美国随处可见的公共洗衣房，为何在中国难以普及？ | 声动早咖啡

Core Insights - The article discusses the prevalence of laundromats in the United States, highlighting their historical development and the reasons for their continued existence despite high household washing machine ownership rates [3][10][11] Group 1: Overview of Laundromats in the U.S. - There are nearly 30,000 laundromats in the U.S., generating annual revenues of approximately $5 billion, indicating a mature and large market [3][4] - The first public laundromat, "Washateria," opened in Texas in 1934, providing an affordable self-service laundry option during the Great Depression [5] - By the 1960s, over 10,000 laundromats existed, and the industry began to standardize, with operators focusing on improving customer experience and adding services [6] Group 2: Reasons for Continued Demand - Approximately 60% of laundromat customers are long-term renters, with many urban rental properties built before 1960 lacking space for washing machines [7] - Older buildings often have inadequate plumbing and electrical systems, making it difficult to install washing machines, which contributes to the reliance on laundromats [8] - In many U.S. states, homeowners' associations or community regulations prohibit outdoor clothes drying, increasing the necessity for laundromats for drying clothes [9] Group 3: Comparison with China - In contrast, public laundromats are rare in China due to earlier urbanization and the widespread availability of washing machines, with 94% of households owning one by 2018 [10] - Chinese residential designs typically include space for washing machines and drying areas, reducing the need for laundromats [10] - Cultural preferences in China favor air-drying clothes, and concerns about hygiene in shared laundry facilities further diminish the appeal of public laundromats [11]