The Busy Person's Guide to Choosing the Best Laundry Service

With walking the dog, working all day, picking up the kids, and cleaning the house, there’s always a mountain of tasks to keep your household running smoothly. Laundry is no exception.

Did you know the average person spends about 260 minutes per week on laundry? That’s roughly four hours! Breaking it down, laundry prep takes about 30 minutes, washing and drying takes around 170 minutes, and folding and putting away clothing eats up another 60 minutes. That’s a significant chunk of your week! Outsourcing to a laundry service could be the helping hand you need to make your week a little less hectic.

But before you just Google “laundry service near me” and settle for the first one you find, it’s essential to choose wisely. Not all services are created equal, and here’s a beginner’s guide to help you pick the best laundry service provider.

What is the Average Turnaround Time?

When entrusting your favorite clothes to someone else, you want to make sure they’ll be consistent in getting them back to you on time. There’s nothing worse than planning to wear your tailored outfit for a big event, only to find out it won’t be ready until after the fact.

Check for any negative reviews about completion times, and ask if they have a policy for items that are returned late. Consistency is key, and if a business can’t deliver on time, it’s a red flag.

Do You Know Who is Doing Your Laundry?

While it’s nice to think that your laundry service provider will handle your clothes with care, the reality is that some services prioritize speed and quantity over quality. This could mean your individual items don’t get the attention they deserve.

Make sure you know the level of expertise of those handling your laundry and whether they go the extra mile to care for your clothing. Read reviews and get a feel for the team’s commitment to providing consistent, quality care.

Damage/Loss Policy?

Accidents happen, and with so many clothes being processed daily, it’s easy for items to get mixed up or damaged. Before committing to a service, ask about their damage or loss policy.

If you don’t provide detailed cleaning instructions or if your item doesn’t have a tag, you might not be covered if something goes wrong. This is especially crucial for valuable items like wedding dresses or comforters. It’s better to know the policy upfront than to deal with regrets later.

Pickup and Delivery Options?

Spending money instead of time on tasks like laundry and dry cleaning can be a lifesaver, especially if you have a packed schedule. Even if you don’t need pickup and delivery services now, you might in the future.

Ensure the company you’re considering offers reliable delivery services. Look for reviews specifically about their delivery reliability, and ask questions like: “What times are you available for pickup and delivery?” “What’s your protocol for delivery?” “Is there a limit on how much you can pick up?” and “Are there any extra fees?”

How is the Laundry Treated and Packaged for Delivery?

If you’re paying for a laundry service, you definitely don’t want your clothes returned in a wrinkled mess. Many cheap and quick services focus solely on speed and cost, often neglecting the quality of care.

Choose a service that provides extra attention to your clothing, particularly for special items like wedding dresses. If the service doesn’t have a clear protocol for how laundry is treated during pickup, at their facility, and during delivery, it might be time to look elsewhere.

Detergents and Special Needs?

You’re probably mindful of the chemicals you use at home, but what about the ones used by your laundry service? This is particularly important if you have children, family members with allergies, or sensitive skin.

When selecting a service, ask about the detergents and chemicals they use, and check with your doctor or dermatologist to ensure they’re safe for your household.

Finding a good laundry delivery service can save you time and stress, but only if you choose wisely. Follow this guide the next time you search “dry cleaners near me” to avoid getting bamboozled by a less-than-reputable provider.