New in Germany? What to expect
In Germany a laundromat is called a Waschsalon. Self-service means you wash and dry your clothes yourself, using professional machines. It is not a laundry service where you drop off a bag. If you’ve just moved to Stuttgart, Ludwigsburg or Karlsruhe for work or study, it’s the easiest way to get your laundry done without a washing machine at home.
One thing that surprises many newcomers: like most shops in Baden-Württemberg, laundromats are closed on Sundays and public holidays. Wash&Go is open Monday to Saturday from 6 am.
Your first visit, step by step
- Choose a machine. 8 kg for a normal basket, XXL with 18 kg for duvets or large loads.
- Load and add detergent. Bring your own or buy it at the pay station for €0.70 (from €0.50 with the discount card).
- Pay at the pay station. Select the machine number, pay with cash, any major credit or debit card, contactless with Apple Pay or Google Pay, or with the discount card.
- Press start on the machine. A wash takes about 35 minutes.
- Dry. Move your laundry to a dryer and pay in 10-minute steps. Usually 20 to 40 minutes are enough.
A visual step-by-step version is on our washing instructions page.
How much does it cost?
A wash costs €5.00 (8 kg) or €13.50 (18 kg); drying is €1.50 per 10 minutes. A full basket including drying comes to €9.50, or from €7.10 with the discount card. All prices: laundromat prices.
Do I have to stay?
No. Start your wash and go shopping or grab a coffee, just come back when the machine is done so others can use it. If you stay, there’s free Wi-Fi.
Handy German words
- Waschen = wash · Trocknen = dry · Waschmittel = detergent
- Weichspüler = fabric softener · Starttaste = start button
- Kassenautomat = pay station · Rabattkarte = discount card