Everything you need to know about Parisian laundries

Everything you need to know about Parisian laundries

Today I will tell you everything you need to know about Parisian laundries. While in Paris, you might need to wash some clothes. Sometimes, the hotels can take care of it but they usually charge an extra fee for this service. If you’re staying in an apartment, they sometimes are so small, they do not have room for a washing machine. Not everyone can afford having a washing machine, so it is quite common for the Parisians to wash their clothes in a laundry.

Thanks to this article, you will be provided everything you need to know about Parisian laundries. I will try to give an answer to all the most obvious and basic doubts. Of course, don’t hesitate to ask me some questions in the comments, in case I forget relevant informations about Parisian laundries! Read on and find out everything you need to know about Parisian laundries!

What is a laverie?

Parisian laundries are called “laveries” in France. What is a laverie? It’s a place where people come, wash and dry their clothes. The prices for washing your clothes depend on the weight of your clothes and on the machine you choose to use. If you have to wash a lot of clothes, you will need a bigger machine, so you will have to pay more. If you’re only bringing around four kilos of clothes, the regular machine will do just fine and you will pay less.

Another things you need to know is that there’s a difference between a laverie and a pressing. At a pressing, someone will do all the work for you and you will only need to go back get your clothes and they’re ready, while in a laverie, you’re on your own.

How does it work?

Parisian laundries, or as we call it, laveries, are actually pretty simple to use. You come with your clothes and choose the machine you wish to use. While in the United States, you put your coins in the slot that is in the machine itself. In Paris, you will find a central coin box where you need to enter the number that corresponds to the machine you want to use and insert your coins.

Repeat the same procedure for drying your clothes after the washing cycle.

Should I bring my own detergent and fabric softener?

There usually are detergent and fabric softener available for you to buy. I can’t tell you how much they cost at Parisian laundries, because there are no fixed-price, each laverie establishes its own price. Sometimes, the prices vary from one neighborhood to another.

I would recommend you to bring your own detergent and fabric softener, because I believe it is more economic; plus, you get the advantage to choose your own products, so your clothes will be scented to your taste!

When is the best time to go to the laverie?

Most Parisians wait til the end of the week to do their laundry, so if you want to avoid having to wait for available machines, the best you can do is to come during the week, at midday for instance, when everyone is at work!

Should I wait for my clothes to wash and dry?

Washing your clothes at a Parisian laundry will last between forty to fifty minutes. Then you can count about twenty minutes to dry them. You can read a book, watch a serie in your tablet, answer to your emails, chat with some friends on social networks, while you wait for your clothes. You can also have a walk while your clothes wash or dry.

I wouldn’t advise to leave your clothes unattended, because in Parisian laundries, there is no staff available, you’re on your own, it’s only you and the machines. If when your wash cycle ends you’re not present to take your clean clothes, someone needs to use the machine, they will not hesitate to take your clothes out and put them on the ground or on top of the machine.

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this article and that it has been useful to you! I’ve now shared with you everything you need to know about Parisian laundries. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need further information about anything. Also, feel free to share tips of your own, so we can grow as a community. See you soon in Paris!