There are lavaderos (Laundromats) on every street, but they are valet service. The person there washes your clothes for you.
So last week, after being here for about a week and a half, I decided I needed to do laundry. The truth is, I just didn't bring that may clothes. I elected to not have my jeans or pj's washed to save $$, but I had a few articles that I didn't want in the dryer. I went to the lavadero, explained that I didn't want the articles in the specified bag put in the dryer, and was told I could return within 3 hours or by 7:20 that evening. I wasn't able to pick up my clothes until the next morning, but it cost 36 pesos. That's a little more than 10 bucks. The price was a little more than I expected since most things are cheaper here than in the US (but maybe I've just gotten used to free laundry at school). I figured I'd just bring my laundry to the lavadero this week and do it myself.
I lied, I actually can do my own laundry, but the price is the same, whether I do it myself or the owner does it. That just doesn't make sense to me. I've become accustomed to washing certain clothing in hot water, others by hand, some go in the dryer, some are hung; therefore, doing my own laundry is more convenient than explaining to someone else how I want my clothes washed. This also results in more small loads and more money.
I ended up doing my own laundry today with help of the owner as he explained how to operate the machines. I used 3 washers (totally could have fit it into two) and one dryer. The result being my room filled with half dry jeans and my bathroom crowded with damp shirts and underwear. It was 32 pesos, but at least I got all my clothes washed this time.
The remedy: Yesterday I bought a small tub, so I can hand wash the clothes that I don't want in the dryer. Today my jeans might have gotten the only bath they're getting in the next 6 months. I will bring the rest of my clothes to the lavadero for valet service when necessary, but will skip the dryer. That should run me about 16 pesos a week.
But why aren't there self-service laundry mats here?!
