Coming in with a Splash Laundry World is Keeping it Clean One Load at a Time

Coming in with a Splash

Laundry World is Keeping it Clean

One Load at a Time

Gideon Thompson

The Ashland Beacon

Laundry has become a necessary component of everyday life throughout the years as we shift from pajamas to work clothes each day, covered in whatever dirt we pick up along the way. Family outings, sports events, and just plain fun tend to bring with them a trail of mud and debris that we track back into our homes and vehicles afterward. As the piles of clothing begin to rise and that distinct odor of outdoor sweat—and who knows what else—begins to permeate the air, we dig in and head to the washing machine. Not everyone has a washing machine at home, as some may choose to live in small houses, apartments, or shared living quarters where space for a unit may not be feasible. No matter the case, washing clothes is a must, and with the chore comes a list of possibilities and choices.

Understanding the history of washing clothes starts with a fun trip back to 1782, when the first patent for a washing machine that utilized warm water and soap or detergent was issued to a man by the name of James King. Later, around 1851, a different type of washing machine was developed, allowing operators to send loads through a set of rollers and tubs that would soap, rinse, and squeeze articles of clothing until they were clean. By 1907, the washing game changed with the electric washing machine from the Hurley Machine Company, bringing that sweet scent of detergent just a bit closer to home. In 1908, the world received Thor, a commercial electric washer produced by Alva Fisher and the Hurley Machine Company. After the 1940s, coin-operated washing systems were introduced, bringing the laundromat industry into existence. Finally, in the 1970s, laundromats began to pop up around the globe, drawing crowds of customers and their garments into establishments stacked high with washers and dryers waiting to clean up the mess we bring with us.

Whether looking to save a little cash or time, or simply to get out of the house, a laundromat may be the perfect place to enjoy a spin cycle and watch those suds go to work. Laundry World has built something great for our area and is now up and operating in several locations, with plans for further openings soon. With sites operating in Ceredo, West Virginia, at 420 West 4th Street and Ashland, Kentucky, at 2400 Winchester Avenue, residents can now wash at ease with their choice of several washing units, dryers, and on-site detergent options.

Interested in keeping our area up and running with our cleaning needs, Mr. Forrest Hutchinson has worked hard day and night to bring those possibilities to fruition. Having worked for several years in maintenance for a local laundromat, Forrest learned the ins and outs of the business. When he saw that the laundromat was closing, he felt he could step in and help provide much-needed services to an area that would benefit greatly from them. What better way to continue a legacy than to use that hard work and knowledge to grow a community?

To reduce crowding and improve oversight in the laundromats, Forrest decided to run the establishments without employees present. Instead, he and his team check in on the locations regularly to see how things are going, greet customers, and repair any machines that may be down. Amenities include televisions in the locations, and in Ceredo, there is even an area for children to safely spend time while their clothes are being carefully washed. Contact information for each site is easily accessible near the entryways, allowing customers to report any issues with their washing experiences or to notify management of outages or equipment malfunctions.

With the hopeful prospect of opening new locations throughout the tri-state area, including Greenup and Ironton, Laundry World is growing steadily as Forrest brings the suds to the people. If you are looking for a place to wash while away from home or want to take in the nostalgia of watching the wash cycle through that soapy window we all enjoy, then Mr. Hutchinson has just the place. Let’s get those detergent bottles and baskets ready for spring cleaning and hit the washers with Laundry World.