The self-service laundry segment in Latvia is still in the development stage; however, demand is increasingly driven by practical household reasons — outdated appliances, their absence in rental housing, and rising maintenance costs. In such conditions, households are increasingly choosing alternatives such as the self-service laundry network.
“Considering the costs, convenience, and accessibility, self-service laundries are becoming an increasingly logical choice for a wide range of residents. It is not only a solution for emergency situations but also a rational alternative for those who want to optimize their time and expenses,” said the marketing manager of "Laundromat," Monta Purkalne.
This is especially relevant for households with outdated appliances or changing residences, where investments in new equipment are not always justified.
“In this context, we offer a flexible, accessible, and cost-effective solution that is increasingly becoming part of modern life,” emphasized M. Purkalne.
Outdated appliances — hidden costs
Although an old washing machine may seem like an economical solution, in the long run, it often creates more problems than advantages. Outdated devices consume significantly more electricity and water, and the quality of washing is often lower.
This is particularly noticeable when washing more complex textile items — thick winter jackets, blankets, or throws. Such items require a larger drum capacity and special washing modes, which are often absent in older machines. As a result, clothes are not cleaned properly or may even be damaged.
Cheaper than dry cleaning and suitable for various situations
In situations where quality washing cannot be ensured at home, many choose dry cleaning. However, this solution often turns out to be financially unviable.
Cleaning one blanket or winter jacket at a dry cleaner can cost 15–25 euros, while a self-service laundry can achieve a similar result for about 6–10 euros, including both washing and drying. Over the course of a year, this can mean savings of 40 to 90 euros for a single household.
Self-service laundries offer an important advantage — access to professional industrial-grade equipment without the need to purchase it. This is especially relevant:
– if outdated or inefficient appliances are used at home;
– if there is no washing machine, for example, in a rental apartment;
– if the existing equipment is broken.
At "Laundromat," you can wash and dry a large volume of laundry at once, and the process is quick and simple.
New laundries across Latvia
Data from a survey conducted by the research company "Gemius" shows that information about self-service laundries is most often spread through everyday points of contact. Many respondents indicated that they learned about the service simply by noticing a specific location in the urban environment or living nearby.
Recommendations from friends and acquaintances, as well as digital channels, also play an important role. This confirms that the industry in Latvia is still in a growth phase — awareness is increasing, but the market potential is far from exhausted.
In Latvia, about 17% of residents use self-service laundries, which corresponds to the average level in Europe, but significantly lags behind markets like the USA, where this service is regularly or partially used by up to 30–40% of the population.
This means that the industry in Latvia still has significant growth potential — especially considering urbanization, the development of the rental housing market, and the growing demand for convenience.
Currently, "Laundromat" is the largest self-service laundry network in Latvia — with more than 25–30 locations across the country and a presence in more than 10 cities, including Riga, Liepaja, Daugavpils, Valmiera, and others.
