launderette

Premises containing coin-operated washing machines for public use. The first launderette, called a washetaria, was opened in Fort Worth, Texas in 1934; they were introduced in London by the Bendix company in 1949. The appeal of launderettes was due to the new, sophisticated machines that could wash, rinse, and spin in a single automatic operation. Launderettes with additional features, such as tumble-driers, have become common services in every town.