In a nutshell: A visit to a laundromat in Toulouse takes about 1 hour (30 min wash + 20-30 min drying). Sort your laundry before coming, choose the right machine for your load (9 kg for everyday items, 18 kg for duvets and large loads), pay by CB sans contact ou espèces. Detergent and fabric softener are included in the price, starting from 4.90 €.
At a Glance
Bring your laundry + bank card — detergent is included.
Choose the right machine — 9 kg (everyday) or 18 kg (duvets, large loads).
Plan time on-site — remove laundry as soon as the cycle ends.
Sort before you come — whites, colors, delicates = separate machines.
Our Prices
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| 9 kg machine | from 4.90 € |
| 11 kg machine | 7 € |
| 18 kg machine | from 9.80 € |
| Dryer | 1.50 € to 2 € / 10 min |
Prices vary by location. See detailed prices by laundromat.
Detergent and softener included
All prices above include detergent and fabric softener, automatically dispensed by the machine. You don’t need to buy anything extra. No tokens, no loyalty card required, no hidden fees.
Cycle Times
| Machine | Cycle Time | Total with Drying |
|---|---|---|
| 9 kg washer | ~30 min | ~50 min |
| 11 kg washer | ~30 min | ~50-60 min |
| 18 kg washer | ~30 min | ~60-70 min |
| Dryer | ~10 min / increment | 2-3 increments depending on load |
Times are approximate and may vary depending on the program selected and the amount of laundry. Drying depends on fabric thickness.
Before You Go: Preparation
Before coming, sort your laundry into 2-3 bags, bring a payment method ( CB sans contact ou espèces) and don’t bring detergent — it’s already included and automatically dispensed.
Sort your laundry at home
Separate into 2-3 bags: whites/lights, darks/colors, delicates. It's faster than sorting on-site. See our washing temperature guide by fabric for details.
Empty the pockets
Tissues, coins, keys, phone — check every pocket. A tissue in the machine = disaster (tiny white particles all over the laundry).
Payment method
Bank card (contactless accepted) or coins. No tokens, no subscription, no app needed. Payment is made directly on the machine.
Steps at the Laundromat
Allow about 1 hour on-site for a full visit: ~30 minutes of washing then 20 to 30 minutes of drying depending on fabric thickness.
Step 1: Choose the machine
What machine size?
9 kg machine — for everyday laundry from 1-2 people (clothes, single-bed sheets). This is the standard machine.
18 kg machine — for bulky items (duvets, blankets, curtains) or large quantities of laundry (family, return from vacation, moving day).
Tip: don’t overload. Leave a hand’s width of space above the laundry. See our weight guide.
If you’re unsure whether to choose a laundromat or dry cleaner for certain fabrics, our laundromat vs dry cleaner comparison covers specific scenarios.
Step 2: Load the machine
No detergent to add
At our Speed Queen laundromats, detergent and fabric softener are automatically dispensed during the cycle. You don’t need to add anything. Open the door, put in your laundry, close the door. That’s it.
Step 3: Select the program and pay
Programs
The machines offer several programs depending on fabric delicacy. For everyday laundry: normal program. For delicate fabrics: delicate program. If in doubt, choose the gentlest program and follow the care label.
Payment
Select the program on the machine screen, then pay. The machine starts automatically. The price is displayed before payment — no surprises. The screen shows the remaining cycle time.
Which Machine to Choose? The 9, 11 and 18 kg Comparison
The right machine depends on dry weight, but also on the actual bulk of the laundry: 9 kg for everyday loads, 11 kg for a family-sized load, and 18 kg for duvets or very large volumes. Two loads of the same weight may need different machines if one is compact and the other very bulky.
To optimize your budget, it’s often more economical to fill one large machine to 80% than to run two smaller machines. Here’s a comparison of actual prices at our laundromats:
| Machine Size | Blagnac Price | Croix-Daurade Price | Best For | Cost per kg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 kg | 4.90 € | 5.50 € | Everyday laundry 1-2 people | ~0.54-0.61 €/kg |
| 11 kg | Not available | 7.00 € | Family of 3-4 | ~0.64 €/kg |
| 18 kg | 9.80 € | 10.00 € | Duvets, large loads | ~0.54-0.56 €/kg |
When to Choose Each Size?
👤 9 kg Machine
Perfect for the weekly laundry of a single person or a couple. It easily handles your t-shirts, jeans and single-bed sheets.
👨👩👧👦 11 kg Machine
The right compromise for a family of 3-4. It handles a larger load in a single cycle (available at Croix-Daurade).
⭐ 18 kg Machine
Essential for double duvets, curtains or accumulated laundry (return from vacation). It's often the most economical option per kilo.
Optimization tip
Load to 80% maximum: For an optimal wash, always leave a hand’s width of space above your laundry. This rule of thumb applies to a standard load. For jeans, thick towels, puffer jackets or heavy bedding, the bulk may fill the drum before reaching the theoretical weight.
Step 4: Wait
What to do while waiting
You can stay on-site (our laundromats are clean and well-lit) or prepare the next step: sort for drying, check care labels and set a timer. Note the end time so you come back on time — removing laundry promptly prevents wrinkles.
Step 5: Drying
Professional dryer
Transfer your laundry to a dryer. Select the appropriate setting for your fabric labels (gentle for delicates, higher heat for cotton). Pay by increments. Professional dryers are much more powerful than home dryers.
Step 6: Fold and go
Remove the laundry while it’s still warm from the dryer, fold it immediately (this prevents wrinkles), and leave with clean, dry laundry. You can use the folding table available in the laundromat.
Tips for Your First Visit
Choose the right time slot
Off-peak hours: weekday mornings (8am-10am) or early afternoon (1pm-3pm). Peak hours: Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon. During off-peak hours, you have your pick of machines. Our laundromats are [open 7j/7, including Sundays](/blog/laverie-toulouse-borderouge-croix-daurade/).
Set a timer
If you step out during the cycle, set an alarm on your phone so you come back on time. Laundry left sitting in the machine gets wrinkled and blocks the machine for other customers.
Check the machine before loading
A quick glance inside the drum before loading your laundry. Check that there's no clothing left behind by the previous customer. It's rare, but it happens.
What You Need to Know About Programs
The machines offer several programs suited to different types of laundry. Here’s a simple guide to choosing the right one on your first try.
Cotton / normal program — for durable everyday laundry: t-shirts, jeans, cotton underwear, sheets, towels. This is the most common program, the one you’ll use 80% of the time.
Synthetic program — for polyester, nylon, acrylic fabrics: sportswear, fleeces, synthetic shirts. Slightly gentler spin cycle than the cotton program.
Delicate / wool program — for fragile fabrics: silk, cashmere, wool, lace, fine lingerie. Low temperature (30 °C max), reduced spin. If you’re unsure about a garment, choose this program — it can’t damage a durable fabric, while the reverse isn’t true.
If you’re unsure about the right program, check the garment’s care label. The symbols are universal and indicate the maximum temperature and delicacy level.
Times to Avoid
Not all time slots are equal. For a comfortable first visit with your choice of machines:
| Time Slot | Crowd Level | Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Monday-Friday 8am-10am | Low | Ideal for your first visit |
| Monday-Friday 1pm-3pm | Low | Good time slot too |
| Saturday 9am-12pm | High | Avoid for a first visit |
| Sunday 2pm-6pm | Medium to high | OK in early afternoon |
| Public holidays | Variable | Often quiet in the morning |
Beginner Mistakes
- Bringing your own detergent — unnecessary, it's included and automatically dispensed. Adding more = overdose and excessive suds
- Overloading the machine — your laundry will come out poorly washed. Leave some room
- Putting everything together — at a minimum, separate whites from darks and follow the care labels
- Forgetting to empty pockets — tissues = disaster
- Leaving for too long — come back on time so you don't block the machine
It’s simpler than you think: easy access, well-lit laundromats and machines that start in 3 steps. Not sure which capacity you need? Take our machine quiz in 4 questions. Discover our laundromats. Check our FAQ for the most common questions. Have a question before your first visit? Contact us for personalized advice.
Common Situations
Moving Day
If you’ve just moved to Toulouse and your washing machine isn’t set up yet, the laundromat is the immediate solution. No plumbing needed, no waiting — you arrive with your laundry and leave with clean clothes in 1 hour.
Return from Vacation
Coming home with 3 suitcases of dirty laundry means 4-5 loads in a home machine (that’s 8-10 hours). At a laundromat, run 2-3 machines in parallel and finish in 1 hour. The 18 kg machine is perfect for large volumes.
Duvet or Bulky Item
Your duvet, curtains or large throw won’t fit in your 7 kg home machine. The 18 kg laundromat machine is sized for these items. Check our guides on how to wash a duvet or how to wash a throw.
Students
If you’re a student in Toulouse without a washing machine, the laundromat is often the most practical option. Our student laundromat guide covers specific tips (budget, frequency, organization).
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Making the Most of Waiting Time
The waiting time at a laundromat (about 30 minutes per cycle) can feel long the first time, but it quickly becomes productive once you know the tricks.
During the wash, prepare for drying: check your garment labels to identify those that shouldn’t go in the dryer (crossed-out drum symbol). Mentally separate them — when it’s time to transfer, you’ll save time. If you have clothes that need air drying, fold them into a separate bag.
You can also use this time to empty pockets for the next load if you plan to run a second machine, or to fold dry laundry from a previous cycle. Some regulars bring a book, headphones or work on their phone — the laundromat becomes a quiet time slot in the week.
A practical tip: take a photo of the end time displayed on the machine with your phone. If you decide to run a quick errand in the neighborhood, you’ll have the exact reminder without having to memorize the time.
Checklist Before Leaving Home
Before leaving home, make sure you have everything you need for a smooth laundromat visit. This list prevents unnecessary trips back home and time-wasting oversights.
Laundry sorted into 2-3 bags — whites/lights on one side, darks/colors on the other, delicates separate. Sorting at home takes 2 minutes; sorting at the laundromat in front of the machine takes 10.
Payment method — bank card (contactless accepted) or coins. Check that your card works with contactless if that's your usual payment method.
Pockets emptied — tissues, keys, coins, phone, AirPods. Do it at home, not in front of the machine. A forgotten tissue disintegrates and covers all the laundry in tiny white fibers.
Laundry bags (if needed) — for lingerie, mismatched socks or small fragile items. A mesh bag prevents snags and stops small pieces from getting stuck in the door seal.
Bag for clean laundry — a clean, dry bag to collect your laundry from the dryer. Don't put clean laundry back in the bag that carried the dirty clothes.
Timer or charged phone — so you don't forget the end time if you step out during the wash cycle.
At Speed Queen laundromats, detergent and fabric softener are included and automatically dispensed — no need to bring your own bottle. This detail simplifies preparation and eliminates the risk of overdosing.
5 Situations Where the Laundromat Is the Best Option
Even if you have a machine at home, certain situations make the laundromat particularly worthwhile:
- Duvets and bulky items: your 7-8 kg home machine can’t properly wash a double duvet. The 18 kg laundromat machine is built for that. Check our duvet washing cost guide.
- Moving day: wash everything at once (curtains, covers, rugs) in a few hours instead of a week of successive loads. See our moving day guide.
- Machine breakdown: an immediate solution with no appointment needed, open 7 days a week. Check our machine breakdown guide.
- Large volumes (big family, return from vacation): run 3-4 machines simultaneously and handle everything in 1 hour.
- Urgent drying: professional dryers are 3 to 5 times more powerful than home dryers — ideal when time is short.