A R Washateria

A R Washateria has built up a loyal following in Houston, and it's easy to see why once you've done a load here. The thing people mention first, again and again, is how clean the place is kept, from the washers and dryers right down to the restroom. Ask anyone who washes here and they'll tell you the machines actually work, which is more than a lot of folks can say about wherever they used to go. One regular put it plainly: all the machines run right and you're not overspending to dry your clothes.

Speaking of drying, that's a big draw here. The word around Houston is that dryers are free when you wash, with just a small charge if you're only there to dry. That alone saves people real money, and locals appreciate a spot that doesn't nickel-and-dime them. You can pay with cash or card here, which is a genuine convenience, and the washers use dollar coins so you're not lugging around a purse full of quarters.

There's a change machine on site that takes larger bills, though we've heard the occasional grumble when it hasn't cooperated, so it's worth keeping an eye on your coins. For the bigger jobs, there are large washers and dryers that handle comforters and bulky family loads without a problem, and they offer wash-and-fold if you'd rather drop off than stay. The place is staffed, and the attendants get plenty of warm mentions by name, Maria and Rita among them, along with a couple who've worked there a good while and the friendly evening guy on weekends. Regulars keep coming back partly because the staff are helpful and partly for the little extras, coffee, snack and drink vending, occasional customer raffles, discount hours, and a taco truck that parks outside.

Parking is easy too. It's open early and late, seven days a week, which makes it dependable if you're an early riser or squeezing in a wash after work. Fair prices, dependable machines, and a clean floor keep this one near the top of many Houston laundry lists.