- sales@cleanfoldlaundry.com
- 3437 15th Ave S. St. Petersburg, FL 33711
- +1 (321)-222-7176
Not all laundry facilities are created equal—some sparkle with hygiene, others cut corners. Learn what to watch for and why CleanFold Laundry sets a new standard for cleanliness and peace of mind.
Mostly yes, when the service provider actually cleans machines and surfaces, keeps hot water on, and you handle your load smartly. Problems show up when no one wipes drums or carts, water runs lukewarm, or messy loads (pet bedding, sickness accidents) go in right before yours.
Post-COVID, people are more aware than ever about hygiene, germs, and how shared spaces can impact our health. When it comes to public laundromats, that awareness is especially important.
So when it comes to picking a right laundromat, here’s your gut check: Does the hot water actually feel hot? Is there a clean, fresh scent instead of mustiness? Are staff actively cleaning surfaces and using separate carts for dirty versus clean items? If you’re seeing lukewarm water, funky odors, grimy surfaces, absent staff, or pet hair everywhere, it’s time to find somewhere else.
We sanitize our machines daily, monitor cleanliness every hour, and train staff to prioritize hygiene. Say goodbye to guessing games—your clothes deserve better.
It entirely depends on the laundromat. Some are extremely clean and follow strict hygiene protocols. Others, unfortunately, fall short.
Many people assume that laundromats are teeming with germs, but this is only partially true.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most bacteria and viruses do not survive the high heat used in washers and dryers. A standard hot water wash (above 140°F) combined with high-heat drying is enough to kill most pathogens, including influenza viruses and some bacteria.
That said, the risk isn’t zero.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that certain bacteria like E. coli and staphylococcus aureus can live on hard surfaces—including washer and dryer handles, soap trays, and folding tables—especially if those surfaces aren’t cleaned frequently.
The high heat in commercial dryers can serve as an excellent disinfectant. So if you’re worried about germs from the wash cycle, know that a hot dry is your second line of defense.
Do Laundromats Disinfect Machines Between Uses? (Reality Check)
Short answer: most don’t clean between every single customer—and they aren’t legally required to in many places.
There are no federal mandates in the U.S. that force laundromats to sanitize machines between uses. However, some states or cities do have health regulations for laundry facilities, particularly if they operate in hospitals, hotels, or commercial settings.
For public laundromats, cleanliness policies vary. In general:
The Risks
Machines that aren’t cleaned regularly can harbor fungi, bacteria, and viruses. Damp environments—especially around rubber gaskets and detergent compartments—can encourage mold growth. And if laundry is left sitting too long, it creates another breeding ground for bacteria.
That’s why at CleanFold Laundry, we:
You shouldn’t have to second-guess if a washer is clean before using it.
Let’s be honest—no one wants to bring home more than clean clothes. So how real is the risk?
In very rare cases, unclean laundromats could potentially transmit:
But these are exceptions, not the norm.
According to Mayo Clinic, MRSA isn’t typically spread through washed clothing—unless clothes are washed in cold water and left damp. High heat, detergent, and thorough drying kill most harmful microbes.
No, MRSA doesn’t jump out of machines. And no, your dryer isn’t giving you the flu. These fears often come from misinformation. If you follow basic hygiene (like drying clothes fully and washing hands), the risk of disease from laundromats is very low.
CDC recommendations focus on general laundry hygiene principles. It provides clear guidance on effective laundry sanitization that directly applies to laundromat use:
The CDC recommends hot water washing at a minimum temperature of 160°F (71°C) for at least 25 minutes to effectively destroy microorganisms. This is particularly important for items that may be contaminated.
The CDC states that hot water (158-176°F) and approved laundry detergent are generally sufficient for most washing needs, with disinfectants typically not needed when soiling is at low levels.
When additional sanitization is needed, chlorine bleach provides an extra margin of safety, with a total available chlorine residual of 50-150ppm usually recommended.
The CDC emphasizes washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, particularly after handling dirty laundry. If soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
When dealing with potentially contaminated laundry, the CDC recommends wearing gloves while handling dirty items and washing hands immediately after removing gloves.
For surfaces in laundromats, the CDC distinguishes between cleaning (which removes most germs) and sanitizing (which reduces germs to safe levels). They recommend cleaning surfaces before sanitizing them.
The real challenge isn’t the washing process itself—it’s ensuring the facility maintains clean high-touch surfaces and that you practice good personal hygiene while there.
If you want peace of mind, choose your laundromat wisely. Here’s how.
✔ Staff actively cleaning while you’re there—not just mopping floors, but wiping down machines
✔ No buildup in soap dispensers, seals, or compartments
✔ Clean, dry floors—a wet or sticky floor signals poor upkeep
✔ No foul odors—a good laundromat smells fresh or neutral
✔ Trash bins not overflowing and regularly emptied
✔ Wipes or sanitizers provided for customer use
✔ Visible cleaning schedules posted on walls or near entrances
✔ Machines look and feel clean, not sticky or damp
At CleanFold Laundry, we go the extra mile so you never have to second-guess.
Public laundromats can be perfectly sanitary—but it’s all about choosing the right one. With the right hygiene practices, washing your clothes outside your home can be just as safe (or even safer) than doing it at home.
So the next time you ask yourself, “Are laundromats sanitary?”—remember: it depends on where you go.
And if you’re looking for a clean, affordable, and reliable laundry service, CleanFold is here to help.
Clean clothes. Clean machines. Clean conscience.
CleanFold Laundry is your trusted Family Owned & Operated laundry service! Proudly serving families and businesses across two local communities in St. Petersburg, Palm Bay/Melbourne and surrounding areas.
© Copyright 2025 by
Website Design & SEO by RankUS Agency – Helping local businesses grow online.
