Pelican Rapids Welcomes Wishy Washy Laundry
By Heather Rule
Pelican Rapids didn’t have a laundromat in town for quite a while, leaving residents to travel to Dunvilla, Fergus Falls, or elsewhere to find a laundromat. That changed last summer when Wishy Washy Laundry opened a 24-hour facility right in town.
“We just saw a need for a laundromat in Pelican [Rapids],” said owner Angie Nelson.
Wishy Washy Laundry is located in the old Family Dollar building at 1008 South Broadway in Pelican Rapids. The building is divided into three sections, with Wishy Washy Laundry on the south side of the building. It’s the business’s second location, with a laundromat also located within Otter Tail County in Perham.
Wishy Wishy Laundry is equipped with high-efficiency machines: 12 large washing machines and 12 dryers. The cost for a load in the smallest washer, a three-load, is $4.50. The largest, six-load washer costs $7.50 per load. Nelson noted that the washers are fast, with a load taking about 25 minutes. Dryers are available for $3 for 30 minutes.
Don’t want to lug a sack of quarters along with your loads of laundry? You don’t have to. Coins are still an accepted form of payment, but machines also accept credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
Machines are cleaned each morning, but the washers are also equipped with a pre-rinse cycle if users prefer to rinse the machine before washing their items. That rinse cycle is less than a dollar and takes about a minute, giving someone a chance to rinse a machine from the previous load. Though a rinse cycle isn’t necessary when using the machines.
Customers can bring their own soap and detergent for loads, but there’s also a vending machine to purchase those items. The facility also has folding chairs, tables, baskets, and space for folding items; “everything you’d need to do laundry and to get in and out quickly,” Nelson said.
The new facility opened on August 7, 2025, with steady usage ever since. Weekends tend to be busier times, though the facility doesn’t close.
“I feel like it’s been a great addition to the community,” Nelson said.
