Coin Operated Laundry...

[Megapixel]

I haven't used Coin Operated Laundry since college... 1993 to be exact. What does it cost to wash and dry a load?
thanks in advance.

[RayBan]

Along the way, I've paid anywhere from $1.50 to $2.50 a load to wash - quarters only of course, and sometimes no dollar bill changer onsite (but usually). Drying costs vary a LOT depending on the heat/time the dryer spins (a $1 or more seemed to be common). Laundry detergent varies but is usually at least $1, sometimes more (again, in quarters). At some of the motels I found that the laundry detergent was only available through the front desk and not cheaply.

[Don H]

How about the ones you have to buy a prepaid card to use? Ran into that in Rutland, VT.

[SCRUB HIKER]

Along the way, I've paid anywhere from $1.50 to $2.50 a load to wash - quarters only of course, and sometimes no dollar bill changer onsite (but usually). Drying costs vary a LOT depending on the heat/time the dryer spins (a $1 or more seemed to be common). Laundry detergent varies but is usually at least $1, sometimes more (again, in quarters). At some of the motels I found that the laundry detergent was only available through the front desk and not cheaply.

+1 to that. Another consideration is that on a thru-hike you might be splitting your laundry loads with other people a lot of the time. Sometimes like four people. Even if four hikers put all their dirty clothes in the wash, that still might not be a full load. If your budget is really tight, it's easy to save money that way.

[Lone Wolf]

I haven't used Coin Operated Laundry since college... 1993 to be exact. What does it cost to wash and dry a load?
thanks in advance.

$2 for wash and 25cents for 7 min of dry time here in damascus

[Blissful]

How about the ones you have to buy a prepaid card to use? Ran into that in Rutland, VT.

Wow that would be a first for me. Surprised you don't put your debit card into them these days

[Mike2012]

Wow that would be a first for me. Surprised you don't put your debit card into them these days

You can use your credit or debit card to get the prepaid card. I hiked my laundry a very long route to the local laundromat last weekend.

[Don H]

Yea, you use you credit/debit card or cash to buy a prepaid laundry card. The machines only take the laundry mat's card. If I recall there was a minimum amount you had to buy, like $10. Of course you end up with money left on the card which can always use the next time, like the next time you thru-hike! I ended giving my card away to someone.

[Sly]

+1 to that. Another consideration is that on a thru-hike you might be splitting your laundry loads with other people a lot of the time. Sometimes like four people. Even if four hikers put all their dirty clothes in the wash, that still might not be a full load. If your budget is really tight, it's easy to save money that way.

I asked this dude I was hiking with on the CDT if he wanted to split a machine and he looked at me like I had two heads. I said fine and started my wash.

He tried using the other machine and it was broken!

Here he is here, but on the PCT..