What Laundry Options Are Available in London for Travelers?

1. Hotel Laundry Services

Most mid-range to luxury hotels in London provide in-house laundry and dry-cleaning services. This is the most convenient option if you want to save time and prefer the comfort of getting everything done without leaving your room. Simply place your clothes in the provided laundry bag, fill in the form, and housekeeping takes care of the rest.

Pros:

• Extremely convenient – no need to step outside.
• Professional cleaning, including dry-cleaning.
• Same-day or next-day delivery.

Cons:

• Usually very expensive compared to other options.
• Limited to guests staying at the hotel.

This option works best for business travellers, VIP guests, and tourists who don’t mind paying a premium for convenience.

2. Self-Service Laundrettes

If you are on a budget, self-service laundrettes are a great choice. These are scattered across London and are easy to find in both central and residential areas. Travellers can wash and dry their clothes using coin or card-operated machines.

Pros:

• Affordable and quick.
• Allows you to control how your clothes are washed.
• Widely available in most areas.

Cons:

• You need to wait while your laundry is being washed and dried.
• Not always the cleanest or most comfortable environment.

For backpackers and budget-conscious travellers, laundrettes are a cost-effective way to stay fresh during a London trip.

3. On-Demand Laundry & Dry-Cleaning Apps

London is home to several modern on-demand laundry and dry-cleaning services. Companies like Laundrapp, ihateironing, and LaundraMoon allow you to book laundry collection and delivery via an app or website. A driver picks up your laundry from your hotel, Airbnb, or apartment and delivers it back within 24-48 hours.

Pros:

• Easy booking through apps or websites.
• Doorstep pickup and delivery.
• Multiple options – from standard washing to delicate dry-cleaning.

Cons:

• Costs more than laundrettes but cheaper than hotel services.
• Delivery times may vary based on location and time of booking.

This is an ideal option for tech-savvy travellers, digital nomads, and families staying in vacation rentals.

4. Laundry Services in Airbnb & Serviced Apartments

If you’re staying in an Airbnb or a serviced apartment, you may already have access to a washing machine and dryer. This is one of the most convenient and cost-effective ways to handle laundry while travelling. You can buy detergent from a nearby supermarket and wash clothes as needed.

Pros:

• Cost-effective – only the price of detergent and utilities.
• Flexible, you can wash anytime you like.
• Great for long stays.

Cons:

• Washing machines may be smaller and slower than commercial machines.
• Drying may take longer, especially if there is no dryer.

Perfect for travellers on extended stays who prefer the comfort of doing laundry themselves.

5. Eco-Friendly & Specialist Laundry Services

London also offers eco-friendly laundry and specialist cleaning services. These businesses use biodegradable detergents, water-saving technologies, and non-toxic dry-cleaning solutions. They are great for environmentally conscious travellers or those with sensitive skin.

Pros:

• Environmentally sustainable.
• Gentle on clothes and skin.
• Often available with collection & delivery.

Cons:

• Can be slightly more expensive than standard laundrettes.

This option works well for travellers who care about eco-friendly living or need specialist care for fabrics like silk, wool, or designer wear.

6. Express & Same-Day Laundry

If you are on a tight schedule and need clean clothes urgently, several laundrettes and laundry apps in London offer same-day laundry service or even express services. This is especially useful for business travellers who may need a fresh suit for a meeting or tourists attending an event.

Pros:

• Fast turnaround (few hours to same day).
• Available across many central London areas.
• Ideal for urgent needs.

Cons:

• Higher price than standard laundry services.

Tips for Managing Laundry While Travelling in London

• Pack Smartly: Bring quick-dry clothing that can be washed and worn again quickly.
• Use Hotel Bags: If your hotel offers laundry, check the pricing first to avoid surprises.
• Check Reviews: If using an app or local service, read customer reviews to ensure reliability.
• Plan Ahead: Book laundry collection early to avoid delays, especially during weekends.
• Carry Essentials: A small pack of travel detergent can be useful for washing smaller items in your bathroom sink.

Final Thoughts

London offers travellers a wide range of laundry solutions, from high-end hotel laundry service services to budget laundrettes and tech-driven on-demand apps. The best option depends on your budget, schedule, and preferences. Business travellers might lean toward hotel or express services, while long-term visitors may prefer Airbnbs with washing machines. Eco-conscious travellers can choose green laundry services, while budget-conscious tourists can stick to traditional laundrettes.

Whatever your choice, you’ll never have to worry about running out of clean clothes while exploring the vibrant city of London.