RANDOLPH (WGME) – Laundromats are businesses deemed essential and are staying open during the coronavirus outbreak but some owners have said they are not seeing many customers.
The Randolph Poly Clean Center is open for business and workers there said they are doing their best to keep employees and customers safe during the coronavirus pandemic.
“It’s keeping my employees safe and my community safe,” owner Kitty Carrier said.
Carrier said the Randolph-based laundromat has implemented new cleaning policies, such as sanitizing everything before it enters the store and taking orders outside the business.
“We go out, we take their telephone number, their name, and when their whole service is done, we call them,” Carrier said. Despite being an essential business, the store doesn’t have as many customers.
“We’ve taken a big hit. One day at a time. That’s all I can do,” Carrier said.
Some nearby residents have taken notice and are trying to help out.
“Normally we do our own laundry. We’re bringing it here so that we can support a local business,” said Farmingdale resident Stephanie Thensen.
The store is also down employees. With only half their original staff, the owner turned to her own family.
“My daughter teaches at Hall-Dale. Her and her husband have helped us a lot,” Carrier said.
Customers said it is not the same type of service as usual but that they appreciate the care being taken to stay open.
“It’s not as much service. You can’t expect fabric softener or your own detergent but, hey, they’re staying open and we love that,” Thensen said.
