Is it safe to use a commercial laundromat washing machine shared with many families?

What's actually in it

A laundromat washer runs continuously through loads from dozens of different households. Each household uses different detergents, fabric softeners, and bleaches. Residues from prior loads get into the next load, including heavy fragrance, dye, microfibers from synthetic clothing, and sometimes bleach carry-over. Kids with eczema and adults with chemical sensitivities often flare after laundromat trips.

Commercial washers also tend to be poorly maintained, which means the filter traps and biofilm layers are dirtier than a home machine.

What the research says

A 2026 study in Sci Rep developed a methodology to study release of fragmented fibres, including microplastics, in laboratory washing conditions. The study showed that fiber release depends on cycle length, water temperature, and existing machine load. Machines with accumulated prior-load residue released more into each new load.

When using a laundromat, run an empty hot-water cycle first to clear residue before loading clothes (most laundromats let you do this). Use a fragrance-free detergent brought from home. Wash in cold water to reduce microplastic shedding. Dry at home on a rack when possible, or use a single-dryer machine instead of shared big ones. A Guppyfriend bag catches microfibers from synthetic items.