a reputation for their friendliness. I observed that they take time to walk first-timers through the self-wash process. As for me, I ended up waiting for a bit to snag a free one, which was a tad annoying, but I did go at night when it was busy.
Also, this place wasn’t exactly spotless. There was a bit of detergent residue here and there, and the folding tables needed a good scrubbing. And, occasionally, from what I’ve heard, sometimes machines go out of order, which can be a little inconvenient.
Pros
- Convenient location
- Excellent dry cleaning
- Friendly staff
Cons
- Can get busy
- Not always perfectly clean
- Occasional machine breakdowns
Customer Reviews
Reliable and affordable, but their staff is also incredibly friendly and accommodating
“I cannot recommend Suds Dry Cleaners enough! They have truly been the best dry cleaners I have ever used. Over the past two years, I have relied on their services for my personal training studio, and they have consistently exceeded my expectations. Not only are they reliable and affordable, but their staff is also incredibly friendly and accommodating. No matter what I need, they always say yes and go above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction. If you’re looking for a dry cleaner that delivers top-notch service, I urge you to get in touch with Suds Dry Cleaners right away. You won’t be disappointed.”
Info Lit London, Google Reviews,
I can see why these guys get 5-star ratings
“Fawad and his team are incredible! I can see why these guys get 5-star ratings. We arrived at our hotel on a Saturday afternoon with a week of laundry to be done. There were no facilities at the hotel and no time to send things out in time for us to leave Monday morning. I chose SUDS based on their ratings and location. They were within walking distance, and we arrived shortly after 6:00. To our surprise they accepted contactless cards. They also loaded everything for us into both the washer and dryer. We were done and on our way by 7:20.
We couldn’t be more pleased!”
Mark W Casey, Google Reviews
3. True Colours Launderette
Address: 13 Regency Pl, London SW1P 2EB, United Kingdom
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 8 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – 7:30 AM to 8 PM
True Colours Launderette is the go-to when the laundry pile starts piling up for many in the local area.
The staff usually greets you with a smile, and they’re always ready to lend a hand if you’re confused about which machine to use. Some people, though, have had rude encounters with the staff, but not everyone.
Despite this, the machines are quite spick-and-span. No random socks or lint are left behind. I mean, I’ve popped my laundry in, and it’s back out all fresh and crisp in no time.
Many of the regulars here also mentioned that the wash and fold service here is quick and convenient. Others pointed out that their dry cleaning is impeccable and that if you have suits, they’ll never look sharper.
Pros
- Clean machines
- Fast wash/fold
- Great dry cleaning
Cons
- The staff can be rude sometimes
Customer Reviews
A must-visit if you are in the area and need to refresh your garments
“This laundrette is as legendary as the Regency Cafe a few yards down the road. This place is quite litterely the cornerstone of the community. Great machines great staff and some amazing chats with the locals. A must visit if you are in the area and need to refresh your garments of clothing and duvets.”
Nathaniel Peart Google Review
They will do your laundry for you for an up charge
“Found this place while searching Google for a self serve laundromat and we were not disappointed! The closest tube station is St. James’s Park, and the laundromat is a 5 to 7 minutes walk. Claudia is very friendly and helpful and will give you coins to operate the machines. We did one large and one small load of wash and used one dryer for 20 pounds total and it took about 90 minutes. There are pubs, stores, and eateries in the surrounding area. They also have service and will do your laundry for you for an up charge. Go visit Claudia and do your laundry!”
Patty Ellis Google Review
4. Lily’s Laundrette
Address: 229 Lavender Hill, London SW11 1JR, United Kingdom
Contact details: +442079786682
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 6 PM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 6 PM
Website: Lily’s Laundrette
Lily’s Laundrette has everything from tailoring and alterations to clothing repair and dry cleaning. Some people told me Lily’s Laundrette does an amazing job of altering suits to fit like a glove.
It’s not just the tailoring that gets the thumbs up. Their eco-friendly repair options also got a nod of approval from many.
However, a few have had some grumbles about the coin laundry area. Some have told me the machines can be a pain sometimes as they’re not always in working order.
But when I did a load of laundry here, I thought the prices were reasonable and the machines were clean.
Pros
- Great tailoring & alterations
- Eco-friendly repair options
- Reasonable laundry prices
Cons
- Coin-laundry machines are sometimes down
Customer Reviews
Would recommend their duvet cleaning service
“Great fast reliable service, I had my feather-down duvet dry cleaned here (which I do every 6 months due to dust allergies), the duvet came back in immaculate condition at the time promised (3 days later) and for a very reasonable £28. Would recommend their duvet cleaning service.”
Jake Hyslop, Google Reviews
Fantastic place to get alterations
“Lily’s Laundrettes is a fantastic place to get alterations – they worked absolute magic on a dress that I wanted shortened but was quite complex. Turnaround was very quick for what I wanted, and their attitude in there is so positive. Lovely place, have came back a few times.”
ED, Google Reviews
5. The Belgravia Laundry
Address: 30 Cadogan Pl, London SW1X 9RX, United Kingdom
Contact details: +442074983714
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 6 AM to 7 PM
- Sunday – 7 AM to 5 PM
Website: The Belgravia Laundry
The Belgravia Laundry is the spot for luxury laundry and dry cleaning for many who live in Belgravia, Chelsea, Kensington, and Notting Hill—you know, all the posh spots.
Everyone I talked to couldn’t stop bragging about their exceptional collection and delivery service. They work around your schedule, picking up and dropping off your clothes whenever it suits you.
Sure, a couple of people muttered about late deliveries, but even they admitted it was a one-off.
And if you need your bed linen, table linen, or shirts to look crisp, The Belgravia Laundry is your go-to. I chucked in a load of my bed linen, and I must say, it came back feeling like it belonged in Buckingham Palace.
Their specialist dry cleaning is pretty top-of-the-line too, from what I’ve been told.
Pros
- Convenient collection and delivery service
- Top-notch cleaning for bed linen and shirts
- Specializes in high-quality dry cleaning
Cons
- Occasional late deliveries
Customer Reviews
I have no hesitation in recommending their brilliant services
“Great, reliable service. Belgravia Laundry do my bed linen and dry cleaning every week and I have no hesitation in recommending their brilliant services. Thank you very much.”
Lorna Lopes Google Review
Friendly staff and super-efficient
“I received a fantastic service from Belgravia laundry, friendly staff and super efficient customer service would definitely Recommend”
Stella Robinson Google Review
