April 16, 2026

What to Expect From Your First Laundry Pickup

TL;DR — A first laundry pickup takes about 60 seconds to book, pickup windows are typically 1 hour long, and most same-day orders are returned clean and folded within 6-8 hours. Below is the full step-by-step of what to prepare and what actually happens from booking to delivery.

How It Works, Step by Step

Step 1: Sign up and create your account

Head to washmates.ca and register as a customer. It takes about 60 seconds. You will enter your address, select your service area, and set up your account. You can browse and set up your account before placing an order.

Step 2: Schedule your first pickup

Choose a date and time window that works for you. Same-day service is available for orders placed before noon, with turnaround within 6-8 hours. Select how many loads you need picked up (2-load minimum). Each load is $35 flat rate with free delivery, plus 13% HST at checkout.

Step 3: Meet your WashMate

You get matched with a dedicated WashMate from your neighbourhood. This is the same person who will handle your laundry every time. They are vetted individuals, and they keep 80% of the service fee, so they are motivated to do excellent work.

Step 4: Pickup happens at your door

Your WashMate arrives during your selected time window and collects your laundry. Your WashMate confirms the load count and takes a photo for verification at pickup. No need to haul bags anywhere or wait around at a laundromat.

Step 5: Your laundry gets washed, dried, and folded

Your WashMate takes your laundry home and runs it through their own machines. Your clothes are never mixed with other customers. They wash, dry, and fold everything according to your preferences.

Step 6: Clean laundry delivered back to you

Your freshly folded laundry comes back to your door. Your WashMate takes a photo to confirm delivery. Same-day service for orders placed before noon, typically within 6-8 hours.

For a more visual overview of the process, visit our How It Works page.

Tips for Your First Pickup

A few things that will make your first experience smoother.

Empty your pockets

Check every pocket before putting clothes in the bag. Coins, tissues, pens, and chapstick are the usual culprits. Your WashMate will do their best to catch things, but it is better to handle this yourself.

Separate delicates

If you have items that need gentle treatment (lace, silk, anything with beading), put them in a separate bag or mark them clearly. Your WashMate will handle them with care, but flagging them upfront helps.

Share your preferences

If you prefer cold water washes, unscented detergent, or a specific folding style, mention it when you book or tell your WashMate at pickup. They want to get it right, and specific instructions help.

Start with everyday clothes

For your first order, stick with your regular laundry: t-shirts, socks, underwear, towels, casual wear. Once you are comfortable with how your WashMate handles things, you can start including nicer items.

Be home for the first pickup

Meeting your WashMate face-to-face the first time builds trust and lets you go over any preferences in person. After that, many customers just leave their bag at the door.

What to Have Ready

You do not need anything special. Here is a quick checklist.

  • Your laundry gathered in a hamper or basket (your WashMate brings the bags)
  • Pockets emptied and zippers closed
  • Delicates separated or clearly marked
  • Any care instructions noted (cold wash, air dry, etc.)
  • A clear spot at your door or entryway for pickup

First-Timer Discount

Use code FIRST10 at checkout to save $10 on your first order. No strings attached, no subscription required.

Pricing Quick Reference

WashMates keeps pricing simple. Here is what to expect on your invoice.

  • Per load$35.00
  • Minimum order2 loads
  • DeliveryFree
  • HST (13%)Added at checkout
  • Example: 2 loads$79.10 total

For full pricing details and to see how WashMates compares to other GTA services, check our pricing page or read our FAQ.

Ready to Try It?

Book your first pickup in 60 seconds. Use code FIRST10 for $10 off your first order.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prepare my laundry for pickup?

Gather your laundry into a hamper or basket — you do not need to supply your own bags, your WashMate brings clear bags and loads everything on the spot. You do not need to sort by colour, but separating delicates is a good idea. Remove anything from pockets (coins, tissues, keys). If you have specific care instructions for certain items, leave a note or mention it in the app when booking.

Do I need to be home for laundry pickup and delivery?

It helps to be home for your first pickup so you can meet your WashMate and go over any preferences. After that, many customers leave their laundry at the door with instructions. You can coordinate details with your WashMate through the platform.

What if something goes wrong with my first order?

Contact [email protected] and we will sort it out. If a garment is damaged or something does not meet your expectations, let us know within 24 hours of delivery. We take issues seriously because your experience directly affects whether you come back.

Published April 16, 2026. Reflects the current WashMates pickup and delivery process.