A laundromat, also known as a launderette, is a business in which you pay to have your clothes laundered. Essentially, a laundromat usually has a number of washing machines side by side and sometimes multiple layers high where you can pay to use their washing machines.
Laundromats are essential businesses, as not everybody has a washing machine. Laundry services are especially important for travellers and backpackers who do not have access to a washing machine and are running out of clean clothes.
Every laundromat will differ in it's prices, however the price is usually affordable and is written on the washing machine itself. Usually coins are needed to activate the machine. Some laundromats are cashless and require tokens or can be activated via credit card.
At a laundromat, it is typically expected that you will do your own laundry (self-service) and you are simply paying for the cost of the machine. It is rare to be able to leave your laundry and have it cleaned for you. A dry cleaning service does, however, provide this option.
In Australia it is usually quite easy to find a laundry service. Local Business Guide has a range of laundromats in all states and territories. This is because self-service laundry is a popular concept in Australia, as opposed to some other countries such as New Zealand.