MONROE — Don and Angela Neff, who own and operate the New Glarus Wasche Center, have remodeled the former Speed Wash on Wisconsin 69 near Lucky 7 to open a laundromat in Monroe called the Monroe Wasche Center.
The laundromat in Monroe opened in mid-January and it has been completely rebuilt with new machinery.
The Monroe Wasche Center features 18 washers and 18 dryers. The washer sizes range from a smaller capacity, allowing for up to 22 pounds of wet laundry, to a heavy-duty washer allowing 77 pounds of wet laundry. The larger washer is for items like quilts, bedspreads and mattress covers. The dryers can also accommodate loads of these sizes.
Another state-of-the-art feature that both the Monroe and New Glarus Wasche Centers have is called the “Laundry Boss.” It’s a smartphone application that can be installed on Apple or Android phones. Once installed the user creates an account with the Wasche Center and adds money to the account. From there, paying to use the equipment is as easy as scanning the QR code on the washer or dryer. This makes having a bank-bag of quarters for the laundry obsolete.
Another feature of “Laundry Boss” is it allows the Monroe Wasche Center to offer specials such as discounts on washers and dryers and long-term, cash back incentives for regular customers.
The Monroe Wasche Center has a kiosk that has a bill changer, and e-commerce card interface capability. From here customers can also use cash or credit cards to operate the machines. A vending machine to purchase laundry supplies is available.
Dog wash station
Not only is this remodeled laundromat a place to do laundry, the Neff’s installed a dog wash. Customers can pamper their pet during an 18-minute wash for $15.
“The station, off the main laundromat area, has a tub to wash your furry friend,” Angela Neff said. “There is dog shampoo, flea and tick wash, as well as pet deodorizer and a cool blow dry to finish.”
A second dog washing station is planned to be added at the location before the end of the year.
With the COVID-19 virus and problems associated with it, the Neffs have gone to great lengths to ensure the cleanliness of the facility.
“It is our pleasure to continue to serve local communities with normal operating hours at both Wasche Center locations,” Angela Neff said. “As essential businesses operating under the COVID-19 guidelines, we have taken extra steps to ensure your laundry can be done in a clean and comfortable atmosphere.
“Our commercial-grade disinfectant is used on all touch-point surfaces and folding tables by our dedicated attendants Ron, Jessica and Anna,” Neff continued. “Frequent checks are being performed to ensure timely cleanup. Our phone number is posted at the facilities for direct connection with our customers. We would like to gently remind everyone that orphaned clothing will be discarded, including any clothing left in the machines longer than 30 minutes after completion. The health and safety of our customers is our top priority.”
Angela Neff said she and her husband are happy to have expanded their laundromat services to Monroe and they’ve received a lot positive feedback.
The Neffs enjoy being entrepreneurs. Besides owning both the Monroe and New Glarus Wasche Centers, the couple owns and operates the New Glarus Bakery, the New Glarus Ace Hardware as well as the Viking Hardware in Mt Horeb.
