Hiring the right laundromat attendants can make or break your business. These employees are the face of your laundromat, responsible for customer service, cleanliness, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. Finding, training, and keeping great employees isn’t just about filling a position—it’s about building a strong team that keeps customers coming back.

In this guide, we’ll cover:
✅ Best practices for hiring (what to look for, where to find great candidates)
✅ How to properly train employees for success
✅ Strategies to retain top talent and keep them long-term

Step 1: Hiring the Right Laundromat Attendants

Before you start hiring, it’s important to know what kind of employee you need. Laundromat attendants need to be:
🔹 Friendly & Customer-Focused – They interact with customers, answer questions, and create a welcoming atmosphere.
🔹 Reliable & Punctual – A late or absent employee can throw off your whole operation.
🔹 Detail-Oriented & Clean – Your laundromat’s appearance is a direct reflection of your business.
🔹 A Team Player – Even if they work alone at times, they need to cooperate with other staff and management.
🔹 Problem-Solvers – Whether it’s handling a broken machine or an upset customer, they need to think on their feet.

Where to Find Good Employees

✅ Referrals: Ask current employees, friends, or family if they know someone trustworthy.
✅ Job Boards: Indeed, Craigslist, or local Facebook job groups can attract candidates.
✅ In-Store Flyers: Some of your best employees could be current customers looking for work.
✅ Local Colleges: Many students need part-time work and are willing to take on flexible shifts.

How to Interview Effectively

The interview process is crucial. Ask behavioral questions to understand how candidates think and act in real situations.

🗣️ Example Questions to Ask:

• “Tell me about a time you had to handle a difficult customer.”
• “How do you stay organized during a busy shift?”
• “What would you do if a customer’s clothes got damaged in a machine?”
• “What does good customer service mean to you?”

👉 Red Flags to Watch For:
🚩 Poor communication skills
🚩 Unwillingness to work evenings/weekends (if required)
🚩 Negative attitude or lack of enthusiasm
🚩 Gaps in work history without explanation

💡 Pro Tip: Always call references. Ask previous employers about reliability, attitude, and performance.

Step 2: Training Your Laundromat Employees for Success

Hiring is just the first step—proper training ensures that new employees become valuable, long-term team members.

Essential Training Topics for Laundromat Attendants:

✅ Customer Service: Teach them how to greet customers, handle complaints, and provide assistance.
✅ Machine Operations: Ensure they know how to operate and troubleshoot machines.
✅ Store Cleanliness & Maintenance: A clean laundromat attracts more customers—employees must understand their cleaning duties.
✅ Cash Handling & POS Systems: If employees process payments, they should be trained to handle money responsibly.
✅ Wash & Fold Services: If your laundromat offers this service, train employees in proper sorting, detergent use, and folding techniques.

The Best Way to Train:

🛠️ Hands-On Learning: The best way for employees to learn is by doing. Let them shadow an experienced worker for a few shifts.
📄 Written Procedures: Create a simple employee handbook with step-by-step instructions.
🎥 Training Videos: Record quick tutorials on how to handle common situations (machine errors, customer complaints, etc.).

💡 Pro Tip: Have new employees practice customer interactions with role-playing exercises.

Step 3: Keeping Great Employees Long-Term

Hiring and training are important, but retaining great employees saves you time, effort, and money. A laundromat with high employee turnover struggles to maintain customer service quality and business consistency.

Best Practices for Employee Retention:

1️⃣ Offer Competitive Pay & Perks

• Pay at least slightly above the local minimum wage to attract and keep good employees.
• Offer small incentives (e.g., monthly bonuses for perfect attendance).

2️⃣ Create a Positive Work Environment

• Acknowledge good work with praise and small rewards.
• Give employees a say in scheduling whenever possible.
• Treat them with respect—nobody wants to work in a toxic environment.

3️⃣ Give Employees Growth Opportunities

• Cross-train employees so they can learn new skills (e.g., train an attendant on wash & fold services).
• If possible, promote from within—employees are more likely to stay if they see a future in your business.

4️⃣ Be a Great Leader

• Provide clear expectations and regular feedback.
• Check in with employees to see how they’re feeling about the job.
• Encourage an open-door policy where employees feel comfortable bringing up concerns.

💡 Pro Tip: Celebrate Milestones! Recognize work anniversaries, employee achievements, and birthdays to build a sense of community.

Final Thoughts: Build a Team That Helps Your Business Grow

Hiring, training, and retaining laundromat attendants isn’t just about filling shifts—it’s about building a reliable, customer-focused team that keeps your business running smoothly.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Hire for attitude & reliability—skills can be taught!
✅ Train employees thoroughly so they feel confident and capable.
✅ Invest in your staff’s success to keep them long-term.

🚀 Need more help with laundromat staffing and operations? Join the Laundry Advisors community for expert advice, exclusive tools, and proven strategies to grow your business!