Iowa City Kmart's new laundry service offers convenience, security

Standing next to a washer that holds 80 pounds of laundry and does eight loads in one sitting, Laurie Huppenbuer folds piles upon piles of brightly colored clothing.

The 45-year-old Kmart frequenter said this is her second time doing her laundry at the store's new Kwash since the June 5 grand opening, and she said, it's a pretty handy service.

“I shop here, so I might as well do my laundry here and save some time,” she said, smiling. “I can get all my shopping done and leave my clothes and come back.”

The Iowa City Kmart, 901 Hollywood Blvd, is the first store in the nation to pilot a new self-serve laundry service. Kwash is located in the old auto service area of the store, and is also connected to Kmart so customers can shop while they wash.

The new washing location is equipped with 31 washers, 30 dryers and an on-site attendant. The new store provides customers with free Wi-Fi, a play area for children and a wash and fold service done by the clerk.

Dick Gioimo, a first time Kwash customer, said he appreciated the detergent free floors, the coolness of the new facility, and the flat screen TVs but most importantly the security.

Security comes in the form of a red-vested Kwash laundry attendant who watches machines, answers questions and keeps the facility spotless.

“At other Laundromats you have to watch while you wait, he said. “I just got done shopping while my wash was going.”

Absent of clunky coins to pay for the machines, the 64-year-old instead sported his new pre-paid K-wash card, a system that operates similarly to a debit card he said.

The attendant on duty, Cindy Showers said customers who participate in the store's wash to win loyalty program by paying with their card can earn $3 toward their laundry for every $15 spent, $1 is the equivalent to 20 points, and 300 points earns $3 she noted.

Showers also said patrons who forget detergent or any other laundry necessity can purchase the items in the laundry area or in the connected Kmart store for a wider selection.

For those who don't like to do their own laundry, Kwash also provides a wash and fold service, where customers can drop off their clothing and have their items cleaned for them for a separate fee, she said.

Sears Public Relations and Communications spokesperson Kimberly Freely said corporate has received positive feedback from Kwash customers and that the new service is most frequented on weekends.