Let’s be honest: in Kenya, laundry day can be a backbreaking, day-long chore. Whether you’re dealing with Nairobi’s dust or the humid coastal heat, getting your clothes truly clean and dried shouldn’t take up your entire weekend.

Finding the best laundry service isn’t just about the shop nearest to your estate. Many older “dry cleaners” use outdated machines and harsh chemicals like PERC that can wear out your clothes. You don’t want to pay premium prices for machines that haven’t been serviced since the 90s.

Here are a few tips to remember when looking for the best laundry partner near you.

Convenience is King: From Pickup to Parking

Lugging heavy bags of laundry through traffic or on a matatu is frustrating. If you prefer to drop off your clothes, look for a location like Weclean that offers easy access and ample parking. There’s nothing worse than arriving with a week’s worth of clothes only to find the shop is overcrowded or has no place to park.

Better yet, look for a service that offers reliable pickup and delivery. In today’s Kenya, the best laundromat is the one that comes to your doorstep.

Pay via M-PESA, Not Just Cash

We live in a world where carrying a thick wad of cash is becoming a thing of the past. Modern laundry hubs should be tech-savvy. Whether you are at the counter or paying for a delivery, you should be able to pay easily via M-PESA or Card. If a shop says “Cash Only,” they might be stuck in the past in more ways than one.

Sort and Segregate: Protect Your Kitenges and Silks

If you’re like most people, your laundry basket is a mix of gym clothes, office wear, and delicate Kitenge fabrics. While it’s tempting to throw everything into one machine, you’ll likely regret it when your white shirts turn pink.

• Color: Separate your bright Ankara prints from your whites.

• Fabric: Keep heavy denim away from delicate silks and wools.

• Soil Level: Muddy clothes from a weekend hike in Ngong Hills should never be washed with your light office blouses.

Choosing the Right Detergent for Kenyan Water

Walking down the laundry aisle at Carrefour or Naivas can be overwhelming. There are hundreds of scents and brands, but here’s the breakdown:

• Liquid Detergent: Best for the “Gentle Cycle” and pre-treating stains. It dissolves better in the varied water types we have across the country.

• Powder Detergent: It might not have the “cool” factor of new pods, but high-quality powder is still the most effective and affordable choice for heavily soiled everyday cottons.