Local Laundromat pioneers clean and green [La Prensa (San Antonio, TX)]

Laundromats are typically not very pleasant places to be. Between the chain smoker sitting to the left of you, the pile of abandoned socks by the outdated machines and the constant threat that someone's going to steal your quarters, going to such a place is a chore that everyone dreads.

That's not including the fear of the germs or questioning the forgotten clothes prior users may have left. Uh, yeah.. .let's not go there. Fortunately, there is a new Laundromat in town that's creating a new standard. This place is clean, the staff is friendly, and it's good for the environment.

Tiberio Erdely and his wife, Peggy, are the pioneers behind San Antonio Green Laundry, the first and only eco-friendly Laundromat in the city. These guys are making the earth a better place, one load at a time.

"When it comes to helping the environment, everyone says its somebody else's job. If everyone thinks like that, then who ' s going to do it," Tiberio asked.

Instead of the rattling outdated speed queens everyone is so accustomed to, Erdely has installed the latest laundry technology and LED lights in his Laundromat, which cut energy and water consumption by 60 percent. One machine can hold up to eight loads of laundry at the same time.

You won't find any abandoned piles of clothes or dust at San Antonio Green Laundry. Nor, will you have to worry about customers who've washed before.

"We make sure to sanitize each and every machine after it is used. We like to keep it clean for everyone," Tiberio said.

Quarters are also a thing of the past at San Antonio Green Laundry. Instead of carrying around a bag of change, pre money-loaded laundry card are used. For every $20 spent, an additional 10 percent is loaded in the card. On the week of your birthday, you receive a complimentary wash for one load.

San Antonio Laundry provides a washing and folding service. It costs $1 per pound, and the minimum they accept is 10. They use hypoallergenic detergent, which is more cost effective, all natural, and keeps clothes brilliant longer.

There is something else that distinguishes San Antonio Green Laundry from the rest: customer service. The business is open from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., but is often open later. The Erdely's often stay later than regular hours to insure every customer's loads are done. They do not turn away anyone. It takes about an hour and a half for a full load to be completely washed, dried and folded, so they have often stayed until 11 p.m. Now that's service you don't see at every Laundromat.

"We emphasize on giving good service. We make sure to take care of our customers, and that's a priority," Tiberio said.

You can visit San Antonio Green Laundry at 5525 Blanco Road. They are off the intersection of Blanco and Oblate.

By Amanda Lozano

Amanda@laprensasa. com