Fellow fabric fanatics,
welcome to
INTO
the
FOLD
20
25
Ever wondered what America's laundry habits really look like? We've tumbled through data from millions of cycles across America's laundromats and service providers. In the world of laundry, the numbers tell a fascinating story of an industry that touches everyone—yet remains largely unseen. Until now.
On behalf of our nationwide network of partners, it's our pleasure to present this five-part spin cycle of how America keeps it clean. Scroll to explore the data behind America's cleanest industry.
*Into the Fold 2025 represents our most comprehensive data collection effort to date. We've combined anonymized operational data from thousands of Cents-powered locations that have opted in with industry insights and market research to create a unique picture of America's laundry habits.
The Big Picture
In 2024, you didn't just do a little laundry.
52,392
TONS OF LAUNDRY PROCESSED DAILY*
In case you're having trouble visualizing it, that's about...
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![Abstract design with blue wavy lines]()
50,000+ DETERGENT BOTTLES
Used every single day, enough to fill an Olympic swimming pool twice a month.*
Laundromat operators can lead the way by adopting concentrated liquid detergents with less packaging, implementing refillable detergent systems, choosing biodegradable or plant-based alternatives, and partnering with brands committed to robust recycling or plastic-neutral programs.
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![Blue silhouette of the United States map filled with dollar bill icons.]()
$5 BILLION
The U.S. laundry market is valued at approximately $5 billion—larger than the GDP of countries like Liberia, which has an annual GDP of just over $4 billion.*
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![Blue stopwatch icon with instagram logos in the background]()
73 LOADS
Started every second across America—by the time you finish reading this section, Americans will have started over 10,000 loads*
The laundromat industry keeps America spinning—and we're not just talking about the dryers. Discover how Cents' customers reshaped the industry last year.
The Dirt on Data
Coast to coast, laundry practices vary—each state has its own signature spin.
STATE-BY-STATE WASH & FOLD STATS
When it comes to showing appreciation for clean clothes, some states are more generous than others.
Tip Top Service
19.6%
Of Cents customer orders include a tip—because clean underwear is priceless!*
14.3%
Average full-service tip percentage—tipping: cheaper than buying new socks every week!*
Top Tipping States
The faster the spin, the bigger the win—states with the quickest service times see higher tips. Turns out wallet generosity is directly proportional to how quickly you can make the laundry mountain disappear.
Wondering where business is really heating up? The Western region of the United States has become a hot spot for laundry facilities and dry cleaning services, with this region anticipated to grow at a rate of 6.2% in the next ten years.*
The Inside Fold
For Cents Customers: The battle between drop-off and pickup & delivery reveals America's laundry personality split.
Pick-up &
Delivery
Drop-
Off
THE RHYTHM OF THE RINSE
Every day has its laundry personality
THE BUSIEST SELF-SERVE DAY*
The classic laundry day lives on because Monday deserves clean underwear
SUN
THE BUSIEST DAY FOR PICKUP & DELIVERY ORDER PLACED & PICK-UP DAY*
Skip the laundry, crush the workweek
MON
THE BUSIEST DAY FOR IN-STORE DROP-OFF FOR WDF*
The day that separates those who work for their weekend from those who make their weekend work for them
SAT
Operating hours reality: Only about 18% of laundromats operate 24 hours a day—the rest believe lint traps deserve a good night's sleep.*
Clean Money
Gone are the days of quarter hoarding and pockets weighed down with coins. Modern laundry means modern payments.
THE DIGITAL
RINSE CYCLE
The average full-service order value varies by payment type
58%
of Cents payments use credit cards*—no quarters required
Digital payments = higher order values
Because if you can't see the money leaving your wallet, did it even happen?
THE GENERATIONAL DIVIDE
Clean clothes, clear generational lines. Your laundry routine speaks volumes about which side of history's spin cycle you're on.
BOOMERS
60%
prefer reusing
lightly-worn clothes instead of washing again*—saving the planet one unwashed hoodie at a time
MILLENNIALS
19%
learned laundry skills from
social media tips and tutorials*—if it's not on TikTok, did anyone ever really learn it?
GEN Z
Revenue Optimization Opportunity
Commercial laundry services have laundromat owners folding their way to fiscal bliss! With 65.1% of owners already pressing their advantage and 42.9% seeing their profits fluff up nicely last year.*
The Spin Doctors
Peak Efficiency
BUSIEST HOURS
The morning go-getters
The "I've already had coffee and I'm unstoppable" crowd
The after-work rush
Because nothing says "productive evening" like clean socks
PRICING BY THE POUND
WHAT'S THE GOING RATE FOR SELF SERVICE?
WASHER WARRIORS
Because size definitely matters when it comes to laundry day
Median cycle cost by state: *
DRYER DYNAMICS
Where patience goes to die and wrinkles fear to tread
CLA Data*
| Dryer | Average Drying Time per Quarter |
|---|---|
| 30 lb | 6.2 |
| 45 lb | 4.9 |
| 50 lb | 4 |
| 75 lb | 3.3 |
| *Those Answering (fill-in average # of minutes for $0.25) | |
While the US fabric softener market is projected to grow at 4.45% in 2025, consumer preferences are rapidly shifting—traditional formulations are giving way to plant-based alternatives as Americans increasingly want both soft clothes and a gentler environmental footprint.*
Looking Ahead
68.6%
Of Operators
Have already raised or plan to raise washer prices in 2025*,
showing confidence in the industries inelasticity to absorb increases. Meanwhile, utilities costs have decreased as a percentage of revenue (18.2% versus 21.6% last year), suggesting improved operational efficiency.
THE ECONOMICS OF CLEAN
60%
Of Laundromat Operators
Now offer drop-off services, part of a broader trend that includes commercial laundry (65.1%) and vending (39.5% reporting growth).*. Proving that service variety directly correlates with higher profitability.
THE LAUNDRY SUCCESS FORMULA
56%
Of Laundromats
Quarters remain the primary payment method in 56% of laundromats, with 89% still accepting coins alongside modern alternatives.* However, the quarter's reign is weakening as card and digital payments gain ground.
TECH TRANSITION
ABOUT CENTS
Cents is a leading business management platform that helps laundry business operators grow, manage, and understand their business. With easy-to-use tools for point-of-sale, on-machine payments, revenue tracking, and delivery services, Cents provides an all-in-one solution for managing the complexities of a laundry business.
Designed with the unique needs of laundromats, dry cleaners, and multi-family/residential businesses in mind, Cents is the premier solution for entrepreneurs in the garment care industry. At the heart of Cents is a commitment to the industry's success, continually driving laundry businesses forward through ever-improving product solutions and strong community support.
Through specialized tech, data insights, and targeted marketing, we empower laundry owners and operators to better serve digitally-minded customers and build successful local businesses across the United States and Canada.
