Student Without a Washing Machine? How to Wash Clothes Easily in Athens

Student life in Athens has a lot going for it — but also one everyday thorn: where do you wash your clothes when your home has no washing machine? Most studios near the centre are rented without home appliances, and buying your own washing machine for one or two years of studies often makes no sense — neither financially nor space-wise.

The good news: you don't need a washing machine to have clean, dry, fresh-smelling clothes. In this guide you'll see why a self-service laundry solves the student problem, roughly how much it costs per month, how long it takes and where to find WashSpot next to your school.

1) Why self-service solves the student problem

A self-service laundry is made exactly for people who don't have (or don't want) a washing machine at home. You go with your dirty laundry, put a load in a professional machine, and soon leave with clothes clean and dry, ready for the wardrobe.

For a student the advantages are concrete:

• Zero investment: you don't buy a washing machine, you don't pay for installation, and nothing of yours breaks down.
• Zero space: your studio stays free — no machine «eating up» square metres.
• Washing and drying together: you don't depend on a balcony or a clothesline, even when it's raining or humid.
• Large loads: you wash a lot at once, so you don't have to do it all the time.

If it's your first time and you want to see step by step how it works, take a look at the guide «How a self-service laundry works».

2) How much it costs per month

The cost depends on how often you wash. Most students get by with one load a week — clothes, underwear, one or two towels, and sheets every other week. Because the machines are large, you don't need to go every couple of days: you gather everything and wash once.

The monthly cost for a student is almost always lower than owning your own washing machine, once you factor in the purchase, electricity, water and maintenance. To see exactly what determines the price — load size, drying, detergent — read the full article «How much washing at a self-service laundry costs».

3) How long it takes (between classes)

A full wash and dry is completed in about 60 minutes. That means it fits easily into your day: you drop off the load, go for a coffee or to study, and come back to collect your clothes dry.

And the best part for a student: you don't have to stay inside. As soon as the machine starts, you can leave for class and come back. If you prefer to stay, every WashSpot store has free Wi-Fi, so you can get an assignment done on your laptop while you wait.

4) WashSpot near universities (Exarcheia & Goudi)

The big advantage for students is the location. Two WashSpot stores are in areas full of students and university schools:

• WashSpot Exarcheia — Ippokratous 153: in the heart of one of the most student-filled neighbourhoods, close to the centre and to schools in central Athens.
• WashSpot Goudi — Sinopis 51: ideal if you live or study towards the University Campus and the Goudi area.

Both are open 7 days a week, from 07:00 until midnight — so you can wash either early in the morning before class or late at night after studying.

5) Money-saving tips (a full machine)

A few simple habits make your laundry even cheaper:

• Fill the machine: one large load costs less than two small ones. Gather your dirty laundry and wash it all together.
• Sort properly: whites with whites, colours with colours — you avoid mishaps and second washes.
• Share with a flatmate: if you live together, one shared load a week works out cheaper for each of you.
• Choose the right programme: everyday clothes don't need high temperatures — a lower setting means less energy use and better-protected fabrics.

6) What to watch out for

So that nothing catches you unprepared:

• Coins or notes? There's a coin-exchange machine in the store, so you don't need to hunt for change in advance.
• Detergent: it's available on site, but if you have your favourite you can bring it along.
• Empty your pockets: coins, tissues and cards can cause trouble in the wash.
• Delicate fabrics: for wool or delicate clothes, choose a gentle programme and a low temperature.

Frequently asked questions