Washburn Wash-n-Fold opens on Main St.
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
WASHBURN — A new business has been added on Main Street, offering individuals a cleaning alternative that’s easy and convenient.
Staff photos/Kathy McCarty
WASHBURN WASH-N-FOLD owners Mike Gallagher and Mark Kelley stand outside the laundromat they recently opened in Washburn on Main Street.
MIKE GALLAGHER and Mark Kelley, owners of the Washburn Wash-N-Fold, show off the brightly-lit facility which features four washers and dryers, a large folding table and seating for patrons. The facility is located on Main Street, near the Wilder Street intersection.
Co-owners Mark Kelley and Mike Gallagher officially opened the Washburn Wash-n-Fold in June.
“The facility is open Monday-Sunday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.,” said Gallagher.
“It features four washers and four dryers,” noted Kelley.
Gallagher said he and Kelley were looking at business options and decided this was something “the community needed.”
“This was something the people needed. We want to help build the community/town,” said Gallagher. “There’s definitely a requirement for it.”
“The building’s been vacant for a while. There was space in it, so we decided this would make a good fit,” said Kelley.
The machines are coin-operated and are mid-sized commercial grade washers and dryers.
“They’re fast-drying propane dryers. Everything’s brand new,” Kelley said. “They run on quick cycles, so there’s not a lot of wait time involved.”
The space provides plenty of room for those who wish to sit and wait for a load of laundry, with a large folding counter available.
“Everything’s new, clean and makes for easy laundry care,” said Kelley.
“We have seating for patrons and there’s a vending machine outside,” added Gallagher.
The site is conveniently located, with ample parking.
“We’ve also installed a surveillance camera, so you can leave your laundry and run an errand and not worry about leaving your items behind,” said Gallagher. “The security camera allows you to walk away — go grocery shopping or attend a school function — without worrying about your belongings.”
Kelley, who owns Country Farms Market just up the street from the laundromat, said he and Gallagher are open to suggestions if anyone has other ideas for businesses they’d like to see in town.
“This is a good fit for the town, with the store just a few feet away. We’re interested in doing more, if we can find the right project,” said Kelley.
“If there’s more we can do, we will,” said Gallagher. “Having a laundromat locally saves time and gas. Maybe your washer’s broken or you don’t have one. Or maybe that comforter just won’t fit in your home machine. There are a number of reasons folks use a laundromat; we’re here to meet those needs.”
The building is located adjacent to the community park in the heart of town. The structure, which formerly housed a hair salon, was divided into two spaces: one for the laundromat and the other for an office.
