Frequently Asked Questions

We've built Bennett Valley Laundromat to be the kind of place you actually don't mind spending time in:

• Clean, modern, and well-maintained — bright, well-lit, and air-conditioned for a comfortable visit
• Safe and welcoming, with plenty of folding space
• Extra-large, commercial-grade washers (up to 80 lb) and reversing dryers specially built for extra-large loads — comforters, bedding, sleeping bags, and bulky items that won't fit at home are no problem here
• Snacks and cold drinks on site, plus detergent, bleach, and softener in the vending machines if you need them
• Easy parking, and we're right next to Whole Foods so you can shop while you wash
• Open every day, 6 AM–10 PM, with the last wash no later than 8:45 PM
• Help whenever you need it — call, text, or visit bvlwash.com and get real answers on the spot, even after hours

Come see the difference for yourself — we'd love to have you.

Bennett Valley Laundromat has commercial-size machines designed to handle everything from everyday laundry to bedding, towels, family loads, and bulky items. Even our smaller washers are larger than a typical home washer, and our largest machines are made for big loads like comforters and blankets.

Washing generally ranges from $4 to $14, depending on the washer size you choose. Most everyday loads are near the lower end of that range. Larger machines cost more, but they can save time by fitting bigger loads and giving clothes more room to move.

Drying is flexible too. We have 30 lb dryers, 50 lb dryers, and reversing dryers for larger or bulkier loads. Reversing dryers tumble in both directions, which helps bedding and large items dry more evenly without bunching up.

Dryers run by time, and many everyday loads dry for about $1 to $2, depending on load size, dryer size, fabric type, and how full the dryer is.

Exact prices are posted on each machine so you can choose the size that fits your load best.

You can pay using the DexterPay app, which accepts credit cards, debit cards, and Apple Pay (location number #6198). We also have three change machines on site that dispense dollar coins and quarters.

Yes. Bennett Valley Laundromat is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Hours:
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Last wash:
8:45 PM

Last dryer starts by 9:45 PM. Please be folded and on your way before we close at 10:00 PM.

Our store closes at 10:00 PM and our evening attendant needs time to prepare the store for closing. Washers started after 8:45 PM will automatically be charged a minimum $10 additional fee. The cutoff is posted on the door and inside the store.

If you weren't aware of the cutoff or this feels unfair, reach out to a manager.

Bennett Valley is a self-service laundromat. An attendant is on site in the evenings, from 8:30 PM until close, and you can always reach us by phone or text at 707-238-7003 for help.

Yes. Parking is free and plentiful at our location.

We do not have a public restroom.

Whole Foods is a very short walk from the laundromat and has bathrooms customers can use.

During a wash: Yes — washer doors lock while running, so it is fine to step out.

During drying: We recommend staying nearby. Dryer doors do not lock, and on rare occasions clothes get removed from dryers (sometimes by accident), so leaving during drying is at your own risk.

Either way, please remove your laundry promptly when the cycle ends so machines stay available for everyone.

Yes. We have a wide range of washers from 20 lb capacity up to 80 lb capacity, and dryers up to 50 lb capacity — plenty of large-capacity machines for comforters, sleeping bags, large pillows, and other bulky items.

Yes. Our reversing dryers — numbers 41, 42, and 43 on one side and 62, 63, and 64 on the other — are specially designed for bedding, comforters, and sleeping bags. The drum reverses direction about once a minute, so large items keep tumbling evenly instead of balling up, with no need to stop and reposition them. Just pick the top or bottom pocket when you start.

Yes. Detergent and laundry supplies are available in the vending machines at the front of the store, on the right-hand side. You're also welcome to bring your own.

Download DexterPay, create your account, and select Bennett Valley Laundromat using location number #6198.

Then enter the machine number shown on the DexterPay sticker, choose your cycle, pay, and start the machine.

Don't forget to validate your email after creating your account.

Yes. After signing up, check your email inbox for the DexterPay verification link. You may need to verify your email before you can log in or start a machine.

DexterPay places a temporary $25 pre-authorization hold on your card when you pay directly through the app. This is not your final charge. Your bank or card provider handles the final amount, and the charge is adjusted to reflect the machines you actually used.

To avoid the $25 hold, use Preload Funds. This option is located near the bottom of the DexterPay app. Add only the amount you need, then use that balance to start your machines — no pre-authorization hold applies when paying from a preloaded balance.

If a washer or dryer was started after the cutoff time (8:45 PM for washers, 9:45 PM for dryers), an automatic after-hours fee applies. The cutoff exists so the store can close cleanly by 10:00 PM. It is posted on the door and inside the store.

If you weren't aware of the cutoff or this feels unfair, reach out to a manager.

First time using DexterPay? Before assuming the service is down, check these two common setup issues:

1. Verify your email. After signing up, DexterPay sends a verification email. Find it and click the link — the app won't let you pay until you do. Check your spam folder if you don't see it.
2. Add a payment method. Tap the person icon at the bottom right of the app, select Payment Methods, and add your credit or debit card.

If those steps fix it, you're all set.

If the app is still not working and it's not a setup issue, the DexterPay service may be down. In that case, coins are the only payment option until it's restored. Use cash at the change machines in the store to get coins.

Note: there is no way to pay by card directly on the machines. Our machines accept coins or the DexterPay app only.

This usually means your bank flagged the card as stolen or your card was recently replaced. The DexterPay app locks the account when that happens.

To fix it:

1. Contact us with the email address you used to create your DexterPay account.
2. We will contact DexterPay to reset your account. Resets happen within 24 hours on weekdays. Weekend requests may take longer.
3. Once reset, delete the old card from the app and add your new card before using DexterPay again. Leaving the old card in will lock it again.

In the meantime, coins are the only payment option — there is no card payment directly on the machines.

Yes! With our Wash & Fold service, you drop off your laundry and we wash, dry, and fold it for you — ready for pickup the next day. Perfect when you're short on time.

Visit our Wash & Fold page for pricing, steps, and locker details, or text 707-238-7003 with any questions.

The lockers are in the rear of the store, on the left-hand side — back-left corner. Look for two lockers labeled Locker 1 and Locker 2, mounted midway up on the wall — they're easy to spot.

You can see exactly what they look like on our Wash & Fold page.

The lockers stay locked, so you'll use the access code we text you to open the one we've assigned for your drop-off or pickup. If you'd like, you can also text us and we'll send you a picture.

Yes — for an additional $25, we can have your order done by 10:30 PM the same day. Same-day slots are limited, so let us know at drop-off if you'd like to request it. The minimum charge for same-day service is $60.

Reach out to us right away — we want to get you taken care of.

If you're still in the store before 8:45 PM, a manager may be able to get you set up on another machine at no charge — you'd just need to be at the machine to choose your settings and press start. Text or call 707-238-7003 and we'll help right away.

Between 8:45 PM and 10:00 PM, find an attendant in the store — they can get you on another machine or arrange a refund.

After 10:00 PM, text us and our team will follow up the next business day — either a free wash or a refund.

A refund is always available if getting you on another machine isn't possible.

That's the optional SuperWash upgrade — not a second charge for the same wash.

After your payment is taken and the wash starts, the machine may offer SuperWash on the display. SuperWash adds an extra wash and rinse cycle, bringing a typical 25-minute wash up to about 30 minutes.

Paying with coins: The display shows a prompt like "ADD $4.00 FOR SUPERWASH" (the amount varies by machine size). Add the amount shown to take it, or simply ignore the prompt — your wash continues normally and the display will show time remaining once the offer expires.

Paying with DexterPay: SuperWash is pre-selected by default in the app. To skip the extra charge and time, uncheck the SuperWash option before starting your machine.

This is often caused by clothing, a shoelace, or another item caught near the bottom of the washer door.

Press and hold the red stop button on the front of the machine for about 5 seconds. Wait until the machine finishes draining and the beeping stops. Once it is safe to open, open the door, move the item away from the door seal, close the door, and restart the machine.

If the leak continues after restarting, please ask an attendant (in store after 8:30 PM) or contact us.

If your washer seems low on water, this is most likely a machine issue rather than an overloading problem.

Try switching the water temperature to cold if you haven't already. If the washer still isn't filling properly, ask an attendant (available in store after 8:30 PM) or contact us — we may be able to get you set up on another machine.

If you see soap suds through the glass, too much detergent may have been used.

The best solution is usually to rewash the load without adding more soap. Using less detergent helps the washer rinse more effectively and can prevent leftover suds.

Yes, this is normal. The washer door locks automatically during the wash cycle for safety and unlocks on its own when the cycle finishes.

If you need to stop the cycle early, press and hold the red stop button for about 5 seconds. The machine will beep while it drains — this takes about 2 minutes. Once the beeping stops, the door will unlock and you can open it.

Heads up: clothes will be wet and may drip if you stop mid-cycle.

If the door will not unlock after the cycle appears to be done, check the display first — the timer may be stuck (still showing time remaining even though the machine has stopped). Whether the timer is stuck or the cycle has genuinely finished but the door still will not open, that is a machine malfunction. Reach out to us and we will get it sorted out.

Use about one tablespoon per load — that is the maximum you need. A good rule: you should see just a small amount of bubbles at the base of the window glass. If the bubbles are white and foamy, that is too much.

You can add a little more through the top dispenser during the cycle if needed. Too much soap leaves residue and does not clean better.

The washer door locks during the cycle, so nothing can be added through the door. However, liquid additives can be poured into the top dispenser while the machine is running.

• Pods or powder detergent: Place in the drum before closing the door and starting.
• Liquid detergent: Pour into the top dispenser before starting.
• Fabric softener (Downey etc.): Pour into the top dispenser during the wash. Must go in before the last rinse cycle or it won't be effective.
• Bleach: Wait for the machine display to prompt you — it tells you when to add it after the drum fills with water.

No. Our machines do not have a rinse-only option. If you need to re-rinse your clothes — for example, to clear out excess suds — you will need to run a full wash cycle without adding any detergent.

You can move the wet clothes to another open washer. To catch drips while you carry them, there's a plastic bin inside the spill kit cabinet at the front of the store on the right, next to washer #4 — call or text us at 707-238-7003 for the combination. You can also use the towels inside to wipe up any water on the floor.

One thing to know: our machines don't have a spin-only option, so running another machine means a full wash cycle and paying again.

If the first machine took your money and didn't complete the cycle, contact us — we may be able to get you started on another machine at no charge, or issue a refund of what you paid.

Yes — there's a spill cleanup kit at the front of the store on the right side, right next to washer #4. It's kept in a locked black cabinet with grey doors. To get the combination, call or text us at 707-238-7003 and we'll give you the code. Inside you'll find disposable gloves, towels, a plastic bin, and a wet-floor sign. Put on the gloves first, then place the wet-floor sign near the spill and use the towels to soak up the water — place used towels in the plastic bin when done. Please close and lock the cabinet again when you're finished.

If it's a large spill or water keeps coming, please contact us or ask an attendant (available in store in the evenings).

Our dryers have three heat settings:

• Low (~125°F): Delicates, synthetics, activewear, and anything labeled low heat
• Medium (~150°F): Most everyday loads
• High (~175°F): Sturdy cottons, towels, jeans, and heavier items

Important — never machine-dry with heat: Anything exposed to gasoline, paint thinner, solvents, alcohol, cleaning chemicals, wax, grease, automotive or cooking oil, massage oil, or stain residue — even after washing. Also avoid foam rubber, rubber-backed rugs or mats, plastic, vinyl, latex, foam-filled items, or anything labeled “line dry,” “dry away from heat,” or “do not tumble dry.”

When in doubt, check the care label. If it has oil, chemical residue, rubber, foam, plastic, or a heat warning, air dry instead.

No, that's normal. Unlike the washers, dryer doors do not lock — but opening the dryer door while it's running shuts it off as a safety feature.

Close the door fully and press start to resume the cycle.

Move your clothes to another dryer and contact us with the dryer number.

We may be able to get you started on another dryer at no charge, or issue a refund of what you paid — we'll get it sorted and get that machine looked at.

No tokens here — Bennett Valley Laundromat runs on real U.S. coins: dollar coins and quarters. You can also skip coins entirely and pay with the DexterPay app (credit, debit, or Apple Pay).

Need coins? We have three on-site change machines. All three turn bills into dollar coins, and Machine #1 also gives quarters. One heads-up: some of the silver coins are dollar coins, not quarters — both are real and both work in our machines.

To get quarters specifically, see “How do I get quarters?” below.

Use change machine #1.

Dollar bills go in the regular bill slot. To get 4 quarters from a dollar coin, use the slot on the left-hand side of Machine #1.

Coin slots work the same basic way on washers and dryers.

First, press and release the silver coin-return button a few times to see if the coins drop back out.

If the coins do not return, press and hold the silver coin-return button while firmly tapping next to the coin slot with the base of your fist. Do not tap directly on the coin slot.

Do not use tools. Do not hit the display, glass, or any other part of the machine.

If the coins clear, add coins slowly — one at a time — and watch the display after each coin to make sure it was accepted.

If the coins still will not clear, please contact us with the machine number and the amount lost.

Change machines #2 and #3 dispense dollar coins only.

Change machine #1 dispenses a combination of dollar coins and quarters:

• $20 bill = 16 dollar coins and 16 quarters
• $10 bill = 8 dollar coins and 8 quarters
• $5 bill = 4 dollar coins and 4 quarters
• $1 bill = 4 quarters

Please look closely at the silver coins. Some silver coins are dollar coins, not quarters.

The Wi-Fi password is posted on the poster by the vending machines inside the store.

Password:
1139yulupa

All lowercase, one word.

Yes. Please come in after 8:30 PM — attendant staff are in the store until closing at 10:00 PM and can help you check the back.

Items are usually kept for a couple of weeks. After that, unclaimed clothing may be donated to a shelter or nonprofit.

Please ask an attendant when one is available, or contact us.