Coming clean on the smarter way to wash
THE humble laundromat has had a modern makeover in Geelong.
In the past two years, Ed Greenidge has opened two “green” laundromats — and he’s keen to find the right strip shopping site for a third.
The first thing to notice is that there are no coins required, but there’s more going on than the convenience of being able to pay using a card.
The system is driven by imported Italian technology and Mr Greenidge understands that his outlets were just the second and third in Australia to have the equipment installed.
The laundromats at Leopold and Belmont cost between $300,000 and $350,000 to kit out, Mr Greenidge said.
“These dryers and washers are the most efficient on the market,” he said.
The dryers run on gas and the washing machines have sensors for more efficient use of water.
Mr Greenidge understands the dryers are 15 per cent more efficient than their traditional counterparts and that the washing machines also use less energy through reduced cycle time.
The laundromats use LED low energy lighting and are guarded by a network of security cameras.
The laundromats offer a range of washing machines up to 20kg capacity and there is also a variety of dryers, with the largest having a 30kg capacity. The bigger machines cater for doonas, blankets, curtains and pillows.
The system is controlled by a touchscreen panel, which processes payment, applies a loyalty system and issues receipts.
Mr Greenidge said the size of the machines, coupled with the receipt system, allowed the laundromats to be used by commercial operators.
“The laundry itself is more efficient but it is also a lower cost to the clientele, that’s what we offer with the bar codes and customer loyalty cards,” he said.
“People are using laundromats differently now,” Mr Greenidge said.
“There is that market that don’t have a laundry at home or they are renters … but the majority of our clientele can’t do things at home that they can do here.”