If you’re looking for a business with regular, consistent demand, the laundry business might be exactly what you’re after.
Filipinos today live faster-paced lives. Work, commuting, and busy home schedules often leave little time for chores like doing laundry. For many, especially condo dwellers and renters in apartments, owning a washing machine isn’t even an option. Because of this, laundry shops have become essential not just convenient.
With continued urbanization and the rise of condo living, 2025 presents a great opportunity for laundry businesses, especially in high-density areas.
I recently visited a neighborhood laundromat in Quezon City and spoke with the owner, Liza, a former OFW who started her shop in 2021. With just two secondhand machines and a 20-square-meter space, she wasn’t sure it would work. But she took the risk.
Three years later, her shop now operates with four machines, and she’s planning to expand. What made the difference?
She told me, “Kahit maliit ang puhunan ko, binawi ko sa serbisyo. Maayos, malinis, mabilis. Tapos bumalik sila.”
This is a reminder that excellent service and smart planning matter just as much as the equipment you buy.
Before we go into the numbers, it’s important to understand the different laundry business models. Each has a different setup cost, time commitment, and market focus.
Let’s go over what it really takes to launch a laundry shop this year.
Your actual cost will depend on your chosen business model, your location, and whether you buy new or secondhand machines.
Expense Item | Estimated Cost |
DTI Registration | ₱500 to ₱1,000 |
Barangay Clearance | ₱500 to ₱1,000 |
Mayor’s Permit | ₱2,000 to ₱5,000 |
BIR Registration | ₱500 to ₱1,000 |
Total | ₱3,500 to ₱8,000 |
Getting registered is simple but essential. Don’t skip this part if you want to operate legally.
Equipment | Estimated Cost |
Commercial Washer | ₱80,000 to ₱120,000 |
Commercial Dryer | ₱90,000 to ₱130,000 |
Water Pump and Tank | ₱8,000 to ₱15,000 |
Electrical and Plumbing Setup | ₱20,000 to ₱40,000 |
POS System | ₱10,000 to ₱15,000 |
Carts, Racks, Tables | ₱10,000 to ₱20,000 |
Initial Detergent Stock | ₱3,000 to ₱5,000 |
Total | ₱250,000 to ₱450,000 |
Tip: If you’re on a budget, consider buying refurbished machines from reputable dealers.
Expense Item | Estimated Cost |
Monthly Rent (Metro Area) | ₱15,000 to ₱25,000 |
Renovation / Shop Setup | ₱50,000 to ₱100,000 |
Signage | ₱5,000 to ₱10,000 |
Total | ₱70,000 to ₱130,000 upfront |
The best locations are near dormitories, subdivisions, condos, or public markets with lots of foot traffic.
Role | Cost Estimate |
Staff Salary (1–2) | ₱8,000 to ₱24,000/month |
Training & Uniforms | ₱3,000 to ₱5,000 (one-time) |
Total | ₱11,000 to ₱29,000 |
Hiring reliable staff is essential if you’re running a full-service shop. Train them well friendly service keeps customers coming back.
Estimated Capital Based on Setup
Business Type | Estimated Capital |
Home-Based Laundry | ₱150,000 to ₱250,000 |
Full-Service Shop | ₱350,000 to ₱600,000 |
Self-Service Laundry | ₱700,000 to ₱1,200,000 |
Franchise Setup | ₱1.2M to ₱2M+ |
Even a profitable laundry business needs to keep monthly costs under control.
Expense Category | Monthly Cost |
Rent | ₱15,000 to ₱25,000 |
Electricity & Water | ₱8,000 to ₱15,000 |
Staff Salaries | ₱8,000 to ₱24,000 |
Supplies | ₱3,000 to ₱5,000 |
Maintenance | ₱2,000 to ₱5,000 |
Marketing | ₱1,000 to ₱3,000 |
Total | ₱37,000 to ₱77,000 |
Let’s say you invest ₱500,000. When can you expect to get that back?
Here’s a conservative sample:
Metric | Value |
25 customers daily at ₱120 | ₱3,000/day |
30 operating days | ₱90,000/month |
Monthly expenses | ₱60,000 |
Net profit | ₱30,000/month |
At this rate, your capital could be recovered in 16 to 18 months.
Some laundry owners break even even faster if they’re in high-demand areas.
No Online Presence
Customers search online first. A simple Facebook Page can already bring in traffic.
Running a laundry shop doesn’t require fancy systems, but these tools can help:
These tools help keep things organized and professional even if you’re just starting out.
You can start with ₱150,000 for a home-based setup. A basic full-service shop may require ₱350,000 to ₱600,000. A self-service laundromat could cost ₱700,000 or more.
Yes. Shops in high-demand areas can earn ₱20,000 to ₱50,000 in monthly net profit. It’s one of the most consistent service-based businesses.
You’ll need DTI registration, Barangay Clearance, a Mayor’s Permit, and BIR registration.
Yes, especially for wash-and-fold services. Just make sure local zoning laws allow it and you have proper drainage and power.
Most laundry businesses break even in 12 to 18 months depending on their location and daily customer volume.
Now that you know how much it costs to start a laundry business in the Philippines in 2025, you can move forward with confidence. Whether you’re planning a small shop or a full-blown laundromat, understanding your startup and operating costs is the first step toward a successful launch.
Starting lean is possible, and growth will come if you combine good service, efficient operations, and smart budgeting.
If capital is a concern, Radiowealth Finance Company is here to support you. We’ve helped countless Filipino entrepreneurs turn ideas into thriving businesses. Whether it’s for equipment, setup, or expansion, we offer financing that fits your needs.
We don’t just fund machines. We help fund your future.
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