Most folks assume everyone does their own laundry, but that’s far from the truth. Between busy professionals, overworked parents, Airbnb hosts, and small businesses, there’s a whole crowd out there willing to pay someone else to handle their washing. That means you can turn a basic household chore into a solid side hustle.
Some people add laundry services to their cleaning business, while others go all in and make it their main gig. Either way, it’s a simple way to make money if you set it up right.
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Pick Your Service Style
Before jumping in, decide if laundry is going to be your main hustle or just an extra service. A lot of house cleaners offer laundry as part of their gig, but let’s be real—washing, drying, folding, and sorting takes time.
If you’re adding it to a cleaning service, you’ll need to figure out how to charge. Some people include it in their hourly rate, but drying clothes eats up time, which means less money per hour. Charging per load makes life easier—customers know exactly what they’re paying, and you don’t get stuck waiting on a slow dryer.
If you’re planning to do laundry full-time, you’ll need a system that lets you handle a lot of clothes quickly without spending a fortune on supplies.
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Growing Your Laundry Business
If you want to turn this into a real business, think bigger than just washing clothes for individuals. Small businesses like salons, gyms, restaurants, and Airbnb owners need someone reliable to handle their laundry. The trick is being able to wash a high volume of clothes quickly.
To scale up, you’ll need:
- An organized system—keep track of whose laundry is whose with labels or separate bags.
- Fast equipment—a big dryer will save your life.
- A niche service—offering things like same-day washing, eco-friendly detergents, or handling delicate fabrics can help you stand out.
Want to dive deeper into the history of laundry? Check out Wikipedia’s article on the history of laundry.
How Much to Charge
Setting prices is key. You can charge:
- Per load—simple and easy.
- By weight—good for bulk laundry orders.
- Extra for special services—things like stain removal, ironing, or express delivery.
But don’t forget to factor in your own costs:
- Soap and supplies
- Water and electricity
- Wear and tear on your machines
- Gas if you’re offering pickup and delivery
The goal is to make sure you’re covering expenses while keeping your prices attractive to customers.
Make Customers Trust You
People are picky about their clothes, so they need to trust you before handing over their laundry. Be upfront about your process—what detergent you use, how you handle stains, and whether you offer special treatments for delicate items.
Little touches help too. A simple thank-you note, a free sample of fabric softener, or using high-quality laundry bags can make a big impression. Happy customers will keep coming back (and they’ll tell their friends).
Finding Customers
The hardest part of any side hustle is getting clients. Start with:
- Friends and family—word of mouth is gold.
- Social media—post about your service and ask people to share.
- Flyers—old-school, but still works in local areas.
- Laundry service websites—some platforms connect you with customers, but they take a cut of your earnings.
A good strategy is to use those platforms to find customers at first, then transition to your own direct clients so you can keep all the profit.
What You Need to Start
At the very least, you need:
- A reliable washer and dryer
- Detergent, stain remover, and baskets
- A folding board (to make clothes look neat)
- Mesh bags (so socks don’t mysteriously disappear)
If you’re serious about making money, consider investing in a faster dryer. The quicker you can finish each load, the more jobs you can take.
Stay Organized
A good system will keep your business from turning into a chaotic mess. Set specific pickup/drop-off times, label clothes so nothing gets mixed up, and track your payments to make sure you’re not losing money.
Is This Hustle Right for You?
Laundry isn’t glamorous, but people are willing to pay for it. If you’re detail-oriented, organized, and don’t mind handling other people’s dirty socks, this could be a surprisingly profitable side hustle. The key is to offer reliable, high-quality service—because when people find someone who does a great job with their laundry, they’ll stick with them.
