This Business Spotlight originally appeared in the Autumn 2024 edition of the 503. Magazine. Click here to read the entire edition online.
The staff of New Wave Laundry with owners Matt and Lindsey Seehawer (center).
Located at 2195 Lancaster Drive NE in Salem, New Wave Laundry is redefining what it means to visit a laundromat. Opened in January of 2023 by Lindsey and Matt Seehawer, New Wave Laundry has quickly become the go-to place for the area’s garment washing needs with its efficient, comfortable, and eco-friendly laundry experience. This family-run business sets itself apart by blending state-of-the-art technology with a welcoming environment, making laundry day more convenient, less of a chore, and more of a legitimately enjoyable experience.
“Our mission is to offer the best laundry experience in Salem,” said New Wave Laundry Co-Owner Lindsey Seehawer. “We do this by ensuring our store is the cleanest and safest laundromat in Salem while also providing the latest and most efficient wash/dry machine technology available.”
New Wave Laundry offers a clean, efficient, and modern space for customers to take care of their laundry without the hassle of dealing with outdated machines or the need to carry coins. One of the standout features of the laundromat is its coinless payment system, integrated through the Speed Queen app. This system allows customers to pay using their mobile phones, track machine availability, and receive notifications when their laundry is ready. For those looking for the ultimate convenience, the app also tracks loyalty rewards, offering incentives for frequent visitors.
The laundromat is outfitted with high-efficiency Speed Queen machines that accommodate loads ranging from 10 to 80 pounds. Whether you’re a single individual with a few items or a family tackling weeks’ worth of clothes, New Wave has the machines to get the job done. The facility also offers free sanitizing cycles, ensuring every wash meets high standards of cleanliness.
“We have succeeded in providing the best experience and our customers are very appreciative,” Seehawer said. “Our customers can be in and out in about an hour with clean, dry clothes, saving them time and money.”
In addition to its self-service options, New Wave Laundry provides a Commercial Wash Dry Fold service, which the Seehawers plan to continue to grow in the near future. This service is perfect for those with busy schedules, allowing customers to drop off their laundry and pick it up, freshly washed, dried, and folded, within 24 to 48 hours. For commercial clients, like local businesses or Airbnb owners, this service offers the convenience and reliability needed to keep operations running smoothly.
The laundromat is staffed by full-time professionals who are always on hand to assist with any needs, from machine operation to customer service, ensuring that every visit is seamless and stress-free.
At New Wave Laundry, the customer experience is designed to be both comfortable and enjoyable. The facility is bright, spacious, and equipped with smart TVs, free Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating areas to pass the time while your laundry is in progress. Whether you’re there for a quick wash or spending a few hours with multiple loads, the environment is inviting and relaxing.
To ensure customer safety, the laundromat has 24/7 security cameras, and with full-time staff present, patrons can feel secure while completing their laundry. This focus on safety and comfort makes New Wave Laundry a great option for everyone, from individuals to families and commercial clients.
“We have security cameras throughout the store and outside, and our staff members are on duty 100 percent of our operating hours, which is unique in our market and industry,” Seehawer said.
Along with providing excellent laundry services, New Wave Laundry is also all about serving the local community. By offering a clean, reliable, and modern laundromat with an all-bilingual staff, the business aims to meet the needs of Salem’s diverse population. Whether customers are stopping in to run a quick load of laundry or utilizing the full-service option, New Wave has created a space where the entire community feels welcome.
With New Wave still being fairly new to northeast Salem, Seehawer says the business is always looking to meet with fellow businesses in the area to improve its services and its outreach to local residents.
“We joined the chamber to get to know our community and customers better,” she said. “I love meeting other business owners in the community to get ideas and resources from them.”
Along with its plans to expand its Commercial Wash Dry Fold service, New Wave remains focused on overall growth, making more community connections, and retaining the highest standard of customer service.
“We have steadily grown over the first 22 months and now look forward to building up our commercial presence now that we have a wonderfully trained and reliable staff,” said Seehawer, who now employs five staff members at New Wave Laundry. “We have always had the facility and the machines — now we have the staff to ensure we will meet our commercial customer’s needs.”
With a focus on modern conveniences, community service, and an enjoyable laundry experience, New Wave Laundry stands out as an industry leader in Salem. Whether you’re looking to wash your own clothes or leave the job to the professionals, New Wave Laundry has the solution for you.
Visit newwavelaundry.com to learn more about the business and its services.