Best Vending Machines for Laundromats and Laundry Rooms
Looking to boost income at your laundromat or apartment building? Here are the best vending machines for laundry rooms and laundromats, including soap, snacks, and drinks — all compact and reliable.
When I started expanding my vending route, one of the smartest moves I made was placing machines in laundromats and apartment laundry rooms. These high-dwell-time spots are perfect for vending. People are often waiting for 30–60 minutes — and that’s plenty of time for them to grab a snack, drink, or even detergent.
If you’re looking to invest in vending machines that perform well in laundry environments, here’s what’s worked best for me and other vendors I’ve worked with.
Table of Contents
What to Look For in a Laundromat Vending Machine
Here’s what I personally look for when placing vending machines in laundry locations:
- ✅ Compact footprint for tight corners or hallways
- ✅ Low noise level so it doesn’t disturb customers
- ✅ Durability — laundromats get dusty and humid
- ✅ Variety — sell both essentials and impulse items
- ✅ Cashless payment options — ideal for customers using laundry cards or mobile wallets
Top Vending Machines for Laundromats & Laundry Rooms (2025 Models)
1. Seaga INF5B Compact Drink Vending Machine
This is my go-to drink machine for laundromats. It’s compact, energy-efficient, and fits through most commercial doorways.
Why I Like It:
- Holds up to 240 drinks
- Compatible with card readers
- Plug-and-play ready
- Quiet compressor
2. USELECT-IT Soap and Laundry Supply Vending Machine
A must-have in laundry-only locations. This machine sells travel-sized detergent packs, dryer sheets, and fabric softeners.
Key Features:
- 9–18 selection slots
- Adjustable to fit various box sizes
- Built for low-maintenance operation
- Tamper-proof coin system
➡️ [Check with laundry equipment distributors or refurbished resellers]
3. VEVOR Combo Vending Machine (Snacks + Drinks)
Perfect for medium-sized laundry rooms. Offers both snack and beverage options in one clean design.
Highlights:
- 20–30 product slots
- LED-lit interior
- Pre-programmed for quick install
- Optional cashless kit
4. Mechanical Soap Vending Cabinet (Wall-Mounted)
If you want something simple, manual, and budget-friendly, this is a great option. Perfect for apartment buildings or small coin-op laundry rooms.
Specs:
- No electricity needed
- Push-button operation
- Secure lock and coin drawer
- 3–6 compartments for soaps and softeners
5. AMS Sensit Snack Machine (Refurbished)
For larger laundromats, I love the reliability of the AMS Sensit snack machine. I’ve had one running in a 24/7 laundromat with almost zero issues.
Why It Works:
- Dual helix delivery system
- Large capacity and flexible tray design
- Vend sensors to reduce product jams
- Built for long-term use in rough environments
➡️ [Check vending resellers for used or refurbished models]
Best-Selling Items in Laundromat Vending Machines
Here’s what sells best for me in laundromats:
Essentials:
- Tide PODS
- Bounce dryer sheets
- Gain powder packs
- Dryer balls
Snacks & Drinks:
- Bottled water and sodas
- Chips, cookies, and crackers
- Mini chocolate bars or gum
- Energy drinks (especially evenings)
➡️ Shop soap vending refills and snack packs on Amazon
Tips for Laundromat Vending Success
- Ask the owner for peak hours before restocking
- Use clear labels for laundry items with large fonts
- Clean machines weekly — lint builds up fast
- Offer bundle deals (3 soap packs for $2, etc.)
- Use telemetry if possible for high-traffic spots
- Avoid loud compressors — laundromat noise is already high
Final Thoughts
Laundromats and laundry rooms are hidden gems for vending machine income. With the right setup — a soap vending machine, a compact snack unit, or even a combo machine — you can turn idle wait time into consistent weekly cash flow.
If you’re just getting started, I recommend starting with one compact combo machine or a laundry essentials dispenser, then scale based on traffic. These setups have worked extremely well for me and require very little maintenance when placed correctly.
One of the biggest advantages of placing a vending machine in a laundromat is the predictable customer behavior. People are already standing around with time to spare, and when they realize they forgot detergent or just want a snack, your machine becomes the solution.
I’ve also noticed that impulse purchases go up in laundromats, especially with candy, soda, and chips. If your machine is clean, well-lit, and stocked with recognizable brands, customers are more likely to buy without hesitation.
Some laundry room operators overlook the opportunity to offer premium products. I’ve stocked small packs of eco-friendly detergent and even single-use fabric sprays — and they sold out faster than I expected. People appreciate convenience, especially when it’s within reach.
You can also bundle laundry-related items to increase your average transaction. For example, 1 detergent pod + 1 dryer sheet for a set price. Some machines allow combo selections, or you can group items in small bags or boxes.
If your machine supports it, offering multi-price selections is key. I keep everyday items like dryer sheets at $0.75, while detergent pods or fabric softener sheets go for $1.50 or more. The variety allows you to serve different customer budgets.
Don’t forget about payment flexibility. I’ve seen a big jump in sales after adding a tap-to-pay card reader to my laundromat machine. Many customers don’t carry change — especially if the laundromat already uses a card system for washers and dryers.
Another tip is to place clear instructions on how to use vending items. I include a label on my soap machine that says “1 pod = 1 load” or “Best for front-load washers.” It helps prevent confusion and builds trust in the product.
If your machine is in a shared apartment laundry room, you’ll want something quiet and compact. Residents don’t want to hear loud compressors or fans. Smaller machines that fit against the wall or in a corner are ideal for these setups.
I’ve had great results from simply asking customers what they want. One laundromat owner gave me feedback that customers wanted water more than soda — so I made the switch and saw a 20% increase in drink sales the next month.
Location within the room also matters. I always try to place my vending machines near the entrance or the change machine, where customers are most likely to stop and look. Visibility drives sales — period.
Laundromats are also excellent places to test new vending ideas, like single-use laundry bags, bleach wipes, or even hand sanitizer. If it fits the environment and serves a need, there’s a good chance it’ll sell.
Lastly, make sure to restock your laundry vending machines regularly. Unlike snack machines in offices that may get used slowly, laundromats can burn through essentials fast — especially on weekends or at the beginning of each month when traffic spikes.