Emily was so friendly and gave super insightful info. Really appreciate good customer service and great communication.

Very disappointed with the customer service here. A few months ago, we had a fire in our home, so we've been relying on this laundromat for our laundry needs. Unfortunately, every visit has been frustrating because the employees consistently come across as uninterested, unhelpful, and like they don't want to be there. On my most recent visit, I told an employee that I wanted to pay for transfer service because I had my two young kids with me and didn't want to have to come back. Instead of explaining the process or telling me what I needed to do next, she provided no guidance at all. It felt like helping customers was an inconvenience. Their transfer service only covers six loads, but I had seven she said they would charge me $2 extra which I said was fine. Because many of the machines were already full, I had to use several smaller washers, which made the situation even more complicated. A little communication and customer service would have gone a long way. My husband usually handles the laundry, and he has complained about the same issues multiple times, so this isn't an isolated experience. We have tried giving this place multiple chances, but after repeated poor customer service, we won't be coming back. Management should consider hiring employees who are willing to help customers and take pride in their work. read more

Heavy duty dryers are a wonderful addition to this laundry Mat!! For the most part I usually encountered kind and helpful employees. The store always appears clean, someone is for the most part always at the front of the store ready to help and assist. The washers appear clean and well kept. I love that the store is also a dry cleaners and offers personal washing services so you can " leave it and go" read more

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we stopped in here during a roadtrip on a friday evening to wash clothes. we had never been here before and found a friendly helpful person who helped us get situated and purchase both laundry detergent and with the machines. they have small to XL washers and dryers. we fit everything in an XL washer which lasted 25 min and an XL dryer which dried it all on medium in about 40 minutes- place was clean and pleasant. read more

Natalia was extremely helpful explaining everything from the card system, how much detergent to use, best temperatures to use, to the free transfer to dryer service. We drove an hour from Klamath based on reviews & it was worth the drive. Clean. Safe. Efficient. And we were able to grab dinner while our loads were transferred to the dryer (free of charge). Cannot recommend more highly. Mahalo Natalia! read more

This was my go to laundry, but the last time I went, no employees showed up 40 minutes after they were supposed to open. Frequently they opened late, but usually only 5 to minutes late. I emailed their website, but never got a response. read more

I used their Stuff service for $30 for 30 pounds. They only wash on one setting. HOT and Hotter. My clothes have come back bleached out. Missing socks and clothes missing. My bra hooks get all bent out of shape where they can't be used and zippers fall off. I have called to complain but they told me. They are not responsible for bra hooks or zippers falling off. I have no idea who to talk to as far as who the owner is. They seem to only make excuses. I deserve to have my clothing handled respectfully. BUT good place to go if you're doing your own wash. They are friendly and helpful. BUT I have missing clothing from when they do my laundry. read more

Great Laundry in a great location! I felt safe during my time there. The laundry is clean and tidy every time I go. my first time there I was helped by Antonio who was very personable and informative. He was patient & kind, answering all my questions ...so very helpful! Glad he was there that day! Thanks Antonio! Shout Out to Alanah, Lila and Jazmin all who were very sweet and helpful on other occasions when I visited Emerald City. Thank You All for such a good experience! WITHOUT A DOUBT ALL OF YOU ARE TRUE SHINING STARS!! "Lady T" read more

Didnt need a third-party laundry mat the first 10 years I lived in Arcata/Humboldt. As soon as I moved downtown, no washing machine at home. I come here for my washing, and Ive never had any big issues. The employees are all helpful, responsive and approachable. The place is usually kept clean and orderly. The turn-over service is wonderful. Prices are what they are, so I pay it ($1.50 a wash when I lived at an RV park in Arcata, but its $3.85-4.50) at Emerald). read more

What an incredible place to do one's laundry. The place is virtually spotless. A young lady was there to provide information on the operation of the machines and facilitate putting cash on the cards used by the washers and dryers. I have never encountered a laundromat so clean and well maintained. The young employee spent much of her time cleaning machines and providing a laundry service for those who wished to drop off their laundry. I cannot recommend more strongly than I have that this is the place to go. read more

Nice clean n great customer service. The staff were very helpful and nice. Definitely will be going back.

While doing my laundry there, I witnessed a bandana-clad employee yelling and berating a young woman who had been waiting over 20 minutes for service. I have never seen a customer treated so badly. Total shame. read more

Super rude employee, I didn't even wash anything the guy was such a jerk There's not many options for laundry in this town, but I'd avoid this anyway, not worth the disrespect read more

Emerald City Laundry is by far the cleanest and friendliest laundromat that I've ever used. Emily, Kaya and Garrett the manager have been so friendly, engaging and helpful that they almost feel like family already, and I've only used the facility 3x thus far. Doing laundry at a laundromat is one of my very least favorite things to do because they're usually dirty and lacking the care needed to make it a good experience. This place has changed that and now I actually enjoy doing laundry! Thank you Emerald staff for making this a really good experience! read more

Don't do your dry cleaning there! 2 weeks to turn around dry cleaning when they said it would be four days. Really!!! read more

I had a London Fog winter coat I'd literally *found* in the Arcata community forest on a hike. It was molded and badly in need of help. But it was a beautiful coat *if it could be cleaned*! Frankly, this is such a small town that I doubted Norman's could clean it but, gave it a try anyway with their silicon-based non-toxic dry cleaning method. Wow. I am delighted and thrilled to report that the coat looks completely new, smells fantastic and has no staining or loss of integrity anywhere. I also had not realized it was such a beautiful dark gray flannel color! Thank you so very much Normas dry cleaning! Personally, I hope that with new ownership they are able to lower their prices. The Speedwash offers free dryers & that cut my laundry bill in half. Period. Sooo that's a big impetus to go there. So (for now), I go to Normans Emerald City for dry cleaning only. Due to budgetary constraints I do my laundry where I can use free dryers. Definitely support this local business, f you can afford it. Employees are average friendly, and it is usually understaffed. Nametags would be a big help so one would be able to ask the correct person queries, as well as be useful for identifying the employees.If you count for the college student employees mentality, and give them the time they need to do basic things, defined simply, not under any time constraints, you will be pleased or at least content with the service here. read more

Very clean, efficient and polite friendly staff. The girl gave me a free pod because they don't have fabric softener sold by piece. Enrique was very polite and attentive. I'm visiting and it's a great experience! Keep it up. read more

Emerald City Laundry - Washers and entrance - Laundromat Near Me - Arcata, California

If something smells fishy (YOU, for example), this establishment is a your savior! Ok, ok, I'll back up.... I was on vacation in Humboldt County and whenever I'm there I am REQUIRED to visit the Lost Coast. In fact, this time I wanted to camp it. For some reason, I wanted to really play it minimalistic and NOT plan at all. I was going to borrow a friend's tent & sleeping bag, and basically that was about all the gear I'd take. (yeah, yeah, been watching too much Survivorman & Bear Grylls!) Anyway, I ventured to the Lost Coast trailhead with my meager supplies and hiked 2 miles south. All the while, dark foreboding clouds taunted, teased, and rolled towards me from the west. I didn't care. I was in my favorite place on earth and set up camp. The day was fine, yes there was rain, but my friend's tent was handling it well. But then, after nightfall, after I had had a sardine "dinner" and while I was watching a movie on my iPhone.... BOOM! A huge bear swiped at my tent and everything inside went airborne---Actually, it was a large gust of wind, and really it was only my tin of "sardine-juice" that went airborne. Yup. The little sardines had their revenge, and spread their aroma over my friend's tent/sleeping bag and my clothes. It was 10pm. I had no flashlight (except for the app on my iPhone). It was raining. I stupidly ditched camp, and had one of the longest nights of my life..... The next day, I went northward (wreaking of fish) to Arcata. My sister informed me of a cool laundromat: :::::::::: ENTER: Emerald City Laundry Co. :::::::::: I called first and asked if they could clean sleeping bags (they said, "sure"). I was desperate. For the last 24hrs, I could not get rid of the fish smell. I tried to let my OCD take over and tried hand-cleaning as much as I can, but fish stink loves to play with the mind. So, in I walked to Emerald City. I had a sleeping bag, and a gaggle of clothes which all reeked. The staff didn't blink an eye. They were so professional and gladly took my stinkiness. "Would you guys happen to clean tents??" I shyly asked...surely knowing I was pressing my luck and imposing. "Umm....yeah, I think we could manage that. Yeah. Let's give it a try," the guy proclaimed. [I did a flip in my brain] I came back with a big globe of fish-stinkified tent. "Umm, you can keep the poles, I don't think we can clean that," they said. "Oh, sorry, didn't mean to include that--my bad!" I'd pay anything to have all of this clean and to (more importantly) break up with my most recent relationship: fish funk. It just wasn't working out. It wasn't IT, it was me. . . . The next day I stopped on by for pick up. And like a wound licked clean, the smell of the sea was no more. I was able to enjoy the weekend, and give the tent/sleeping bag back to my friend, and he was none the wiser. They smelled beautiful. THANK YOU, Emerald City!! I'm forever indebted to you. read more

Emerald City Laundry - Such A Fitting Painting (I love Colombia's Fernando Botero!). This photo is near the cash register. - Laundromat Near Me - Arcata, California

Emerald city is by far the nicest and cleanest laundry facility I have ever gone to. The staff, always friendly and helpful, greet you with a smile and go out of their way to lend a hand. They even offer a free transfer service that frees me up to run other errands while my laundry gets done! I mean, thats really going above and beyond! read more

Clean, easy to use, sells singles of laundry soap, and the front desk person will allow you to pay directly for a wash/dry without buying a laundry card read more

Passing through and needed to do a load. Friendly, with clear covid guidelines, clean, friendly staff andreasonable price. Restroom closed, so I deducted one star. read more

This is the first ever laundromat I've been to and honestly all I can say is it was clean, there were empty washers and dryers so I didn't have to wait (I went at like..: 8am) and it's a do it yourself place so really, nothing to complain about. There were chairs to sit in and wait, everyone wore masks, great experience! read more

I come here to do my laundry for several years. And was satisfied. Medical reason's prevent me from doing my laundry for a few years. So I started using their "stuff " service. Occasionally a piece of clothing would be missing. Suspicious. The last time several pairs of socks were missing. These were expensive with a unique pattern. Also identical. This couldn't have been an oversight made by a busy employee. There are thieves working there. Think twice about trusting them with your laundry. Two star rating because I was satisfied with self service. read more

Open late and pretty damn clean. I don't think the machines are overpriced, especially considering how clean and efficient the washers. I'll definitely be back to wash. read more

Disclaimer: With my partner's and my review of our experience with this laundry mat we may compare this laundry mat to the one we usually go to in Eureka. We would like to express that even though some comparisons will be made, the overall experience resulted in the 1 star. My partner and I had decided on a whim to try Emerald City for this week's laundry. We usually do our laundry at a similarly priced establishment in Eureka, close to where we live. Since we were in Arcata with our dirty clothes, we decided to try them out. Upon entering the place looked clean, spacious and friendly. We asked the staff member on duty for a card (since the washers and dryers work on a card system basis). We had to put down a $4 refundable deposit for a card. Then we started our chore. We loaded up our washers ( all 4 at $3.50 each) and waited until they were done. By this point we had used up about $14 just to wash clothing because of the washer sizes. We would usually cost us $11.50 at our normal spot. After we loaded up our clothing into 2 dryers we gave each of them 30 minutes on the Low setting. Now I would like to add that $0.50 for 10 minutes is expensive, especially for the quality of the dryers. After checking back on it and having to keep on adding more minutes to it, we spent about an hour and a half on each dryer and the clothes were still damp! It was very shocking and frustrating. Usually we would be done within an hour at our usual laundry mat. We were shelling in more money and they still never dried. By this point in time, especially after a long day of work, we decided to call it quits since we were getting more frustrated. It was either we go home and hang our clothes and hope it dries by morning or spend another $3 and another hour of our time just to get them barely dry. As I packed up, my partner went to get a refund on the money on the card. About 5 minutes later he came back with more frustrating news. Because the amount on the card exceeded $5, he had to fill out a form requesting for his money back from the manager. If approved, he would receive a check in the mail within one week. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I had to hold my frustration back as I walked out of that place. He was however able to get a refund on his card deposit, which seemed like the least they could have done. Overall, I am giving this a 1 star because of the excessive insufficiency of the dryers and the expensiveness of this place. Total spent here: $26 after the return of card deposit, and a whole lot of sanity lost. Estimated total spent at usual mat: less than $20 with sanity still in tack and getting home sooner to our cat. read more

I used to like this laundromat. The last few times I have been in here all the small washers were full of clothes that were done being washed. Maybe it was just bad timing that no one was around to empty their clothes from the washers. Emerald City Laundry raised their prices on the washers by 55 cents. It is now $2.75 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It used to be $2.20 for the small washers. They also raised the price to dry clothes by 5 cents. It takes their dryers 50-60 minutes on permanent press (medium heat) to dry an average sized load of clothes. TIME TO UPGRADE YO SHIT! All the migrants/gutter punks wandering though the establishment keeps the building pretty grimy. Be careful of which washing machines you put your clothes in. Some of the washing machines are funky. Pros: location, free transfer service from washer to dryer (be prepared to come back in 2-3 hours) with Emerald City card, clothes drop off service Cons: mediocre employees, dirty floors, dirty washing machines, old dryers that are inefficient, gutter punks and migrant workers passing through, overpriced. read more

I didn't know laundromats could be this good! This is the cleanest and friendliest one I've ever been it. Not to mention the most high tech. I may be a country bumpkin, but I've never had the experience of using a card to pay instead of quarters. THE WAY OF THE FUTURE! The staff is always cool and uber-helpful. My buddy Evan works there, so, shout out to Evan! I honestly cannot think of any draw backs. Tuesday and Thursday is cheap laundry day ($1.99 to wash, $0.50 to dry). The transfer service is also pretty new to me too. I take full advantage of the free (yes, FREE) transfer service. I can do errands or any thing else except wait and guard my clothes. This is definitely a must for those of you who need a break from conventional laundromats. All those days of doing my laundry in the dorms can kiss my ass! read more

I love this laundromat in general. One star off for the super grumpy chick who works there now.

Emerald city is the end-all-be-all of laundromats. By far the cleanest, friendliest, most calming and comfortable laundromat on the face of this Earth. No exaggeration. This place is always very clean and bright. They rarely have machines out of order. There is always at least one employee there to help you with a machine or accept your wash-n-fold, etc. They have an extensive supply area, containing tennis balls (for fluffing comforters), detergents (organic, vegan, Tide, etc.), stain removers, dryer sheets, basically anything that you forgot at home. Plus they have a great money card system, just add money to your card and use it on any machine. Very convenient. If I didn't live so far away, I would still take my clothes here for any self-service and full-service laundry needs. read more

Clean. Friendly service. Easy to use. Felt comfortable leaving to get coffee and lunch while our clothing was washing and drying.

When I first moved here, these people saved me! I love the staff and the service and the washers and the fact that you or they can do the laundry for you. I still take stuff here, even though I own a pretty cool washer and drier. This place rocks, there is no greener or cleaner laundry place around! read more

Full service, energy smart neighborhood laundromat. Always staffed, clean, and open every day. Easy location at 12th & G, across the street from Wildberries Market, and a fun place to do the laundry. We opened this store in 1998 and have become an integral part of the community. Check us out. read more

There's really nothing more time consuming than laundry when you can't do it while multi-tasking in the comfort of your own home. Emerald City makes laundry easy, efficient, and even has a welcoming atmosphere to boot. I love that quarters are a thing of the past, with their easy to use money cards. The wi-fi provides the opportunity to be just as productive in the laundromat as my home office. And there's plenty of machines to use! I especially had a wonderful laundry experience today because of Emerald City Employee, Emily. It is clear she enjoys her job, and she does it well. She is incredibly approachable, has a positive problem-solving attitude, and is genuinely there to help! I watched her greet customers warmly throughout my couple hours there. She even warmly welcomed the dogs of other customers. All in all, when I have to do laundry outside of the home, I choose Emerald City! Whether drop-off, or DIY, I'll be back! read more

One of the cleanest laundromats I've been to. It's not a coin-op but the card system is pretty easy especially if you live in the area. Friendly staff too. read more

Been here a few times now and will keep coming. Staff is professional and attentive, facility is clean, and the extra services are great. Definitely recommend!! read more

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Emerald City used to be fantastic, and some of what made them great is still true: free wifi, plenty of seating to study/read while waiting for your laundry, convenient prepaid cards that can be paid for with cash or credit. They've always been pricey, but in a pinch it was great to be able to drop off a bag of laundry for wash-and-fold or a flate-rate stuff sack. (For the convenience, these services are reasonably priced. Their regular laundromat prices are a little steep.) Over the past few years, their customer service has deteriorated; they had great staff, and those folks have increasingly been replaced by staff who range from unreliable/spacey to outright rude (complaining about patrons... in front of other patrons). The last two times I've used their wash-and-fold service, they've had difficulty locating my bag and/or laundry at pick-up, and I assume it's a matter of time before they'll lose a load altogether Parking is also a bit of a nightmare, and the place definitely doesn't smell clean. read more

This WAS my favorite laundromat. They got new machines and the all-around robber on the round door of the machine gather all kind of dirt including cigarette butts, animal hair and just dirt. They do not cleaned regularly, in particular when customer coming from "the woods" are doing their laundry. I'll give it one more try and if that doesn't change I'll go somewhere else. This WAS my favorite laundromat. They got new machines and the all-around robber on the round door of the machine gather all kind of dirt including cigarette butts, animal hair and just dirt. They do not cleaned regularly, in particular when customer coming from "the woods" are doing their laundry. I'll give it one more try and if that doesn't change I'll go somewhere else. read more

What happened to this place? It used to be the only laundromat in the area that had great service and didn't feel gross. Well, that is a thing of that past! Emerald is way understaffed now plus there's layers of filth on the ledges below the washers so if any article of laundry escapes the washer and touches the ledge it will need to be washed again or just thrown away! Recently I brought my king size mattress pad in to have washed with scent free products. The fee was $20.00 which seemed reasonable to me. I brought it home the next day and when I opened the bag, the odor of dryer sheets came wafting out at me so bad I couldn't put it on the bed. So, I aired it out for two weeks to no avail. At this point I called to see what had happened. It seems the dryer had been used by someone with a dryer sheet addiction and that residue coated my mattress pad. I don't blame the laundromat for this but if they were running a tight ship they would have detected the smell before putting my mattress pad in there. The employee said they would ask the owner if they could rewash it for me at not charge. I was happy with that. Great! Well, the owner never got back to them which is no surprise judging by the filth about the place. I said I'd just pay for it, whatever, I just need a scent free night of sleep. When I brought it back in the employee told me to choose a washer and give them the machine number. Ok... I reported the machine number, they started the washer and I asked when it would be done. Well, apparently they weren't planning to wash it for me and this threw everything off because they wouldn't have started the machine had they known I wanted them to do the wash/dry for me even though I said I'd pay for it. They caved and agreed to take on the task. The clincher is when I picked it up the next day the fee was $25.00. I asked why it was $25.00 when I paid $20.00 two weeks ago for them to wash it. The employee had no explanation, just a vapid stare and repeated the price to me. Well, I griped enough that they gave in and let me have it for $20.00. Thanks Emerald city. read more

My husband and I were traveling along the coast and needed a clean and easy to find laundromat for our clothes. The location was great, nearby several places to grab a quick bite while waiting. The card renting/deposit thing was really confusing. He se the 4 stars. read more

Cool place but the wifi sucked...Went the day after Halloween and it was pretty busy, being that it was a) Halloween b) the end of the month and c) weed harvest season. A lot of the patrons were skinny hippy chicks with shitwig dreads and whatnot- never really thought they were that cool, but dang, some of these hippy broads were pretty hot! The lot was full and in the end by the side street, there was a group of those commie pinko hippys doing the drum- circle thing plus a guy with a guitar...total Arcata scene. The chick at the counter that afternoon was super cool and friendly- I would've hit on her and asked her out, but we were leaving town right after the laundry was done. My gf probably would've got bummed as well, so I guess that's for the best. Oh well- maybe next time! read more