15 Laundry and Laundromat Business Ideas For 2024
Looking to start a laundry business but not quite sure what to start?
The global dry-cleaning and laundry services industry will grow at a CAGR of 6% to reach $141.5 billion in the next few years. Busy lifestyles and the growing tourism industry fuel the demand for laundry services.
If you're looking to start your own laundry business, there are several low-capital options you can choose from.
We put together a list of the most profitable laundry business ideas you can start in 2024!
Here they are:
1. Start a laundromat
The first laundromat opened in the United States in 1887. It was invented by the entrepreneur Josephine Cochrane, who was frustrated with having to wash her family’s laundry by hand.
The laundromat is a self-service facility that provides washing and drying machines for personal use. There are many different types of machines available, including coin-operated ones and those that require a card. They also provide various types of detergents and fabric softeners for use with the machines.
A laundromat can make a lot of money if it is in the right location and has the right prices.
How much you can make: $9,300 — $100,000/month
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Pick My Laundry, India's on-demand laundry and dry-cleaning service provider has developed a mobile app and website serving almost 50,000 customers in its first year after signing up 100 third-party laundry services and franchising its model with over 50 franchises across more than 15 Indian cities.
2. Start a laundry delivery business
A laundry delivery business involves offering a convenient service where customers can have their clothes washed, dried, and folded and then delivered back to them.
To start this business on a budget, gather basic laundry equipment like washers, dryers, and ironing facilities.
You can operate from your home or rent a small space. Advertise your services locally, set competitive prices, and offer reliable delivery options to attract and retain customers.
Finally, maintain high-quality service and excellent customer relations to grow your business over time.
How much you can make: $9,300 — $120,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Pick My Laundry, India's on-demand laundry and dry-cleaning service provider has developed a mobile app and website serving almost 50,000 customers in its first year after signing up 100 third-party laundry services and franchising its model with over 50 franchises across more than 15 Indian cities.
3. Become a laundry detergent manufacturer
Starting a detergent powder or synthetic washing powder business is one of the most feasible business options owing to the straightforward manufacturing process involved. Detergent powder market is one segment of the FMCG market in the world with significant growth potential. Being a consumer good, people use it on a daily basis for clothes, hand wash, and kitchen utensils, and its demand is found in the market all through the year. Moreover, an entrepreneur can initiate a detergent manufacturing business with moderate capital investment.
How much you can make: $20,000/month
How long does it take to build: 1095 days (?)
Dirty Labs, a cleaning innovation lab founded by CEO David Watkins, introduces a line of laundry detergents that solve the cleaning trilemma, being safe, sustainable, and effective, achieving the goal with formulations that leverage nature-inspired green chemistry and earning $240k annually from the direct-to-consumer distribution.
4. Become a washing machine manufacturer
The global washing machine market size is projected to grow to 80.24 billion over the next few years at a CAGR of 5.5% in the same period.
The market growth is because consumers have become inclined toward automated household chores and the products ability to save time, eliminate physical effort, and reduce drying time, especially in winter.
You can start the laundry machine manufacturing business as a proprietorship or a partnership enterprise.
How much you can make: $708,333/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
This case study follows the story of a couple who bought a profitable but limited manufacturing company for $535,000, revamped it, and took it in a new direction to grow their annual revenues to approximately $10,000,000 by developing ultrasonic equipment that addressed industrial cleaning using water-based detergents instead of environmentally toxic solvents.
5. Start a soap business
Soap-making business is a growing industry that can be home-based or a small local business. Soap business is one of the most lucrative home-based businesses that perfect your decision to work in your free time while you earn good cash.
Starting a soap business sounds simple enough. You can buy supplies for probably less than $1,000. Popular skincare products are now being sold online, and this doesn’t seem like a challenging field to break into. Below are some success stories of the soap business that will inspire you.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $380,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)
Outlaw Soaps, a soap company that started with just $13.72 of supplies, now makes an average of $23,000/month, with 46% of website orders from repeat customers who are loyal to the company's unique products and top-notch customer service.
6. Start an at-home laundry business
When you think of starting a laundry business, you may think of the laundromat business with dozens of washing machines and dryers arranged in rows.
But do you know you can start an at-home laundry business?
How your business works is simple! The clients will leave their laundry outside their door for a scheduled pick-up and washing. Upon picking up, you can take the clothes to your home and wash then dry them. Then, you fold the clothes and return them to the client.
To start your own at-home laundry business, you will need a washer and dryer, a way to transport laundry from your clients, and a dedicated washing space. You will also need bag tags, a hanging scale, garment covers, and laundry bags or hampers.
For efficiency and convenience, you may invest in a laundry app where customers can request the service.
How much you can make: $100,000/month
How long does it take to build: 20 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Pick My Laundry, India's on-demand laundry and dry-cleaning service provider has developed a mobile app and website serving almost 50,000 customers in its first year after signing up 100 third-party laundry services and franchising its model with over 50 franchises across more than 15 Indian cities.
7. Start a dry cleaners business
Dry cleaning is a business that takes clothing, linens, and other fabrics and cleans them with no water. The dry cleaning process uses chemicals to clean the fabric and make it look new again. This process can remove stains, soil, and odors from your clothes.
People will always need their clothes washed so that this business model can succeed. Starting a dry cleaning business is a great way to enter the industry.
To maximize profitability, offer multiple services beyond the typical dry cleaning like wash and fold service.
How much you can make: $26,500 — $100,000/month
How long does it take to build: 70 days (?)
Pick My Laundry, India's on-demand laundry and dry-cleaning service provider has developed a mobile app and website serving almost 50,000 customers in its first year after signing up 100 third-party laundry services and franchising its model with over 50 franchises across more than 15 Indian cities.
8. Start a mobile laundry service
In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, many people have little time to wash their clothes at home. Most prefer having a mobile dry-cleaning service within their locality, picking the clothes from their homes or business.
If you are an entrepreneur looking for a profitable business model, a mobile laundry service could be it! To start, invest in commercial-grade washing machines and dryers. You will need a pickup and delivery van to reach your customers conveniently.
How much you can make: $100,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Pick My Laundry, India's on-demand laundry and dry-cleaning service provider has developed a mobile app and website serving almost 50,000 customers in its first year after signing up 100 third-party laundry services and franchising its model with over 50 franchises across more than 15 Indian cities.
9. Sell laundry machine parts
The global washing machine demand is projected to reach $80.24 billion in the next decade. Besides, more households are becoming inclined to automated household chores such as washing machines due to the ability to save time eliminate the physical effort and reduce the drying time.
Therefore, the washing machines demand is projected to grow, and if you have a passion for reselling the washing machine parts, it is a good time to start the business. Based on the above factors, the demand for washing machine parts and accessories at the assembly line, parts replacement and repair will continue rising. Before you start the laundry machine parts business:
- Research and gain the experience in the laundry industry
- Carry out market research to understand which parts are in demand
- Determine which parts are in demand
- Identify the target market
- Pick a prime venue
- Set up an online shop
To increase your business potential, consider partnering with a laundry machines assembly line and seek agreements with the machines repair shops.
10. Become a laundromat distributor
With today’s busy lifestyle, laundromats have become a popular way to clean clothes. Thus, entrepreneurs are setting up washing machines in different cities and neighborhoods. If you are looking for a more sustainable laundry business idea, you may consider becoming a laundromat distributor.
Ideally, the laundromat distribution business sells and installs washing machines.
To start, you can partner with the laundry machines manufacturer. You will buy the washing machines from the manufacturer and sell them to entrepreneurs starting new laundromats.
11. Start a washing machine repair business
Washing machine repair businesses install, service, remove and repair the washing machines. The repair technicians also sell genuine spare parts so that the washing machines perform at optimal levels. Starting a washing machine repair business could be a profitable venture.
Before launching the business, ensure you understand how machines from different manufacturers work. Ensure you have genuine washing machine service parts and tools.
How much you can make: $5,000/month
Senthil Kumar spearheads Siva Solutions Inc, a game-changing digital marketing and software development company which caters to dentists using an array of well-crafted products to manage patient data and inquiries, thus enabling efficient management of processes, while boosting them to the 1st page on Google.
12. Start an industrial laundromat business
13. Start a fluff and fold business
14. Start a laundry app
Struggling with never-ending laundry loads? Think about launching a laundry app. This business idea revolves around developing a mobile application that connects users with professional laundry services.
The app will allow users to schedule pickups, choose services (like wash, dry, or fold), and track their orders until delivery. Users get their laundry done effortlessly, and you streamline operations for local laundromats, creating a win-win scenario.
By solving a universal problem, you tap into the growing demand for convenience. Consider initial investments in app development, marketing, and partnerships with laundry providers. With dedication, there’s potential to scale, offering additional services like dry cleaning and tailoring.
A laundry app adjusts to the user’s busy lifestyle, and your role in providing this convenience can lead to a thriving business, fulfilling a common need in a simple yet effective way.
How much you can make: $120,000/month
How long does it take to build: 300 days (?)
"Washmart, one of India's fastest-growing laundry franchise chains, shares their case study on how they generated INR 20 lakhs in revenue from two stores in 2021, expanded to 25 stores within six months, and now operate 85+ stores in 21 states and 45 cities across India, with monthly income streams of approximately 60 lakhs from royalties and an additional 35 lakhs from laundry-related essentials."
15. Start an insurance business for laundromats
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
