Doing Laundry For Others

Did you know that US consumers wash over 660 million loads per week?

While some will always prefer to do their laundry at home, others are looking for a helping hand. This creates a lucrative side hustle opportunity for you, doing laundry for others.

An Overview of Doing Laundry for Others

Laundry gigs are a side hustle suitable for those who prefer to work from home.

Using apps and service platforms, you’ll connect with clients and set a pick-up time to collect their bags of laundry. You’ll then wash and fold the load according to the client’s requests and bring it back for a fee.

Typically, you’ll offer your services to residential buildings, but it’s also possible to take on work from restaurants, offices, and other local businesses.

How Much Can Doing Laundry for Others Earn You?

People who do laundry as a side hustle charge a flat rate per bag or pound.

Laundry professionals on Poplin (previously known as SudShare) receive $0.75 per pound for standard orders. The least you’ll make on a single order is $15.

Laundry Care’s providers get $20 per bag plus a $3 service fee, and the typical bag is around 15 pounds.

Overall, active washers can make around $1,500 per month, but the average income depends on how many loads of laundry you can handle daily.

Some SudShare hustlers report that they started with $600 a week and made their way up to nearly $1,300 weekly, which adds up to about $5,000 per month.

How Much Does it Cost to Start a Side Hustle Doing Laundry for Others?

To start the laundry side hustle, you need access to a washing machine and a reliable vehicle for doing pick-ups and deliveries.

Assuming you already have both, the main expense will be basic laundry supplies, which you could get for $100 or $500.

The exact estimate depends on how many of the items you already have at home.

You’ll need at least one laundry basket, a large drying rack, dryer sheets, a roll of clear bags, and laundry detergents (both scented and hypoallergenic options). A magic folder, labeling stickers, ribbons, a scale, and a heat sealer could come in handy as well.

Some specialized laundry gig platforms will give you the option to buy a supply kit. Laundry Care offers a New Provider Kit for $35 plus tax and shipping.

Where Can You Find Doing-Laundry-for-Others Gigs?

While it’s possible to find laundry cleaning work without resorting to third-party apps, the gig economy platforms are the common option. For best results, you could work independently and sign up for apps at the same time.

Where to Independently Find Doing Laundry for Others Work

To find clients in your area, you can distribute door-to-door flyers or advertise on social media. Striking a deal with building managers and local businesses could be handy as well.

Once you get your first client, make sure to get their order right. Word of mouth can help you get even more clients.

You could also go the extra mile and personalize your clothes deliveries with stickers or mini gifts. Some washers include cookies to increase their odds of getting both tips and repeat customers.

Gig Economy Companies That Offer Doing Laundry for Others Work

You could find laundry gigs on platforms such as Craigslist. However, your best bet will be with the specialized laundry apps.

The top options include Poplin/SudShare (where you’ll be a Laundry Pro/Sudster), Laundry Care, and hampr.

Each company has a different pay structure and minimum requirements.

For instance, your washing machine needs to be at least 4.2 cubic feet to be eligible for hampr. You’ll need a valid driver’s license and a smartphone, too.

Unlike Poplin and Laundry Care, hampr doesn’t have a fixed rate, though. The company bases the pricing structure on each market’s standard rates and gives out 70% of the order’s price (plus tips) to the washer.

Why You Should Consider Doing Laundry for Others As a Side Hustle

Recent reports estimate that the online, on-demand laundry service industry will reach $187.76 billion by 2030. Here’s why joining the wave as a part-time washer is a good idea:

• Widely Available Training Materials: Some platforms provide guides and tutorials that cover everything from folding garments to the ideal wash cycles for different fabric types.
• Suitability for WFH Lifestyle: This side hustle won’t clash with other Work-From-Home jobs since you can pop a load and get back to work.
• Scalability: You can scale up by starting a laundromat business. Sudsters managed to save enough from the gigs to start the business venture.

Problems With Doing Laundry for Money

While the extra income is great, offering basic laundry services still has its downsides. Here are a few problems to consider:

• Not Suitable for All Households: If you have pets or live in a house with smokers, getting approved on laundry apps is going to be challenging.
• Limited App Coverage: Some laundry gig economy platforms are only available in selected zip codes, limiting your options and rates.
• Manual Labor: Handling dirty laundry and folding clothes for hours can be too exhausting for some people.

Frequently Asked Questions

Laundry services aren’t complicated, and you’ll get the hang of the process in no time. Here are a couple of questions to help you decide if this is the hustle for you: