Battlefield Laundromat opens doors
A new laundromat opened this week in town.
“I wanted the best machines,” owner Brently Bone said. “I felt like it was something this town needed.”
Bone, a native of Pea Ridge and 1999 graduate of Pea Ridge High School, said he wanted to provide a service for area residents so he opened Battlefield Laundromat at 955 Slack St. There are 22 washers and 22 dryers which includes 12 20-pound washers, six 40-pound washers, three 60-pound washers and one 80-pound washer. There are 18 30-pound dryers and two 80-pound dryers.
The commercial washing machines are made in the U.S.A., Bone said. “I focused on the machines … that’s what people will be using.”
Bone installed a hot water heater that will provide 120 gallons of hot water every six minutes so no matter how busy the laundromat is, no customer should run out of hot water for his laundry.
“A home washer is rated for
about 12 pounds,” Bone explained, saying washing machine manufacturers consider a load about 10 pounds. Costs for the machines range from $2.25 for the smallest to up to $9.25 for the largest. Prices vary with water temperature.
He also said that the amount of laundry detergent is not necessarily tripled when using the larger machines and he plans to place signs with recommended amounts to inform customers.
Dryers are $1 to start which gives 32 minutes and then provides an option for continuing to add a quarter at a time. The big dryer is $2 to start. The gas-heated dryers are 175 degrees.
Bone tested the washers putting a king-size comforter in the 40-pound machine and drying it in the large dryer. He said he also tested the 20-pound washers with a load of rugs that came out as clean as when they were new.
There is a change machine, restroom, chairs, folding tables and rolling laundry baskets. Bone said he hopes to add more amenities.
“This little town is growing up,” Bone said “I just thought it was time.”