Is Time Money? When It Comes to Coin-Op Washers, Yes!
Let’s be real: the coin operated washing machine is basically the vending machine’s hardworking cousin. You slide in those quarters (or bills if you’re fancy), turn a knob, and *cue dramatic pause* wait. But how long exactly? Spoiler alert: the answer isn’t “until your patience runs out.”
Typical Cycle Times: What to Expect
A coin operated washing machine usually takes between 25 and 45 minutes per wash cycle. Here’s the lowdown on what that looks like:
- Quick Wash: Around 25 minutes. Ideal if you have just a couple of shirts and a hint of laundry urgency.[1]
- Standard Wash: Roughly 30 to 35 minutes. Your everyday go-to for regular-sized loads[2] [4].
- Heavy-Duty Wash: Up to 45 minutes. For those mountain-sized piles or heavily soiled gear that demand extra elbow grease[1].
Why the Variation?
Different cycles are tailored by time, water temperature, and agitation intensity. Plus, coin machines often boast commercial-grade efficiency, finishing loads quicker than your home washer, which can take well over an hour[9] [10].
What About Drying? The Waiting Game Continues
If your laundry life doesn’t end at the spin cycle, drying will add another 30 to 45 minutes per load[4]. So, a full wash and dry trip to the laundromat will generally set you back about 1 to 1.25 hours.
Maximize Your Laundromat Efficiency: A Few Pro Tips
- Bring enough quarters or the right coin combo if your machine has coin settings that accept multiple coins[3].
- Pre-sort your clothes at home to avoid delays once you’re at the laundromat.
- Consider a quick wash for lightly soiled clothes to save time and coins.
- Check if your coin washer model lets you customize your wash cycles for time or water temperature—sometimes this matters[7].
Want to Get Smarter About Your Washing Machine?
If the coin box is a foreign concept and you’re all about the comforts of home washing, check out how an automatic washing machine works. Curious about hot water in your washer? We’ve got that covered too right here.
When things go sideways (because laundry is life), you might want to know how to repair your washing machine or fix common annoyances like overflowing issues.
Upgrade Your Laundry Game with Recommended Machines
Thinking of investing in your own efficient coin operated washing machine? Check out these affiliate picks:
Laundry is science, art, and sometimes pure patience. Ready to dive deeper? Don’t forget to explore how to put liquid detergent in your washer and the not-so-glamorous but crucial step of cleaning out your washing machine.