By: Amelia Qusnina - Tim Editorial Stamps
What Exactly Is a Laundry Kiosk?
If you’ve ever seen a laundry spot where people can wash their own clothes without any staff around that’s a laundry kiosk.
The concept is super simple: customers come in, load their clothes, choose the wash setting, pay using QRIS or a card, and wait for the machine to finish. Some kiosks even operate 24 hours, which is perfect for busy people who don’t have time during the day.
This model is growing fast in big cities because it’s more efficient, faster, and easier to manage compared to traditional laundry services.
Laundry Kiosk Market and Trends
To give you a clearer picture, here are some interesting stats about the laundry kiosk and self-service laundry industry:
- The global self-service laundry market is expected to reach US$20 billion by 2025, out of a total laundromat market worth about US$48 billion.
- The annual growth rate (CAGR) is around 8–10% through 2030 quite fast for a business that looks simple on the surface.
- The laundry kiosk market itself is projected to grow from US$350 million in 2024 to US$800 million by 2033, more than doubling in size!
In Indonesia, the numbers are also impressive:
- There are over 43,000 active laundry businesses across the country (2025 data).
- Self-service laundry has grown by about 35% per year since 2020 in major cities like Jakarta, Bandung, and Surabaya.
- Many new players are opening staffless laundry kiosks with fully automated systems using apps and QRIS payments.
All these numbers show one thing laundry kiosks aren’t just a passing trend, they’re becoming a fast-growing business opportunity.
Why Laundry Kiosks Are Worth the Hype
Here’s why more and more people are jumping into this business:
- People Are Busier Than Ever
Modern lifestyles are fast-paced. Customers want quick, flexible options. Laundry kiosks make that possible people can wash their clothes anytime, even at midnight.
- Lower Operating Costs
Because it’s self-service, you don’t need many employees. According to one Indonesian operator, the break-even point (BEP) for a laundry kiosk can be reached in 18–36 months.
- Technology Makes It Easier
Everything is digital now customers pay via QRIS, machines can be monitored through an app, and some kiosks even use IoT systems to check machine status in real time.
- Huge Market Potential
Even though there are thousands of laundries out there, only a small portion use the self-service model. That means there’s still a big gap to fill.
Challenges to Watch Out For
Like any business, laundry kiosks come with their own challenges. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Location Is Everything
The best spots are usually in high-density areas like dorms, apartments, or near campuses. For example, in Malang, about 80% of laundry users are students.
- Regular Maintenance Is a Must
Machines run all day, especially if your kiosk is open 24 hours. Keep them clean, do routine checks, and fix issues early to avoid breakdowns.
- First-Time Users Need Guidance
Not everyone is used to self-service machines. Make sure you have clear instructions or a contact number for help.
- Competition Is Growing
Since the trend is rising fast, it’s important to stand out offer comfy waiting areas, folding services, or loyalty programs through an app.
Tips for Running a Successful Laundry Kiosk
If you’re planning to start one, here are some basic steps to guide you:
- Do Market Research – Find areas with high potential customers like dorms, campuses, or crowded housing complexes.
- Use Digital Systems – Integrate QRIS, app notifications, and IoT monitoring to keep operations running smoothly.
- Keep It Clean and User-Friendly – Provide clear instructions, maintain cleanliness, and make the space comfortable.
- Promote Locally – Use social media, flyers, or partner with nearby boarding houses and apartments.
- Create a Loyalty Program – For example, “wash 10 times, get 1 free,” or small cashback rewards for regular users.
- Track Your Performance – Record daily revenue, electricity, and maintenance costs to monitor when you’ll hit your BEP.
A laundry kiosk can be a great business idea if you’re looking for something simple, low-maintenance, but still profitable.
With people getting busier and technology making things easier, this model offers a big opportunity for growth.
As long as you choose the right location, maintain your machines, and create a smooth customer experience, your laundry kiosk business can reach profitability quickly and keep growing from there.
