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Happy Birthday to The Modern Laundromat

Looking for an interesting read about the history of laundromats? Look no further than this fascinating article from Fox News! The article talks about the first self-operated laundromat that opened in Fort Worth, Texas on April 18th many years ago.




The article discusses the history of the first self-service laundromat, or "washateria," which opened in Fort Worth, Texas on April 18, 1934. Here are some key points:

  • The first "washateria" was created in the 1930s during the Great Depression, when the electric washing machine had just been invented, but many people couldn't afford it.

  • The first laundromat had just four electric washing machines and charged customers by the hour to use them.

  • The early laundromats did not have dryers, so customers would wash their clothes and then hang them up to dry at home.

  • The name "washateria" came from a combination of the idea of washing clothes and the idea of affordable cafeterias.

  • Early laundromats were not coin-operated and had attendants on duty, but by the late 1940s, the first unattended, 24-hour laundromats were opened.

  • Today, most laundromats in the U.S. are fully automated, coin-operated, and open 24 hours a day. The U.S. laundromat industry is estimated to be worth $6 billion in 2023.





If you're interested in learning more about laundromats and their history, check out the article and visit The Laundry Wheel's website at https://www.thelaundrywheelphx.com/ for all your laundry needs!

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