Those who have watched American TV shows at least once have probably noticed more than once that the heroes often visit laundries. Hence the logical question: why do they do this, is it really impossible to wash your linen at home? We will try to give an answer.
The habit of using public laundries dates back to the late 19th century. Even then, the Americans could give the laundry to be washed for a fee, and then sent it back by mail. And if then the services of laundry were estimated at a considerable amount, then by the 1930s, during the Great Depression, the cost of washing significantly decreased, since a self-service system appeared.
In the years that followed, the popularity of laundries grew almost exponentially. After the end of the war, the welfare of citizens began to improve, and many could afford to get a personal washing machine, but the demand for laundries did not fall.
The popularity of these establishments is due to a number of reasons. One of them is the desire to save money. After all, if you think about it, then the operation of a washing machine is the cost of electricity and water. Laundry services are much cheaper. In addition, the washing machine at home requires free space.
A huge percentage of the population does not have a corner of their own, and people live in rented apartments for years. Quite often, tenants do not allow a washing machine in the house, because they are afraid that it may break, causing a short circuit, or flood the neighbors, which is even worse. As for wealthy people, they bring large things to the laundries.
Plus, laundries have become a place to hang out with friends. Most of these establishments have access to Wi-Fi, coffee makers, and comfortable sofas. The most curious thing is that there are about 35 thousand laundries in the USA, the income from which is from 5 billion dollars a year.
For our compatriots, no less curious is the fact Why do Americans walk at home without taking off their shoes?