Hi all.
Our lodging arrangements may have to change for our 2 month stay and there may not be a washing machine. Can someone explain to me the ins and outs of using a laundrymat in Italy? What is the average cost? Are they pretty conveniently located? Do they provide the detergent? I plan to do most washing in the comfort of the bathtub and sink, but I know there may be some items that could benefit from a machine wash. Any info would be appreciated! Thank you!!
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
RS points out laundromat locations in his books but you can also ask at your hotel. Bring lots of coins as some do not have change machines. Typically a few Euros for wash and about the same for drying. Some are staffed and they will help you but some are fully self-serve. Usually you put your clothes and soap in a machine and then add money at a pay station. Enter your machine number and the money and press start. You can buy detergent.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11817 posts
We foudn it to be expensive. Spent 21 euros to do two loads in Venice and again in Siena ourselves. Electrcity is unbelievably expensive in Italy, thus the price. In Rome, in Campo dei Fiori, Lava Secco did a 21" rollaboard full of clothes for 20 euros and they did all the work while we toured.
Posted by
Toronto, Canada
415 posts
You may need to buy gettone from a machine in the laundromat to put into the actual machines instead of coins. You put your money into a machine to get the gettone and use that. There are two chains of laundromats in Florence - onda blu and http://www.washedry.it/ The above site shows the locations in Florence. there are also independents.
Posted by
Toronto, Canada
415 posts
Just more info The site www.washedry.it is in Italian. I just realized they have locations all over Italy including Rome which may help you. To find the locations all over Italy, click on Negozi Soap is available in the locations or easily available in the grocery stores
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
We did our laundry in both Florence and La Spezia. As mentioned above, we found them in our Rick Steves book. Very easy and not anywhere near the 21Euros mentioned above. About 5Euors to wash and dry while you watch and wait. The laundromats we used had detergent machines for the washer. About 90-minutes to 2hrs to watch and wait. It may be a waste of time for many travelers but its the only way to pack lighter.
Posted by
Honolulu/Seattle, HI/WA, USA
2787 posts
Do you have a copy of RS Italy Guide Book? It has information you are looking for but you have to hunt for it.