Why Japanese Coin Laundries Are the Cleanest in the World (It’s Not Just Magic)
Forget Your Old Image of Laundromats
In many countries, public laundromats can be dark, dirty, and places you want to avoid. Travelers often worry: “Is it safe to wash my clothes in a public machine in Japan? Won’t they get dirtier?”
Set those worries aside. Japanese coin laundries are in a completely different league. They are incredibly clean, bright, and packed with high technology specifically designed for hygiene.
The Secret Feature: “Drum Cleaning” (ドラム洗浄)
This is the most important feature that surprises many visitors. Before you put your clothes in, many modern Japanese washing machines have a special button or function called “Drum Cleaning” (ドラム洗浄).
When you press this (sometimes it’s automatic for free, sometimes it costs a small fee like 100 JPY), the empty drum spins violently and rinses itself with water to wash away any dust or residue from the previous user.
This means you are always starting with a freshly cleaned machine. It’s a simple feature, but it shows Japan’s dedication to cleanliness.
Powerful Gas Dryers = Sanitization
In Japan, hanging clothes outside is common, but coin laundries use powerful industrial gas dryers. These get much hotter than home electric dryers.
The high heat (often over 70°C / 158°F) not only dries your clothes fast but also effectively kills bacteria, mites, and odors. Your clothes come out feeling fluffy, hot, and incredibly sanitized. This is especially helpful during Japan’s humid summers.
A Culture of Cleanliness
Beyond the technology, the shops themselves are kept clean. Owners clean them frequently, and Japanese users generally follow manners well, leaving the space tidy for the next person.
You can use Japanese coin laundries with total peace of mind. Your clothes will likely come out cleaner than they would at home!
