What to Bring to the Laundromat: The Complete Checklist for a Smooth Wash Day
If you’re wondering what to bring to the laundromat, you’re not alone. Whether it’s your first time or you’re just tired of forgetting things, having a solid checklist can make laundry day much easier. At New Hope Coin Laundry in New Hope, MN, we’ve seen it all — and we’re here to help you walk in prepared and walk out with fresh, clean clothes.
Essentials You Should Always Bring
Here’s your go-to list of what to bring to the laundromat:
- Laundry basket or hamper: Something sturdy to carry your clothes in and out.
- Detergent: Liquid or powder. Make sure it’s appropriate for your load type.
- Fabric softener or dryer sheets: Optional, but helpful for freshness and softness.
- Payment method: Our machines are 100% card- and mobile-payment — no quarters needed! Learn more on our Payment Options page.
- Stain remover: Treat spots before they set in.
Nice-to-Haves That Make a Big Difference
- Extra bags: Bring separate bags for clean and dirty clothes if you’re doing multiple loads.
- Disinfectant wipes: Our machines are cleaned regularly, but wipes offer peace of mind.
- A small towel: Useful for quick cleanup or accidental spills.
- Entertainment: Bring a book, earbuds, or something to pass the time while your laundry runs.
- A timer on your phone: Set alerts so you’re never waiting or holding up a machine.
What You Don’t Need
At New Hope Coin Laundry, we want to keep it simple. Here’s what you don’t need to bring:
- Quarters: All our machines use card and mobile payment — no change required.
- Your own machine settings: Our washers are pre-programmed with optimized cycles for best results. See how they work on our first-timer’s guide.
- Detergent pods: These are fine, but make sure they’re compatible with the machine you choose.
Plan Your Visit
We’re open every day from 5am to midnight, so you can do your laundry when it’s most convenient for you. We recommend coming during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening) for faster machine access. Check out our full self-service laundry details to plan ahead.
Local Tip: Save Time With Large-Capacity Washers
Our large-capacity washers help you do fewer loads in less time — especially great for families or heavy laundry days.
Why People Choose New Hope Coin Laundry
- Clean and well-lit facility
- Plenty of modern machines
- Easy card and mobile pay options
- Free on-site parking
View our full laundry services or get directions here.
Extra Tips for a Smooth Laundromat Experience
- Sort your clothes at home: Pre-sorting saves time and keeps things organized when you’re at the laundromat.
- Pre-treat stains before arriving: This gives the solution time to work and speeds up your wash process.
- Check the machines before use: Make sure they’re empty and clean. At New Hope Coin Laundry, we clean regularly, but it’s always good to check.
- Bring a laundry journal or app: Some people track cycles, detergents, and fabric reactions for better laundry results over time.
- Bring hangers or a garment bag: Useful if you’re washing dress clothes or delicate items you want to air-dry or hang up immediately.
These extra touches can help reduce stress and make laundry feel less like a chore — and more like a routine that just works.
Final Thoughts
Now you know what to bring to the laundromat — and what you can leave at home. A little prep goes a long way to making your laundry day smoother, faster, and less stressful. Want to know more about how it works? Read our complete how-to guide.
Want a printable list? Check out this helpful laundry day checklist from Clorox.