Washing bulky laundry at a laundromat

“Bulky” can mean two things: one item that's too big for a normal drum, or a pile that would take three loads at home. Both are easy at a laundromat, and the biggest machine isn't always the best choice.

Which item goes in which machine?

When are two 8 kg machines better than one 18 kg?

Whenever the laundry can be split. Two 8 kg washes cost €10.00, one XXL wash €13.50. With two machines you can also separate whites from colours or wash towels hotter than jumpers, and because they run in parallel, you're not done any later. The 18 kg machine makes sense for single big items, or when everything can be washed at the same temperature and would otherwise need three small machines: one XXL wash is €13.50, three 8 kg washes €15.00.

Why not just wash it at home?

Most home machines are smaller than the XXL machine. A thick duvet gets squashed, water doesn't reach everywhere and the detergent rinses out poorly. Heavy wet items also strain the drum of your own machine. And in many German flats the only way to dry is a clothes horse, where a duvet can hang for days.

A bulky-laundry day, step by step

1. At home: check labels, remove curtain hooks, close zips, empty pockets.
2. Getting there: carry big items in a duvet cover or a large shopping bag.
3. At the laundromat: pick the machine size, load loosely, add detergent (your own is fine).
4. At the payment terminal select the machine number and pay, then press start on the machine.
5. Drying: buy time in 10-minute blocks. Take curtains out slightly damp and hang them straight up at home.

What does a big laundry day cost?

Example: one winter duvet in the 18 kg machine, bedding and towels in two 8 kg machines, then two dryers for 40 minutes each.

The card costs a €5 deposit and a €20 top-up gives you €23.00 of credit. See the prices page.

Where is a laundromat with big machines near me?

All seven Wash&Go laundromats have 8 kg and 18 kg machines: four in Stuttgart, one in Ludwigsburg and two in Karlsruhe. With bulky items, the shortest trip wins. For duvets specifically, read Washing duvets; for drying big items, The XXL dryer. More answers in our Q&A.