For many people, visiting the local laundromat is part of their weekly routine. This time adds up, though: the average American household spends about 85 minutes doing laundry each week, which turns into 4,420 minutes over the course of a year. Bearing this in mind, how do you want to spend your time?

How to Kill Time at the Laundromat

1. Start Learning a New Language

Learning a new language could open doors in your personal and professional life. When you’re at the laundromat, use flashcards or a language-learning app on your smartphone or laptop.

2. Finish Office Projects or Homework

Most people have academic or professional deadlines—and they always seem to approach too quickly. You might find fewer distractions at the laundromat than at home, especially if you have a large household, so use this time to help you concentrate.

3. See How Many Books You Can Read

Have you heard of the “52 Books Challenge”? Participants aim to finish 52 books in a year, averaging about one book each week. Reading has long been associated with empathy and strong communication skills, and it can even have beneficial therapeutic effects.

4. Catch Up on Your Favorite Shows

In many ways, today’s TV series surpass Hollywood blockbusters. Download episodes from your favorite TV shows before you head to the laundromat, so you can keep up with the latest developments. Research shows that having a shared experience helps bring people together—and that even applies to binge-watching Scandal. 

5. Talk to Friends & Family

With work and other obligations, it can be difficult to find time to reconnect with friends and family. While clothes are washing and drying, call loved ones to talk. You’ll get caught up in the conversations, which will make the time go by quickly. To be considerate of others at the laundromat, you might want to take the conversation outside or communicate through text messages.

You spend a lot of time doing laundry, so if it’s worthwhile to find a laundromat that’s clean and comfortable. If you’re in Lancaster County, NE, visit City Laundry. The coin-operated washers and dryers are well-maintained and easy to use, and they have large-capacity machines available that will make the chore go by faster. Call (402) 483-2113 if you have any questions or want to arrange a pick-up service, or visit the Lincoln laundromat online for information about their facility.