Best Laundromat Franchise Opportunities for 2025

Investing in a laundromat franchise can be a smart business move for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking steady cash flow and a recession-resistant industry. These franchises offer essential services that cater to both individuals and families, making them a reliable investment for 2025.

With low overhead costs, flexible management options, and strong demand in urban and suburban areas, laundromat franchises provide a unique opportunity for business growth. This article explores the top franchise opportunities in this sector, highlighting what makes them stand out.

What is a laundromat franchise?

A laundromat franchise is a business opportunity where individuals can own and operate a laundry service under an established brand. Laundromat services are all about providing convenient laundry solutions for people and businesses. Most laundromats offer self-service machines where customers can wash and dry their clothes using coin-operated, card-operated, or app-enabled systems. Beyond that, many also provide drop-off services, where you can leave your laundry to be washed, dried, and folded by the staff—super handy if you’re busy.

Some places even include dry cleaning services or handle specialty items like comforters and curtains. For businesses like hotels or restaurants, there are often commercial laundry options to manage larger loads. And let’s not forget the little extras—many laundromats have vending machines for detergent and snacks, Wi-Fi, and comfy waiting areas to make the experience better.

These franchises cater to customers who need convenient, self-service laundry facilities, often equipped with advanced, energy-efficient machines. Many laundromat franchises have embraced modern technology, offering app-based payments, loyalty programs, and 24/7 access to enhance the customer experience. They combine the reliability of a proven business model with the appeal of essential services, making them a popular choice for investors.

Unlike independent laundromats, laundromat franchises provide franchisees with operational support, branding, and training. This structure reduces the risks associated with starting a business from scratch. These franchises often include standardized designs, equipment sourcing, and marketing strategies, ensuring consistency across locations. By partnering with an established brand, franchisees gain access to a loyal customer base and the tools needed to maximize profitability, making them an attractive investment in both urban and suburban markets.

How to open a laundromat franchise?

Opening a laundromat franchise means joining an established brand and leveraging a proven business model in the laundry services industry. The process typically involves researching franchise opportunities, applying to become a franchisee, securing financing, and completing training offered by the franchisor. Tools like the Vetted Biz franchise opportunities tool can help identify the best laundromat franchises to match your goals. Once you’ve selected a high-traffic location and finalized your agreement, you’ll launch your laundromat with ongoing support from the franchisor. For more details on the process, check out resources like the International Franchise Association.

Laundromat franchise market industry statistics

Investing in a laundromat franchise requires substantial capital, with initial costs ranging from $200,000 to $1 million or more, depending on factors like location and equipment quality. Profit margins typically range between 10% and 35%, influenced by operating costs and service offerings.

The payback period for a laundromat franchise varies based on investment size and profitability. The sales-to-investment ratio, indicating revenue generated per dollar invested, is a crucial metric for assessing financial performance and will vary depending on the size and operations of the laundromat. In any financial analysis, a key factor will be to include depreciation benefits that laundromats can take advantage of due to all of the equipment that they have.

The global laundromat industry is projected to reach $81.8 billion by 2025, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6% from 2021 to 2026. This growth is attributed to increasing urbanization and the rising number of renters without in-unit laundry facilities.

Metric – Average Estimate

• Payback Period: 8-12 years
• Sales-to-Investment Ratio: 1.2 to 2.5
• Franchise Cost: $200,000 to $1 million or more

Laundromat franchise segments

• Self-Service Laundromats Traditional laundromats where customers operate machines independently, offering affordable and convenient laundry solutions.
• Full-Service Laundromats Facilities that include wash-and-fold services, garment handling, and additional conveniences for busy customers.
• Eco-Friendly Laundromats Laundromats focused on sustainability, using energy-efficient machines and environmentally friendly detergents.
• Hybrid Laundromats Locations combining laundry services with other amenities like cafes, workspaces, or childcare to enhance the customer experience.
• Mobile Laundry Services Franchises providing pick-up and delivery laundry services, offering convenience for customers unable to visit physical locations.

7 best laundromat franchises

Vetted Biz has compiled a list of the top 7 laundromat franchises, ranked by their 3-year growth. This list highlights diverse opportunities, from traditional self-service laundromats to innovative, technology-focused operations, providing a range of investment options to suit different business strategies and market demands.

1. Speed Queen

Speed Queen is a well-established name in the laundry industry, recognized for its high-performance machines and reliable service. With 28 U.S. locations, 12 of which are franchised, Speed Queen combines a legacy of excellence with modern franchise opportunities. Its reputation for durability and efficiency makes it a top choice for entrepreneurs entering the laundromat market.

Speed Queen has achieved an extraordinary 3-year unit growth rate of 500%, showcasing its rapid expansion and franchisee demand. The franchise requires a $30,000 initial fee, with total investments ranging from $1.16 million to $1.94 million, reflecting its focus on high-quality equipment and facilities. With a lower-than-average royalty fee of 4%, Speed Queen offers franchisees strong support and an attractive financial model for long-term growth.

2. WaveMAX

WaveMAX is a rapidly growing laundromat franchise with 51 U.S. locations, 50 of which are franchised. The brand is known for its modern facilities equipped with energy-efficient machines and user-friendly payment systems, such as app-based options. By focusing on technology and operational efficiency, WaveMAX has built a reputation as a forward-thinking franchise that appeals to both customers and investors.

WaveMAX boasts a remarkable 3-year unit growth rate of 178%, reflecting its strong appeal among franchisees looking for a scalable and profitable business model. The franchise requires an initial fee of $49,950, with a total investment ranging from $351,000 to $1.55 million, depending on the location and facility size. With a 6% royalty fee, franchisees gain access to WaveMAX’s innovative approach, comprehensive support, and training to help ensure long-term success.

3. Tide Dry Cleaners

Tide Dry Cleaners is a prominent name in the dry cleaning industry, with 232 U.S. locations, 223 of which operate as franchises. Backed by the trusted Tide brand, this franchise offers innovative cleaning technologies and exceptional customer service, positioning itself as a leader in the modern dry cleaning market. Its strong brand recognition makes it a standout opportunity.

With an impressive 3-year unit growth rate of 42%, Tide Dry Cleaners is expanding rapidly. The franchise requires an initial fee of $30,000, with a total initial investment ranging from $40,000 to $2.52 million. Franchisees pay a 7% royalty fee, gaining access to Tide’s marketing power, established systems, and proprietary cleaning methods.

4. Martinizing Dry Cleaning

Martinizing Dry Cleaning is a leading name in the dry cleaning industry, with 163 U.S. locations, all operating under the franchise model. Known for its modern approach to dry cleaning, the brand emphasizes convenience and eco-friendly practices. Franchisees benefit from comprehensive training, operational support, and a recognizable name in a competitive market. Learn more about Martinizing’s franchise system in this article.

With a 3-year unit growth rate of 8%, Martinizing Dry Cleaning demonstrates steady expansion. The franchise requires an initial franchise fee of $43,750, and the total initial investment ranges from $38,000 to $744,000, depending on location and setup. Franchisees pay a 6% royalty fee, gaining access to robust support and established systems.

5. Laundrolab

Laundrolab is an emerging laundromat franchise with 12 U.S. locations, 10 of which are franchised. Known for its focus on creating a premium customer experience, Laundrolab features modern facilities, state-of-the-art machines, and family-friendly amenities. The franchise emphasizes community engagement and offers a fresh take on the traditional laundromat concept, attracting both investors and local customers.

While its 3-year unit growth rate remains at 0%, Laundrolab presents a high-quality investment opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking to enter the laundromat industry. The franchise fee is $49,500, with a total initial investment ranging from $1.18 million to $1.72 million, reflecting the brand’s commitment to quality and upscale facilities. Franchisees pay a 6% royalty fee and benefit from robust operational support and marketing strategies designed to drive long-term profitability.

6. Zoom Express Laundry

Zoom Express Laundry is a smaller but innovative player in the laundromat franchise industry, operating 3 U.S. locations, all franchised. The brand focuses on delivering a seamless customer experience through advanced technology, energy-efficient equipment, and well-maintained facilities. Its dedication to quality service makes it an attractive option for entrepreneurs seeking to enter the growing laundromat market.

Despite a 3-year unit growth rate of 0%, Zoom Express Laundry provides a solid opportunity for investors interested in a technology-driven business. The franchise requires a $50,000 initial fee, with total investments ranging from $688,000 to $1.55 million. Franchisees pay a 6% royalty fee, receiving comprehensive support and access to a business model designed for long-term success in the laundromat industry.

7. Lapels Cleaners

Lapels Cleaners is a dry cleaning franchise with 83 U.S. locations, all operating under the franchised model. Despite a slight decline in its 3-year unit growth rate (-2%), Lapels is recognized for its environmentally friendly services, incorporating advanced technology and non-toxic cleaning methods. The brand appeals to franchisees seeking a green, community-focused business opportunity.

Lapels Cleaners offers a flexible investment range, with initial costs from $42,000 to $1.53 million, accommodating diverse market sizes and setups. The franchise fee is $37,500, with an ongoing royalty fee of 6%. Franchisees benefit from marketing support, training, and a well-established reputation in eco-conscious dry cleaning.

Conclusion

Laundromat franchises represent a resilient and steadily growing sector, offering essential services that cater to a broad demographic. With their recession-resistant nature, modern technology integration, and operational support, these franchises provide a stable path for entrepreneurs seeking long-term business success. The demand for accessible, self-service laundry facilities continues to grow in both urban and suburban markets, making laundromat franchises an attractive option for investors.

The wide range of opportunities—spanning eco-friendly models, hybrid setups, and full-service laundromats—allows prospective franchisees to find a concept that aligns with their goals and local market needs. As you explore your options, consider the financial requirements, franchise support, and market potential of the top laundromat franchises for 2025. With the right preparation and a strategic approach, investing in a laundromat franchise can be a profitable and rewarding venture.