New laundromat offers latest in high-tech equipment – The Daily Times
Warren Scott
A NEW WAY TO CLEAN — Doug Valero, owner of the Drop Your Pants Off Laundromat, showed the computer-operated washers and dryers at the new Follansbee business to members of the Follansbee Chamber of Commerce and other visitors during a rece…….
Warren Scott
A NEW WAY TO CLEAN — Doug Valero, owner of the Drop Your Pants Off Laundromat, showed the computer-operated washers and dryers at the new Follansbee business to members of the Follansbee Chamber of Commerce and other visitors during a recent open house held there.
<!–
–>
FOLLANSBEE — Area residents can wash and dry their clothes using the latest technology, said the owner of a new laundromat at 929 Main St.
Doug Valero said each of six washers and six dryers is equipped with a small, easy to use touchscreen computer so users may set the load for delicate, synthetic or normal clothing.
He added patrons can watch television on the same screen and in the near future, access the Internet.
While Valero has named his business the Drop Your Pants Off Laundromat, it’s a standard self-serve laundromat, though he hopes to expand it to include a laundering service for workwear worn by area businesses.
He noted its equipment is capable of handling heavy loads.
“The washers have a capacity of 30 pounds and the dryers a capacity of 50 pounds,” said Valero.
He added the laundromat has convenient hours, opening at 7 a.m. Monday through Saturday and at 8 a.m. on Sunday, with patrons able to do their last load at 9 p.m. on all days.
Valero worked for several months to convert the longtime insurance office of his father, Mike, for its new purpose.
The work included replacing the electrical wiring, extending new gas lines and laying a cement floor. He noted the original tin plate ceiling remains.
But it’s nothing new for Valero, who in recent years opened Fit Construction and Restoration, another Follansbee-based business that offers bathroom and kitchen remodeling, roof repair and other services.
A 1989 graduate of Weir High School, Valero said he’s very thankful for the support he received from the community while developing the new business.
He said in addition to Main Street Bank, from which he secured financing, city officials have been very helpful and accommodating, providing information about water service and fire protection and allowing him to close the sidewalk in front while he completed work on the building.
Members of the Follansbee Chamber of Commerce provided a formal welcome through a ribbon cutting, with Valero inviting attendees inside for refreshments.
(Scott can be contacted at [email protected].)
