DIY laundry

There may be, but it is easier to go to Google Maps and type in your request, along the lines of "laundromats in Paris." You'll be rewarded by a map with most of the laundromats showing up. Easy peasy.

I’ve never yet looked for a laundromat App, but handy new Apps seem to keep popping up all the time these days. Just curious, though, are you planning on staying in hostels, where laundry facilities are often present, or close by? Or in hotels or B&B’s, which often will either do your laundry for an extra charge, or sometimes even doing offer it for no extra charge? Or renting an apartment or home, which often have a washer and sometimes even a dryer? Also, some laundries will do the washing, drying, and kind-of folding for you, giving you more time for sightseeing. Just be sure to know what time they close, so you can pick up your cleaning in time.

I just tried the Google maps and I'm impressed. It found the laundromat in the little village of Lauterbrunnen Switzerland. If you are in a big city like Paris, it missed the one we have gone to but showed one that was within a couple blocks still impressive, but there I would still ask at the hotel desk.

If you do a google search be sure to use the local terminology for laundromats for the best results.

Lisa, along with just doing a google, the desks at our hotels have been really good resources for the nearest self-serve laundromats. We've never had it done for us by a service 'cause it doesn't take that long to accomplish and we've met some interesting people while doing a wash-up! :O)

Andrea: did you have "laverie" in mind? Laverie automatique?

Southam, it seems every country has a different name. Even England apparently. I wanted to find a laundromat in London and I found two listed. Two! I don't remember what they call them, but I ended up just sink washing my clothes.

Andrea: Wikipedia could show you that the British say laundrette (or variations of same.) Lots of them around, although in tourist areas they can be pricey. I like going to join the locals in public laundries.

I've done Google maps at home before the trip to identify locations/options along my itinerary. Sometimes I'll plan my laundry for days I'll have a convenient laundromat. Alternatively, many Airbnb apartments include a combo washer/dryer so you don't need a laundromat.

I’d also consider some of the services that pick up laundry and deliver it back in 24 hours, they often have an app and you can track your laundry just like it was a food delivery.

I’ve definitely noticed these services taking over as city centre rents escalate. Far too often I’m finding that the traditional laundromats are pretty far off the tourist track, perhaps by a university.

Of course. YMMV, and it’ll depend on where you’re going. If you do find a laundromat, it’s worth a quick call to make sure that it’s still a self service. I’ve seen some that have converted to drop off service only after having previously been self serve, vandalism and the homeless being a problem.

lisa,

I've never seen any specific App's that show laundromats in European cities. If you list the specific cities you'll be visiting, you'll probably get lots of information from forum members. As someone else mentioned, I've always had good luck just asking the desk staff at the hotel. They always seem to know where the nearest self wash or service wash facilities are.

One self-service laundry option I really like is the dry laundry detergent sheets at REI. They're not expensive and weigh nothing, about the size of a small box of matches. They come in packs of 50, about four sheet for a full load. At first I didn't like them, then I followed the directions (dissolve them in water then add like liquid detergent). Now I always bring a pack.