Southern Suds Laundromat is doing more than just washing clothes — it’s reshaping what a community laundry experience can look like.
The 2,400-square-foot facility is combining high-tech convenience with small-town charm. Tucked in a region not known for innovation in the laundry sector, owners of Southern Suds are creating a destination for families, tech-savvy users and anyone looking for a clean, welcoming place to take care of laundry day.
“We were the first in our area to bring mobile payment as an option,” the owners, Sarah and Nick Macken, said. “The response was immediate. Customers loved getting cycle alerts and the flexibility of paying how they want.”
That push toward modernization hasn’t come at the cost of comfort. The laundromat features modern amenities like a spacious folding area, vending machines and a thoughtfully designed Kids Corner that includes toys, tables and even a mini Pac-Man arcade machine — all aimed at making laundry a more pleasant chore for families.
“We believe laundry shouldn’t feel like a task you dread. It should feel like part of your routine — comfortable, clean, even enjoyable,” they said.
The investment has paid off. The store recently completed a full retool and launched a “Double Your Money” promotion, delighting customers by loading bonus cash on loyalty cards.
Southern Suds has also become a hub for community engagement, hosting food trucks in warmer months and holiday giveaways. It’s not just a place to wash clothes — it’s becoming part of local life.
“We’ve always had a hospitality-first mindset,” Sarah said. “We know our customers by name, and they know us. That’s what keeps them coming back.”
Looking Ahead
As laundry tech continues to evolve, Sarah and Nick are already eyeing the future, having implemented personalized, smart-machine features and remote customer assistance capabilities.
“Looking ahead, we’re focused on AI capabilities to help us continue to grow,” Sarah said. “We’re always looking for improvements for our community, focused on convenience and speed. What will always set us apart is our focus on people. We’re here to serve our neighbors.”
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Southern Suds Laundromat at a Glance
Location: South Carolina
Total Square Footage: 2,400 sq. ft.
Washers (Electrolux Clarus Vibe, soft mount)
- (5) 20-lb. | $3.50
- (7) 45-lb. | $5.50
- (4) 60-lb. | $7.50
- (2) 80-lb. | $9.50
Dryers (Electrolux Compass Pro)
- (3) Double Stack 35-lb.
- (6) Double Stack 50-lb.
- (2) Single Pocket 80-lb.
Amenities & Features
- Payment System: Laundroworks (accepts cash, credit/debit, EBT)
- Water Heater: Hybrid system with 100-gallon tank + tankless heater
- Folding Tables: (7) Seville Classic adjustable benches
- Laundry Carts: 8
- Seating: Artez modern dining chairs
- Flooring: Commercial LVP
- Lighting: LED 2×2 ceiling panels
- Soap Vender: Vendrite, 4-column ($1 per product)
- Vending Machine: 1 Selectivend combo (snacks/beverages)
- Arcade/Game: Mini Pac-Man machine (free)
- Children’s Area: 10’x20’ with tables, books, toy bin
- Wash-Dry-Fold Service: $1.72/lb. (drop-off)
- Dry Cleaning: Not offered
- Sound System: Pandora via Cloud Cover (no TVs)
Additional Touches
- Quarter-operated candy machine run by the owners’ 9-year-old daughter
- Seasonal food trucks and holiday gift card raffles
- Live plants for a homier feel
- Added lighting and cameras for safety and comfort
Business Details
- Financed by: First Community Bank
- Distributor: Laundrylux (Chris Brick and Nick Mellard)
Installer: Southern Textiles & Machinery (Brian Mellard)
