At a Laundromat in Brazil: Portuguese for Washing Clothes
A simple vocabulary guide for machine settings, laundry products, payment, and pickup questions.
Real Life Portuguese · 6 min read · Updated October 14, 2026
The short answer
A laundromat may use self-service machines or offer drop-off washing, so ask which service is available. Lavadora is washing machine, secadora is dryer, and ciclo is cycle.
Ask how the machines work
Controls and payment methods differ from place to place. Ask a staff member to show you the right machine if the labels or instructions are unfamiliar.
Como funciona esta máquina?
How does this machine work?
Este ciclo inclui a secagem?
Does this cycle include drying?
Onde coloco o sabão?
Where do I put the detergent?
Choose a laundry service
If you are leaving clothes with staff, ask how the service is priced and when the order will be ready. Lavanderia can refer to a laundry service, while lavar means to wash.
Describe a stain or delicate item before handing over the clothes. Ask how the staff recommend treating it instead of assuming a particular product or cycle is suitable.
Vocês lavam roupa por quilo?
Do you wash clothes by weight?
Quanto tempo demora?
How long does it take?
Esta peça precisa de cuidado especial.
This item needs special care.
Confirm the pickup details
Before leaving, confirm the expected pickup time and whether you need a receipt or order number. If you are unsure when to return, ask for the day and time to be written down.
A few repeated words can make the exchange easier: hoje (today), amanhã (tomorrow), pronto (ready), and buscar (to pick up).
A roupa fica pronta amanhã?
Will the laundry be ready tomorrow?
Preciso trazer este comprovante?
Do I need to bring this receipt?
Vou buscar depois das cinco.
I’ll pick it up after five.
Put it into practice
Practice asking how the service works, when clothes will be ready, and what proof you need at pickup. Let the staff confirm the details for that location.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “I’ll pick it up after five”?
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.