At a Laundromat in Brazil: Wash, Dry, and Pay in Portuguese
Learn the everyday words for washing and drying clothes, plus questions that help you understand a laundromat’s payment and machine rules.
Real Life Portuguese · 5 min read · Updated October 15, 2026
The short answer
Lavanderia is a common word for a laundry service or laundromat. A washing machine is a máquina de lavar; a dryer is a secadora. Some places sell detergent, while others expect you to bring it, so check before starting a cycle.
Find out how the machines work
Ask how to pay and whether a machine is available. In Brazil, a laundromat may use an app, a card, or payment at the counter; the setup varies by location.
Como uso esta máquina?
How do I use this machine?
O sabão está incluído?
Is detergent included?
Posso pagar no balcão?
Can I pay at the counter?
Ask about cycle time and collection
A lavagem is a wash cycle, and secagem is drying. Use quanto tempo to ask how long a cycle takes. If you plan to leave, check whether the place allows it and when your clothes will be ready.
For clothing care, roupas delicadas means delicate clothes and água fria means cold water. Read the machine instructions and follow the care label, especially for unfamiliar fabrics.
Quanto tempo dura a lavagem?
How long does the wash cycle take?
A secadora está livre?
Is the dryer available?
Que horas posso buscar as roupas?
What time can I pick up the clothes?
Put it into practice
Learn the machine names—máquina de lavar and secadora—then ask about detergent, payment, cycle length, and pickup before you begin.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “How do I use this machine”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
Build on this guide with everyday expressions and native Brazilian audio. Choose iPhone, Android, or the web app.