How to use a laundromat

First time at a self-service laundromat? It is easier than it looks. See below the detailed instructions for each step.

Woman loading clothes into a washing machine at a self-service laundromat
Smiling customer carrying a basket of laundry at a laundromat

Step 1: Your Laundromat Card and topping up

All our sites are cashless. To operate the machines use one of our rechargeable cards, we call it a Green Card (Blue Card for Raumati).

You can purchase and top up your Laundromat Card on site, check your balance at the top-up point OR using our Customer Portal

Step 2: Washing

Check the care labels on your items.
Load the washer and close the door. Give your washing room to move, an overloaded machine will not clean or spin properly.
Place your Greencard on the card reader.
Add front-load detergent where indicated.
Do not overload - follow guidelines.
Use arrows to select the wash cycle. (Hot/Warm/Cold/Delicate OR Heavy Duty Hot)Press start.
Remove your GreenCard
Loading white towels into a commercial washing machine
Moving washing into a large commercial dryer

Step 3: Drying

A standard load takes about 25 minutes; towels and blankets take a little longer.
You can open the door to check your laundry at any time, then close it and press start to carry on.

Load the dryer and close the door.
Place your Greencard on the card reader.
Choose your temperature.
Press start.
Remove your GreenCard.
To add extra time place GreenCard back on the reader and press Start again.

Buying extra dryer time

Need a few more minutes?
Before your cycle is complete place your card on the card reader again to press start. It is charged in small increments, so you only pay for what you use.

Tips for the best results

01
Do not overload the machines, give your washing room to move.
02
Front-load detergent only.
03
Check the machine is empty before you load it.
04
Take your washing out promptly when the cycle finishes.
05
Children need to be supervised, and everything is washed and dried at your own risk.

What you can wash

Everyday loads
Work gear & sports kits
Duvets, blankets, sleeping bags
and pet bedding.
Open door of a commercial front-loading washing machine

Ready to go?

Washers and dryers at The Laundry Room Albert Street laundromat, Palmerston North

Find your nearest laundromat

Stacked dryers at The Laundry Room College Street, Palmerston North

Find your nearest laundromat

Rows of dryers and front-loading washers at The Laundry Room Main Street, Palmerston North

Report a machine issue

Frequently asked questions

Do I need coins?

No, every site is cashless. You tap a rechargeable Green Card, which you top up on site or nearby.

A normal front-load dose, or a little less for a small load. Use front-load detergent only, as top-loader detergent makes too many suds.

Most washes run 30 to 45 minutes and a standard dry is about 25 minutes, so you can be in and out in around an hour.

This is at your own risk. We advise that you supervise your cycles.

Yes, open the door to pause it, then close it and press start to keep going.

Yes, our extra-large 28kg washers are built for duvets, blankets, sleeping bags and pillows.

Note the machine number and message us on Facebook Messenger, or use the contact form, and we will sort it out.

No, we are a self-service laundromat for washing and drying only.