Doing Laundry in Madrid
You wouldn't imagine this would even rate a topic, but as you'll see, it turns out to be a little involved. I hope you find the information here helpful.
Laundromats are plentiful in Madrid, but in many cases, the washing machines automatically dispenses detergent into your load. This would be a welcome convenience and economy except that this detergent is invariably scented. I mean, heavily scented.
(This appears to involve a legitimate cultural difference; in the US, we've moved away from scented anything, where in Madrid, finding unscented detergent is a project.)
So when you're ready to do your laundry, do this:
- At the nearest Carrefour market, buy baby detergent. Baby detergent is the only unscented detergent I was able to find.
- Take your load, and the detergent, to a wash & fold business, and ask the proprietor specifically to use your detergent with your load.
Wash & fold outfits are everywhere, and they are very, very cheap. I used one called Tintorería & Lavandería Ballesta 8, and it was just what I needed.
Hope this helps.