Dirty in Hell’s Kitchen: Locals Air Concerns Over Limited Laundry Options and Rising Costs

Last week, we (and in particular, me) lamented the closure of ASAN laundromat at the corner of 10th Avenue and W51st Street and asked readers to share their experiences in a survey. Over 60 readers responded and there was a recurring theme — limited options for self-service laundromats and rising costs for drop-off services.

Survey results revealed 80% of respondents rely on laundromats to keep their clothes and linens clean. Sadly, the now-closed ASAN Laundromat at 750 10th Ave (bw W51/52nd St) topped the list of laundromats used in the neighborhood, followed by Washland (703 10th Ave) and Clothes Pin (656 10th Ave).

Thankfully there is some good laundromat news to report. Signs were posted at Washland that new machines are coming in July and they are now open from 7am to 9:30pm with the last wash at 8pm.

“For a decade, BKM was my go-to spot until the pandemic forced them to close temporarily and halt their dry cleaning services. I had to switch to a nearby Laundromat, but it’s challenging. When I first arrived in the neighborhood, there were four laundromats within three blocks, but now there might be only one” — Kayla

“It’s really gotten bad in the last year. I’ve lived in the neighborhood for over 10 years and I used to be able to do my laundry on the weekend or mid-morning during the week. Now I have to get there right when it opens if I have any hope of getting a washer without having to wait a long time.  Not sure if it’s because of broken washers not getting fixed or other laundromats in the neighborhood closing or both?” — LK

“Having to schlep my laundry further is such a pain and hopefully we do not lose any more because it’ll make this basic chore even more complicated. Fingers crossed.” — Kyle

“It’s discouraging to have less and less choices and it’s no joke having to lug a heavy laundry bag up and down the streets. Isn’t access to clean clothing, sheets, towels, etc. also an essential need for city dwellers? Many places don’t have individual wash units or a designated room in their building. Nearby access for us IS essential.” — Jenn

With the long waits and closure of self-service options, Hell’s Kitchenites are turning to wash and fold services, both locally and app-based. In the W42ST survey, 37% of respondents indicated they use this type of service for their laundry needs.

“Options are very limited. I struggled to find an option when I moved to NYC, and ended up opting for drop off laundry services. It is very expensive but unfortunately for my work schedule and access to a laundromat, this is what I have to do.” — Anonymous

Locally, recommendations were made for wash and fold at Washland, Clothes Pin, M&M Cleaners and Kim’s Cleaners. Some of the app-based suggestions we received were Rinse and Liox , which have higher prices than going to a local spot.

Not all respondents rely on laundromats — 38% have a laundry room in their building and a lucky 6% have the coveted in-unit washer/dryer. However, those perks did not prevent them from empathizing with those who are dependent on outside laundry options.

“I’m very grateful to have in-building laundry rooms as my joints get older and it’s harder and harder to carry laundry around. I can’t imagine what folks are going to do as laundromats close. Not everyone can afford drop off service and this seems like another sign that the working class is being pushed out of the neighborhood.” — Gregg

“I have very small machines in my building and go to laundromats to wash large items (duvet, pillows, etc) every few months. Not having one nearby is a great disservice because even though I am lucky to have one in my building, I know it’s a necessity for many in the neighborhood. Especially with how expensive drop off can be, and also how risky it is if you have delicate clothing that needs specific drying instructions.” — Marielinha

One respondent even echoed my musing about opening a new laundromat in the neighborhood stating, “I loveeeed Laundromat Cafe and have even considered getting a business loan and taking it over. Was so devastated by this loss. With the increase in families in our neighborhood, and the decrease in laundromats, the laundry doing chore has become super stressful. Not enough machines and too many people in the laundromat. Hoping some new ones open up soon!” — Jamie

If you are truly interested in operating a laundromat, the former Laundromat Cafe on W50th Street is up for lease for $7,995 per month complete with 11 washers, eight dryers, a soap dispenser and beverage fridge. Fingers crossed that someone revives this beloved business to its former glory.

While I have yet to determine what my new laundry situation will be, my neighbor has tested out the wash and fold service at Blanca’s Cleaners at 762 10th Avenue (bw W51/52nd St). He noted that it’s slightly more expensive than ASAN at $1.65/lb, but they accept credit card payments. Unfortunately they close at 7pm so he wasn’t able to pick up his laundry after work.

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