PropertyPASSIVE INCOME

Coin Laundry / Laundromat

$200-$500/day from machines running without you. The model business.

Monthly Revenue
$6K–$20K
realistic range
Startup Cost
$100K–$500K
to get started
Hourly Rate
$80–$150
per hour billed
Complexity
3/4
skill required

The Business

Laundromats are classic cashflow businesses with repeat, captive customers. A 20-machine laundromat in a dense urban area can generate $15,000-25,000/month. Key metrics: average turns per machine per day (target 5+), wash price ($2.50-5.00 per cycle), and utility costs (40-50% of revenue). Multi-family housing neighborhoods with small apartments are ideal locations.

How to Start

Buy an existing laundromat rather than building — established locations have proven demand. Look for tired machines that need replacing (you can negotiate lower purchase price, then reinvest in new equipment). Install a WDF (wash-dry-fold) service to add 20-40% revenue without adding equipment.

REAL EXAMPLE

A Korean-American family in Chicago bought a laundromat for $180K, renovated it for $40K, and generates $14K/month net income after debt service.

Equipment Needed

  • Washers and dryers
  • Payment systems
  • Security cameras
  • Water heater and utilities

Licensing

Business license + utility connections

Monthly Search Volume

2,800
people/month search for this business
READY TO START?

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Revenue Calculator

1
$4,500
15 hrs
$200,000
Weekly Revenue
$4.5K
Monthly Revenue
$19.4K
Annual Revenue
$232.2K
Monthly Profit
$11.3K
Break-Even
18 months
Hourly Rate
$300
Monthly costs: $8,000/mo (insurance, fuel, supplies)
CHRIS'S TAKE

Laundromats are boring businesses that reliably throw off cash. The failure rate is under 5% — lower than almost any other retail concept. Modernize the payment systems (credit card readers, app payment) and watch revenue jump 20–30%.

PRO TIP

Wash-and-fold drop-off service adds a 40–60% revenue stream with minimal equipment cost. Busy professionals will pay $1.50/lb for someone to wash, fold, and bag their laundry.

READY TO MAKE IT OFFICIAL?

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ACQUISITION ROUTE

Want to buy a Coin Laundry / Laundromat instead of starting one?

Skip the startup grind. Existing businesses come with customers, cash flow, and proven systems. Use our valuation calculator to see what you'd pay.

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TOOLS TO RUN THIS BUSINESS

Tools we'd use if we were starting this business today. Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission.

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