Laundromat 42 in Parma Heights features state-of-the-art equipment and an “all the comforts of home” décor
By Patricia Nugent
Right behind death and taxes, another thing we all share in common is dirty laundry (not the past secrets kind, though no doubt that’s a common denominator, too).
Luckily, the newly opened Laundromat 42
in Parma Heights features state-of-the-art equipment and an “all the comforts of home” décor that makes doing laundry a sheer pleasure.
Opened this month by husband and wife Bill and Carol Smith, the bright, airy, self-serve, coin-operated business features comfy new furniture, new modern flooring and pale green walls adorned with charming vintage Cleveland artwork. To keep things even more local, a large-scale panoramic mural is in the works that features beloved landmarks of Parma Heights.
But First, a Little Backstory
The origin of Laundromat 42 is adorable and ironic.
Bill and Carol spent years in the commercial cleaning business. They were successful, and that meant they spent a lot of time in laundromats washing all of their cleaning cloths. They weren’t happy with their experience, always saying to each other, “If I owned a laundromat, I’d do this or that differently.”
In 2013, they decided to open Denier Laundromat in Middleburg Heights. This year, when the chance came for another location within a shopping center three miles west, they jumped at the opportunity and Laundromat 42 (which is named after Pearl Road, or Route 42) was born.
With years in the industry, Bill is familiar with which types of washers and dryers are the most durable and efficient. They purchased top-of-the-line Fagor industrial washers: six large capacity 60-pound units, recommended for king-size and queen-size bedspreads, comforters and extra-large loads; six 40-pound units for twin and full-sized ones and large loads; and 14 20-pound Maytag washers for regular loads. The 30 high-efficiency 30-pound dryers feature a continuous timed tumble cycle at the end, so clothes won’t become wrinkled if you’re not there to pull them out. For added convenience, they offer tables for folding and movable racks to hang shirts.
Most of their customers are regulars, from families to individuals, apartment residents and college students. They also serve commercial cleaners and local businesses that need uniforms laundered.
“We also attract folks who are staying at nearby hotels and need things like team uniforms cleaned for tournaments,” says Bill, who is hands-on and at the business every day.
Taking Every Precaution for Safety
“Much of the time, it’s women doing laundry and they are by themselves,” says Carol. “We went above and beyond when it comes to safety measures. We made sure the ample parking lot in back is well-lit and there’s a security door entrance.”
They also installed 24/7 camera surveillance of every angle of the interior, with no blind spots. They can monitor it while there or via their phones during off-duty hours.
Covid precautions are ongoing, with daily sanitizing and a maximum capacity of 10 allowed inside at the same time.
They’ll Even Do Your Laundry for You
For busy working folks, or just those who would like to have their clothes laundered and folded by someone else, this service is available by appointment.
The Smiths say their favorite part of the business is getting to know the regulars.
“I enjoy chatting with people and helping them out when I can,” he says. “Sometimes regulars who know I’m here first thing in the morning to open up will bring me coffee or a donut, which is pretty neat.”
Laundromat 42 is located at 6416 Pearl Road in Parma Heights. Wi-Fi is free and vending machines are available. Hours are
7 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day, with the last wash at 8 p.m. Denier Laundromat is located at 7547 Pearl Road in Middleburg Heights. Just call 440-234-9680 or visit Laundromat42.com for more information.