Are Laundromats Sanitary?

If you’ve ever stood in front of a laundromat washer wondering who used it before you—and what exactly they were washing—you’re not alone.I recently had to use a laundromat for the first time in years, and it hit me: it’s kind of wild that dozens of strangers wash their clothes in the same machines, one after another. You just cross your fingers and hope for the best.

But it got me thinking—are laundromats really sanitary? I mean, how clean are the machines that are supposed to keep your clothes clean?

As someone who works closely with building managers and cleaning professionals, I couldn’t help but dig a little deeper.

So, What Are the Sanitation Risks in Laundromats?

Laundromats are generally safe for everyday laundry—but they’re not sterile environments. And when cleaning protocols fall short, these high-traffic spaces can become breeding grounds for bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

The Risk: Cross-Contamination

According to the CDC, the biggest hygiene issue in laundromats isn’t the machines themselves—it’s the surfaces surrounding them. Think: folding tables, door handles, payment kiosks, detergent lids, and dryer knobs. These high-touch areas can harbor:

• E. coli from soiled clothing

• Athlete’s foot and fungal spores from socks and towels

• Staph bacteria from gym gear and bedding

• Norovirus from contaminated laundry loads

  
  

Poorly maintained laundromats can also become host to pests like cockroaches or rodents, especially if spills or lint buildup aren’t regularly addressed.

EPA Insight: Washer & Dryer Effectiveness

The EPA doesn’t regulate laundromats directly but emphasizes that proper water temperature and detergent use are critical to pathogen removal.

• Washing clothes at 140°F or higher (hot water cycles) kills most viruses and bacteria.

• High heat drying (above 135°F) for at least 30 minutes adds another layer of disinfection.

  
  

But here’s the catch: not all machines are well-maintained enough to reliably reach those temperatures, especially older or overloaded models.

What the CDC Recommends

In healthcare environments, the CDC provides strict laundry protocols, but public laundromats follow general guidance:

• Avoid touching your face after handling soiled laundry.

• Disinfect folding tables before use.

• Wash hands or use sanitizer immediately after loading/unloading machines.

• Use hot water and high heat drying when possible.

• Don’t overload machines, as this can reduce agitation and water exposure.

  
  

Bonus tip: Want extra protection? Add a cup of white vinegar to your rinse cycle—it can help break down germs and odors without harming fabrics.

What to Watch for in a Clean Laundromat

Want to know if your laundromat is doing its part? Look for these signs:

• A posted cleaning schedule for machines and surfaces

• Accessible hand sanitizer stations

• Trash bins that aren’t overflowing

• Clean lint traps and visible dryer filters

• No visible spills, stains, or odors

  
  

If you see unattended spills, mold on machine gaskets, or full trash bins—it may be time to find a new location.

Do Washing Machines Kill Germs?

The answer: yes—if used correctly.

Washing machines, especially commercial-grade models, can effectively reduce or eliminate many pathogens if hot water, detergent, and agitation are sufficient. However, cold water cycles and overstuffed drums won’t cut it. And while dryers do add a level of heat sanitization, that only helps if the laundry is dried thoroughly on high heat.

Also: not all germs die in the washer. Fungi like athlete’s foot and bacteria like MRSA may still cling to moist clothing or inner drum walls if machines aren’t regularly cleaned.

Staying Safe While Doing Laundry in a Public Facility

Here’s how to stay clean in a space shared by dozens of strangers:

• Bring disinfectant wipes and wipe down machines and folding areas. I mean, honestly at this point I take disinfectant wipes with me to any public place.

• Keep laundry separate in sealed bags—don’t mix dirty with clean.

• Wash hands after handling dirty laundry or touching surfaces.

• Choose off-peak hours to avoid crowds.

• Use hot water and high heat drying when possible.

  
  

Final Thoughts: Are Laundromats Sanitary?

If managed well, most laundromats pose minimal risk. But the keyword here is “if.” In New England, where many public laundry facilities are older or understaffed, basic hygiene isn’t always guaranteed. Clean laundry starts with clean machines—and that’s where professional oversight makes a difference.

Schedule a Free Cleaning Walkthrough

If you operate a laundromat or manage a facility with shared laundry services, we’d be happy to assess your cleaning protocols, surfaces, and layout.

Schedule a Free Walkthrough or Email: cstanza@jan-ex.com

Call: (617) 294-9815

Works Cited

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). Laundry in Public Settings.

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2023). Germ Removal Through Cleaning and Laundry.

• Good Housekeeping Institute. (2022). How to Disinfect Your Washing Machine.

• American Cleaning Institute. (2023). Laundry Hygiene Facts.