How to Start a Laundry and Ironing Business in Kenya
Introduction
The laundry and ironing business in Kenya is one of the most practical service hustles you can start with low capital. Many busy professionals, students, and families lack the time or energy to wash and iron clothes regularly, creating strong demand for affordable laundry services. Whether you start from home, operate as a mobile laundry provider, or rent a small stall, this business offers steady income with room to grow into a larger cleaning company.
Startup Costs 💰
This hustle can be started with very little equipment.
- Capital Needed: KES 3,000 – 10,000
- Key Expenses:
- Washing basin, detergents, soap, and bleach — KES 1,000 – 2,000
- Charcoal iron box or electric iron — KES 1,000 – 3,000
- Buckets, pegs, drying lines, and hangers — KES 1,000 – 2,000
- Branding/advertising materials — KES 500 – 1,000
- Optional washing machine (secondhand: KES 15,000 – 25,000 for future scaling)
💡 Tip: Start by hand-washing and ironing with basic tools. Upgrade to washing machines and dryers later as profits grow.
Why This Business Works ✅
- Everyday Demand: Clothes need cleaning weekly.
- Repeat Customers: Clients return regularly once they trust your service.
- Low Startup Capital: Start with under KES 5,000.
- Flexible Setup: Run from home, mobile, or a rented stall.
- Scalable: Expand into a full laundry shop with machines.
Step-by-Step Setup 🛠️
1. Identify Your Target Market
Focus on busy estates, offices, students, or middle-class families who value convenience.
2. Choose Your Setup
- Home-based: Wash and iron from your compound.
- Mobile: Collect and deliver clothes at a fee.
- Stall/Kiosk: Operate near estates, hostels, or offices.
3. Buy Basic Equipment
Start with soap, basins, and an iron box. If electricity is unstable, have a charcoal iron box as backup.
4. Price Your Services
- Washing + ironing: KES 30 – 50 per item
- Ironing only: KES 10 – 20 per item
- Full load (family wash): KES 500 – 1,500 depending on size
- Pickup/delivery charge: KES 100 – 300
5. Market Yourself
- Offer discounts for first-time customers.
- Share posters in estates and WhatsApp groups.
- Provide excellent customer service — neat, well-ironed clothes keep clients coming back.
Profit Breakdown 📊
Example:
- Wash + iron 50 clothes at KES 40 each = KES 2,000 daily sales.
- Daily costs (soap, water, electricity/charcoal) ~KES 400.
- Profit = KES 1,600 daily.
👉 Monthly profit = KES 40,000 – 60,000.
With a washing machine, you can handle more loads and increase profits further.
Challenges & How to Overcome Them ⚠️
- Labor-Intensive: Washing and ironing are physically demanding.
- Solution: Start small, then hire assistants as you grow.
- Electricity & Water Bills: High utility costs can eat profits.
- Solution: Use water-efficient methods and have backup charcoal irons.
- Competition: Many informal providers exist.
- Solution: Differentiate with neat packaging, on-time delivery, and polite service.
- Damage to Clothes: Mistakes like burns or stains reduce trust.
- Solution: Be careful, use quality detergents, and compensate when errors occur.
Tips to Grow 🚀
- Offer pickup and delivery to stand out.
- Add services like duvet and curtain washing.
- Invest in a washing machine for higher efficiency.
- Partner with hostels, schools, and offices for bulk washing contracts.
- Brand your business with a catchy name like “Smart Touch Laundry.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ❓
Q: How much capital do I need to start a laundry business in Kenya?
A: With as little as KES 3,000 – 10,000, you can start from home. A washing machine setup requires more capital (KES 20,000+).
Q: How profitable is laundry and ironing?
A: Expect profits of KES 1,500 – 2,000 daily, or KES 40,000 – 60,000 monthly, depending on customers.
Q: Do I need a license?
A: For home-based work, not immediately. A stall or larger setup requires a county permit.
Q: Where is the best place to locate a laundry service?
A: Busy estates, student hostels, and middle-class neighborhoods.
Conclusion
The laundry and ironing business in Kenya is a practical, low-cost hustle that guarantees repeat income. With KES 3,000 – 10,000, you can start small, serve nearby households, and scale into a full-service laundry shop with machines. By focusing on quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction, you can turn this simple hustle into a thriving business.
👉 Explore more hustler-friendly opportunities in the Business Ideas Hub — with over 50+ small businesses you can start today.
