

Getting your shoes cleaned isn’t usually at the top of the to-do list but over the hot summer months when you’re always wearing the same pair and even over the rainier season when you accidentally step in those deeper-than-you-thought puddles, this can be a game changer. There’s also another special type of machine available that isn’t so common in other countries but is super handy and easy to use… the sneaker washer and dryer! *Mind blown emoji* 確認 (kakunin) = Confirm Sneaker laundry machine If the machine doesn’t start automatically after inserting the coins or selecting the course, look for a start or confirm button. Not the buttons you’re used to | Photo by Tiana Edmonds However, it’s also very common to leave your washing in the machine, go grab a coffee and then pop back when it’s ready. This can make navigating the machines a bit tricky, especially if you’re hopping from place to place and have to use a new machine each time.Ĭustomers will bring their laundry in baskets or in a bag and read a book to pass the time. However, if you’re traveling outside of the main metros of Tokyo or Osaka, it can be less common to see English translations on the machines and signage. Using coin laundry machines in Japan isn’t so different to using them in other countries. Winning! They can also be ordered online with delivery to Japan and elsewhere. Note that these can be used for washing your hands as well as for laundry and the ingredients are much less harmful than your ordinary laundry detergent. You can get a pack of these from most 100yen stores, such as Daiso, in the ‘Bath’ or ‘Laundry’ sections. Not great for large loads or super dirty items.Suitable for most accommodation choices.You can visit the World's Largest Laundromat in Berwyn or visit their website at. We want to be a laundromat that handles everyone's needs." "We've set a high bar for ourselves, and don't want to let anyone down. "This place is about community," Benson said. He even had an honorary street named after him right next to the laundromat. Benson said most of his staff live less than two miles from the store, and because of the family atmosphere he seeks to create, most stay with the company for more than 10 years.īenson and his family have been an active part of Berwyn, hosting its annual fireworks show and an annual bike raffle for school kids. He always tries to make sure his employees not only look like the community they serve, but are members of the community too, as Berwyn's population is primarily Hispanic. He said he would be nothing without the loyalty of his customers and his dedicated staff. Today, the laundromat offers customers plenty of space to sit, relax, fold clothes or even meet up with friends for a homework session.īenson also committed to serving the community of Berwyn. So, he spent the next few years meeting interior designers, mechanics and architects to completely rebuild and reimagine the World's Largest Laundromat.

Insurance companies told Benson the building was completely gone, but he wasn't ready to give up the business.

A fire broke out in the store and completely destroyed the building. Almost 20 years later, in 1999, Benson bought it and sought to truly put it on the map. The Coin Laundry Association held a national contest to find out which laundromat was the largest. Owned by Tom Benson, the laundromat gained its "world's largest" title back in 1982 under its previous owner. And with it being open and staffed 24 hours a day, you can easily find more than 50 people and staff at any point of the night. You'll never come here and not find a washer and dryer.Ī bird aviary, community raffles for kids, pizza nights, costume contests and a Santa's village are just some of the features you'll find at the World's Largest Laundromat. Doing laundry can be a really boring chore.īut not at the World's Largest Laundromat! Located in Berwyn, Illinois, the huge coin-laundry facility is more than 13,000 square feet and has more than 300 machines. Berwyn, Illinois is home to the World's Largest Laundromat! From a bird aviary to pizza nights, this laundromat has it all.īERWYN, Ill.
