Walking down the streets, you’ll often see traditional laundry shops.
Inside, clothes are neatly hung, and workers are hand-washing and ironing garments—a familiar sight in Vietnam.
But we all know one thing: the laundry market is changing.
As income levels rise and lifestyles evolve, people are demanding more convenient and premium laundry services.
So, how will Vietnam’s laundry market transform in the future?
By comparing it with the laundry industries in the United States, South Korea, and Vietnam, we can identify clear trends.
Comparison of the Laundry Markets in the U.S., South Korea, and Vietnam – Where Are We Now?
The development of laundry services varies by country, both in speed and approach.
In the United States, self-service laundromats have been a part of daily life for decades.
In South Korea, the market has traditionally focused on dry cleaning, but self-service laundromats are now rapidly expanding.
So, where does Vietnam stand?
For now, traditional laundry shops still dominate, but a new wave of change is beginning to take shape.
| Country | Traditional Laundry Shops | Self-Service Laundromats | Market Characteristics |
| USA | Almost none | Over 100 years of development | High labor costs, self-laundry culture, spacious locations |
| South Korea | Strong (Dry cleaning-focused) | Growth since 2017 | Rising labor costs, limited space, service-oriented |
| Vietnam | Strong (Hand washing + Traditional shops) | Early adoption stage | Low labor costs, evolving laundry culture |
- In the United States, self-laundry culture is deeply rooted, and with ample space available, coin laundromats have been developing for over 100 years.
- South Korea has traditionally focused on dry cleaning, but due to rising labor costs and limited space, self-service laundromats are expanding rapidly.
- In Vietnam, hand washing and traditional laundry shops still dominate, but as urbanization progresses, the demand for new laundry services is increasing.
How Is the Laundry Service in Vietnam Changing?
Not long ago, I had a conversation with a Vietnamese customer.
"Taking clothes to a laundry shop is convenient, but honestly, most people still hand-wash at home."
He said it as if it were obvious—and indeed, it is.
Many households still rely on hand-washing.
Even though washing machines have become more common, many people prefer traditional hand-washing methods.
This is especially true for delicate fabrics or small garments, which are often washed by hand rather than taken to a laundry shop.
Small laundry shops are found on every street corner.
As you walk through neighborhoods, you can see many small laundry businesses everywhere.
They offer affordable prices and basic laundry services, which are often sufficient.
However, the biggest issue is the lack of consistency in service quality.
People’s lifestyles are changing.
More and more people want to save time in their busy daily lives instead of spending it dropping off and picking up laundry.
Additionally, there is a growing awareness that luxury garments, suits, and dresses require professional care.
Can Self-Service Laundromats Succeed in Vietnam?
Most people respond with a similar question:
"Labor is still cheap here, so do we really need self-service laundromats?"
And that is a valid point.
One of the main reasons for adopting self-service laundromats is to reduce labor costs, but in Vietnam, this advantage is not yet significant.
Traditional laundries offer affordable services, making them a convenient choice for many.
However, the laundry market is not driven by price alone.
Changing Lifestyles of Young Generations
In major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, younger generations are starting to prefer 24/7 self-service laundromats.
For busy professionals and students, self-service laundromats provide flexibility and convenience, allowing them to do their laundry on their own time.
Rising Demand for Premium Laundry Services
In high-income areas, the demand for premium laundry services is growing rapidly.
Customers are looking for more than just clean clothes—they need specialized care for luxury handbags, high-end suits, and designer dresses.
A Hybrid Future: Premium Services + Self-Service Laundromats
As Vietnam’s laundry industry evolves, the market is likely to develop into a combination of premium services and self-service laundromats, catering to both convenience and high-end garment care.
Wash Friends: What Role Does It Play in Vietnam’s Laundry Market?
For a long time, laundries in Vietnam have operated in the same traditional way.
Customers drop off their laundry, wait a few days, and then pick it up—a simple, repetitive process.
But customer lifestyles are changing.
And amid this shift, Wash Friends is redefining Vietnam’s laundry culture in a completely new way, setting itself apart from traditional laundries.
Vietnam’s Laundry Market: A Change is Needed
A customer once said,
"My clothes do get clean when I take them to a laundry shop, but sometimes I worry whether they are being properly cared for."
In reality, many people share the same concerns.
Will my luxury garments be damaged during cleaning?
What if my clothes get mixed up with someone else’s in a busy laundry shop?
Today, customers expect more than just clean clothes.
They seek better quality, more careful handling, and greater convenience.
And Wash Friends is setting new standards for Vietnam’s laundry industry to meet these evolving expectations.
What strategies will Wash Friends use to expand in Vietnam?
And how will it establish itself as the country’s leading premium laundry brand?
[Part 2] Continuing with Wash Friends' Market Expansion Strategy in Vietnam.
