Welcome to "Laundry Bailout"

The washing machines are humming, the dryers spinning.

Spin Central Laundromat is a busy place in Bloomfield - and it isn't even Wednesday!

“You mean you haven’t heard of ‘Laundry Bailout’ yet?” Shane Berger asks me. I shake my head no. “You’re kidding me.”

Berger is the owner of Spin Central Laundromats, a group of unique laundromats with locations in Bloomfield, Belleville, Perth Amboy, Woodbridge, and a fifth soon to open in Upper Montclair in early July.

 “'Laundry Bailout’ is a two-pronged attack in helping the customer get by,” explains Berger, who is in his second year as a Bloomfield Board of Education member.

 On Wednesdays, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., customers get a 99 cent cold water wash and, with every wash, you have an opportunity to get 50 percent off cleaners and softener. Also, you can upsize your wash for free.

 “'Laundry Bailout’ is major. We’re out here trying to help the community. And there’s lots of (free) parking.”

 “We are,” continues Berger, “at the top of the technological curve as far as laundromats go. We accept credit card – and we offer a top notch wash and fold service.”

 And the machines that the clothes are washed in? Only the latest in eco friendly, inverter-driven, 20-pound capacity machines. And the hours? “The hours are terrific,” says Berger. “We open at 7 a.m., weekends at 6 a.m. for people who like to get their laundry done.”

Edith Darpino is the attendant on duty. She worked for the prior owner, and stayed when Berger purchased the location a year and a half ago. “I love my job,” she says while removing clothes from a dryer and folding them. “I’m doing something good for the customers.” She also applauds Berger. “Shane’s a good boss. He listens to any issues and does his best to solve it.”

 It’s hard to imagine any issues, even the tiniest, ensuing at this clean, spotless laundromat. It starts at the top. “It’s a joy,” says Shane Berger, “to be a part of the lives here, and participate in local commerce every day.”

 And Berger pulls no punches with regard to his intent, and why should he. “We’re trying to dominate the Laundromat business through community outreach. We donate to the Home & School Association, and tricky trays. We’re very busy.” He then looked around his Bloomfield-located Spin Central. “And we try to create a subtle ambiance here. We stand behind everything. Our word is bond.”

Spin Central Laundromat, 25 Belleville Aveue, (973) 429-2244, Mon - Fri, 7am - 11pm; Sat, Sun, 6am - 11pm; Last wash all days at 9:30pm