Do you need to bring detergent to the laundromat?

If you drop in on the spur of the moment after work, you do not have to carry anything: you simply add detergent and softener when you pay for the machine. That is handy if you arrive by Stadtbahn and are already lugging a full laundry bag.

At Wash&Go you may use any common detergent: powder, liquid or tabs. That makes sense, for example,

• if your skin reacts to fragrances and you are used to a particular product,
• if you need wool or delicate detergent for sensitive items,
• if you come often and want to save €0.70 per load.

A bigger drum does not automatically mean more detergent. Too much rinses out badly and leaves residue.

• 8 kg machine: the amount for a full load according to the packaging, for normally soiled laundry.
• XXL machine with 18 kg: roughly double the amount, and rather less for a single duvet.
• Tabs and pods go straight into the drum with the laundry, not into the drawer.
• Powder and liquid detergent go into the machine before you start. Exactly where is shown in the instructions at the payment machine.

No, that is up to you. It makes towels softer and adds a scent, but it does not belong on sports kit, microfibre or down. After the dryer, laundry is usually nicely fluffy even without softener.

8 kg wash plus detergent from the machine: €5.70, or €6.10 with fabric softener. With the discount card you pay from €3.80 for the machine and from €0.50 for detergent. More examples: Laundromat cost: is it worth it?