Drop-off Wash-and-Fold Laundry
Wash, dry and fold other people's laundry from a small unit, with pick-up or drop-off.
- C$15k-60k
- Part-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A small laundry unit with a few commercial machines where you wash, dry and fold customers' bags of laundry. It is a smaller, lower-cost take on a laundromat, because you run the machines yourself rather than letting customers use them.
Your first three steps
- Check local drop-off prices and decide your rates, turnaround time and service area
- Find a small rentable unit and price a few commercial washers and dryers, then ask the municipality about zoning and permits
- Pitch short-term rental hosts, landlords and local gyms or salons for your first regular accounts
Who pays
Busy professionals, families, landlords and short-term rental hosts, and small businesses such as salons or gyms.
How it makes money
Customers pay per kilogram or per bag, with extras for bedding, delivery or rush service. Regular accounts with landlords or small businesses give steadier income.
Skills that help
- Organising and tracking orders
- Care of different fabrics
- Reliable customer service
Watch out for
- Commercial general liability insurance, plus cover for customers' items in your care
- Check municipal zoning and licence rules, and whether your unit has suitable plumbing and venting
- Running a laundry from a home is often restricted, so check municipal rules first
- Lost or damaged items lead to disputes, so keep a clear tagging system and written terms
- Winter driving can slow pick-ups and deliveries if you offer them
- Check WCB/WSIB rules in your province before hiring help
- Register for GST/HST when required
🔒 Full research report for Canada
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a wash-and-fold laundry in Canada?
Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on the unit you rent, the number of commercial machines you buy and whether you offer pick-up and delivery.
How much can a wash-and-fold laundry business earn?
Estimates put monthly revenue typically around $3,000 to $14,000, depending on how many regular customers you win, such as households, rental hosts and small businesses. The idea starts at about 20 hours a week.
What rules should I check before starting a laundry service in Canada?
Things to check: commercial general liability insurance, including cover for customers' items; municipal zoning and licence rules and whether the unit has suitable plumbing and venting; home laundry restrictions; WCB/WSIB rules before hiring help; and GST/HST registration.
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