How Laundry Labs Plans to Change the Industry
In today’s business world, efficiency and quality are paramount – and the commercial laundry industry is no exception.
Recognizing the need for superior cleaning solutions specifically tailored to laundromat operators, industry veterans Rick Rome and Lenny Vainberg joined forces to create Laundry Labs. By merging Rome’s deep-rooted experience in the laundry industry with Vainberg’s expertise in product development, branding, and distribution, Laundry Labs has introduced a new standard of excellence in commercial detergents.
A Mission Rooted in Performance and Sustainability
Laundry Labs was founded with a clear vision: to provide high-quality, easy-to-order commercial soaps and cleaning solutions that enhance the efficiency of laundry operations. Their flagship products – the pre-dosed PowerPax capsules and ultra-concentrated PowerMix system – offer a sustainable, cost-effective, and highly efficient approach to laundry care.
“At Laundry Labs, we combine precision, performance, and sustainability to meet the unique needs of commercial laundry operators,” Vainberg said. “Our goal is to ship powerful and innovative laundry detergents that clean better and save operators time and money, so they can focus on growing their businesses.”
Cutting-Edge Solutions for Laundry Operators
Laundry Labs’ product line is designed to tackle the daily challenges faced by laundromat owners. Their PowerPax capsules introduce an innovative, five-chamber design, offering a 5-in-1 solution that includes pre-stain, antimicrobial clean, softener, fragrance, and a 10x concentrated liquid detergent. These features ensure a superior clean while minimizing waste and optimizing cost efficiency.
For more budget-conscious laundromat operators, the company has developed the All-in-1 PowerPax, maintaining effectiveness while offering an economical alternative.
Additionally, Laundry Labs’ soon-to-launch PowerMix system, developed in partnership with Aura Detergents, promises to transform how liquid detergent is used.
This self-installable system enables operators to mix highly concentrated detergent with water on site, drastically reducing shipping costs and ultimately passing savings of up to 30 percent on to the end user.
“There is a real need for laundry operators to continue to streamline every part of their businesses,” Rome explained. “Laundry Labs does exactly that with soap.”
Looking to the Future
As Laundry Labs continues to expand, its commitment to innovation remains steadfast. The company is dedicated to developing sustainable and cost-efficient solutions that improve the everyday operations of laundry businesses. With products designed by professionals for professionals, Laundry Labs is poised to help redefine the standards of commercial laundry care.
In addition, Laundry Labs co-founders Rome and Vainberg shared with PlanetLaundry their thoughts on the future of the laundry industry:
What is the most pronounced trend you’re currently seeing in your segment of the industry?
We’re witnessing a significant shift away from traditional liquid detergents that customers have to measure and pour themselves, toward pre-dosed laundry capsules – commonly known as pods. This transition is driven by consumer demand for convenience and precision, reducing waste and mess while ensuring optimal detergent usage. To support this shift, we are focused on making these capsules as cost-effective as possible through our subscription-based, direct-shipping model. By streamlining the purchasing process, we help laundromat operators reduce overhead costs and improve efficiency.
What are you most excited about going forward?
We’re especially excited about the opportunity to help laundromat owners simplify their operations through our subscription-based detergent supply model. By eliminating the need for frequent detergent purchases and reducing inventory management concerns, our approach allows operators to focus on running their businesses more efficiently. This convenience ultimately translates to saved time, reduced expenses, and a better overall customer experience.
From a business perspective, what are you most concerned about?
One of our biggest concerns is the impact of trade tariffs on the economy. Fluctuations in tariff policies can directly affect the cost of raw materials, production, and shipping, which in turn influences pricing and profitability. We remain vigilant in monitoring these factors and adapting our strategies to ensure we continue providing high-quality, cost-effective products despite economic uncertainties.
Where do you see your niche of the laundromat industry headed?
We see the laundromat industry moving steadily toward greater convenience and efficiency, particularly with the growing adoption of pre-measured laundry capsules. As customers increasingly seek out easy-to-use, mess-free detergent solutions, we anticipate that more laundromat operators will transition to offering these products. Our goal is to make this shift as seamless as possible by providing affordable, subscription-based solutions that simplify ordering and inventory management.
What’s the biggest reason for laundromat owners to be optimistic about the future?
The continuous advancement of technology in both products and services presents exciting opportunities for laundromat owners. Innovations in automation, payment systems, and supply chain management allow operators to run their businesses more efficiently while enhancing the customer experience. These advancements mean laundromats can provide better service with less effort, reducing operational costs and increasing profitability.
What are the keys to successful laundromat ownership today?
Success in today’s laundromat industry hinges on three key factors: automation, technological integration, and employee retention. Automating routine tasks – such as detergent dispensing and payment processing – saves time and reduces labor costs. Embracing new technology, from mobile payment systems to smart washers, improves efficiency and customer convenience. Lastly, retaining well-trained employees is crucial, as knowledgeable staff contribute to smooth operations and a positive customer experience. By focusing on these areas, laundromat owners can build thriving, sustainable businesses.
