06/17/2005
Out, Out Damn Spot!
So I took a big bag of my favorite summer clothes to this Wash & Fold on Houston and Bedford last week, and they came back covered in permanent oily spots! When I complained, the grumpy women who work there said there was nothing they could do about it. Not - their - fault.
I'm basically going to have to replace 13 t-shirts, 7 pairs of underwear, and 3 pairs of shorts. Does it suck not having a washer/dryer in my apartment? Yes. But what sucks more is that the Wash & Fold business is so unreliable and won't be held accountable. Last week five pairs of Hanes underwear that weren't mine showed up in the clean laundry bag I received back from them, and I've already had a few articles of my own clothing disappear mysteriously.
So, without a real alternative Wash & Fold nearby, I'm basically at their mercy, which is why I propose that New York City institute a Wash & Fold Bill of Rights like the one they created for taxicab passengers.
As a customer you would have the right to:
* Choice of detergent, fabric softener and bleach.
* Limit on number of articles of clothing crammed into a single washer.
* Double-checking of pockets.
* Separation of whites and colors.
* Inventory of clothing articles with all pieces returned.
* A courteous, English-speaking wash person.
* Hot water and stain remover on demand.
* Clean washing machines and dryers.
* Champagne upon pick-up. (okay that's a bit of a stretch but one can dream)
I realize I may sound like a bitchy old lady but for those of us that pay through the nose only to be rudely addressed when we enter the laundromat, have our clothing slowly ruined wash after wash, and lose beloved T-shirts to the wormhole that clearly exists in most NYC Wash & Folds, it's the least the city can do.
Anybody know any good alternative Wash & Folds in this area? And if any of you happen to frequent this place beware! They may ruin your clothes!
Damn that felt good.
Sphere: Related ContentPosted 8:30 AM EST by Andy in New York | Permalink
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Andy, that absolutely sucks. There must be some recourse for you to go after them. A business must be responsible for their practices. Imagine if this were to happen at your mechanic, or worse, doctor. You should research NY consumer advocacy groups (does 411 still exist?). If all else fails, I suggest a molotov cocktail.
Posted by: Gabriel | Jun 17, 2005 9:02:01 AM
So you don't have washer/dryer connections in your apartment? That sucks! I've never lived in NYC, so I have no idea what that is like...every apartment I ever lived in, in Texas, Minnesota, Colorado and California always had washer/dryer's in them...now I'm in a house and I have an entire laundry room all to myself ;)
How about this...Send me your clothes Andy, I'll "do" them for you and then send them back...and I promise that any new stains will not be of an oily nature...protein enhanced, maybe, but no oil ;)
Posted by: Wayne | Jun 17, 2005 9:04:40 AM
Also, go to maps.google.com and type "laundromats near 10014" for a list of places nearby.
Posted by: Gabriel | Jun 17, 2005 9:04:42 AM
DO NOT PISS OFF A MAN WITH A FORUM! Good for you for speading the word. Nobody has to but up with bad service.
Posted by: Donald | Jun 17, 2005 9:09:07 AM
I had a dry cleaner that stretched "bubbles" as I would call them into my stretch cotton dress shirts when they pressed them because they would pull on them, Again, they said that they were not responsible that it was the nature of the fabric, which is all bullsh*t. I contacted the Better Business Bureau and filed a complaint. Unreletaed, they closed thier business a few months later. What ever happened to Customer Service?
Posted by: Will | Jun 17, 2005 9:16:49 AM
Here, here Andy. Let me know if you need any help in your campaign. I haven't had TOO much trouble with my laundry (in fact, I'm heading there this morning on my way to work) but I do end up other people's clothes every once in a while. Last week it was a sock that said "sex maniac" on it.
Posted by: Jon | Jun 17, 2005 9:21:44 AM
Dude, sell your underwear on eBay. You're hot!
Posted by: warren | Jun 17, 2005 9:23:40 AM
Dude, sell your underwear on eBay. You're hot!
Posted by: warren | Jun 17, 2005 9:23:40 AM
Finally, a little bit of fluff on here... I feel your gain...
Posted by: Michael Peterson | Jun 17, 2005 9:23:43 AM
I haven't even been able to find anyone doing Wash & Fold out here. All they want to do is put out washers and collect your quarters, without any actual work. I fear that if I ever do find Wash & Fold, though, my results will be the same as yours (if I'm lucky). The service industry just sucks these days.
Posted by: Chuck | Jun 17, 2005 9:25:40 AM
I have a washer/dryer, but get lazy sometimes and take my stuff to Village Bleachers, 11th @ University Pl. May be a few blocks out of your range, but they speak english, are very cool and friendly, and have always done a great job. And they definately won't shoot a load all over your britches like Wayne.
Posted by: Ian | Jun 17, 2005 9:25:56 AM
If you are looking for phenomenal service...try laundryspa.com. It's not crazy pricey and they pick it up and drop it off.
Posted by: Dramarama | Jun 17, 2005 9:28:00 AM
Knock on wood, the lovely dominican ladies at the laundromat on 16th between 7th and 8th do a very nice job. I know they're not exactly in your neighborhood, but I just want to give them a shout-out. holla!
Posted by: mp | Jun 17, 2005 9:31:22 AM
I love Andrew and his kids at City Laundry, 212-253-0999, drop off / pick up!
Posted by: atomische | Jun 17, 2005 9:34:15 AM
It's a little bit decadent, but the Laundry Spa is available in your area. Costs more than a Wash & Fold, but I suppose it's cheaper than having to replace your summer wardrobe. They pick up and drop off your clothes, sort and package your clothes logically, and scent the package when it's all done. Here's what Apartment Therapy has to say about it.
I'm surprised there isn't a clear posting of liability conditions at the W&F. Mine is not responsible for missing clothes or buttons and such, but will make reparation for damaged or stained clothing... But I don't suppose you want to do your laundry in Chelsea.
Posted by: Norman | Jun 17, 2005 9:35:25 AM
I love Ang Cleaners at Leroy @ Bleecker. In by 9:30, out by 5:30. I've only had 1 errant sock make it in to my bag and never lost anything.
Posted by: Doug | Jun 17, 2005 9:47:04 AM
You should be sure to mention to them that you have a widely read online presence and that you have broadcast your discontent. I have read cases where that is enough to make an errant business suddenly obtain a conscience.
Posted by: Aatom | Jun 17, 2005 10:09:41 AM
It may be a bit of a schlepp for you, but I've been going to a Wash & Fold on Hudson and W. 12th for 7 years, with never a mistake or a ruined garment. AND they give out a bottle of wine at Christmas! Love them.
Posted by: Todd Michaels | Jun 17, 2005 10:15:16 AM
There is a reliable place on Thompson St., between Prince and Spring. On the north west part of the street right next to the park. If your nice to the owners and tell them your experience they are great folk.
Posted by: matt-chicago | Jun 17, 2005 10:17:46 AM
I had that same experience when I lived in a walk up at 81st between York and 1st years ago. You would think a ritzy neighborhood like that would have reliable wash and fold establishments but noooooo!!
I now live in an apartment building in Hell's Kitchen where there are washers and dryers at the basement and honeys, the neighborhood may not be my favorite but what a relief to be able to do my laundry without leaving my building. For that reason alone, I don't want to move anymore.
Posted by: gabe | Jun 17, 2005 10:24:01 AM
I feel your pain. After one too many mishaps like yours, I've resorted to doing my own laundry. Sure, it sucks and dealing with "drier nazis" is annoying, but I never lose any favorites. Something to consider...
Posted by: joey | Jun 17, 2005 10:32:33 AM
I know this may totally suck...but you can always wash it yourself right? I don't trust ANYONE with my clothes..those Wash 'n Fold places do a shit job and I don't trust them to handle my clothes...
Posted by: Roy | Jun 17, 2005 10:41:28 AM
I would handwash anything you don't want to lose.
Posted by: The Taipei Kid | Jun 17, 2005 10:57:41 AM
there's a laundromat on Carmine between Bedford and Seventh that i've used before...and they didn't screw up my clothes
Posted by: Rob | Jun 17, 2005 11:53:24 AM
I had that happen once and it was due to a Chapstick I had left in my pocket. Check you pockets!
Posted by: Timothy | Jun 17, 2005 11:54:39 AM