Alvin Place Laundry

NOT THE PLACE IT USED TO BE!
I’ve been using this laundry since hurricane Irene when I lost power at home for a week. It’s convenient, the staff has always been helpful and it’s clean.
As said in other reviews, you have to time your visit because there are a limited number of machines to use between customer and drop off. It’s a very small building.
But lately, I’ve become a little disappointed.
1– it’s no longer the best kept secret and everyone and their mother seems to come here all at once with about 5 loads each.
2– since the restaurant next door closed last Fall, the rear parking lot lights do not turn on because the breaker for it is inside that part of the building. It’s pitch black creating numerous danger and safety hazards. As of this date, it still has not been fixed. It’s not really Alvin Place’s owner’s fault; it’s the man who owns the entire property who should be doing something about it as numerous patrons have complained. Apparently it’s not enough of a concern until someone slips and falls or is robbed and assaulted and he receives a letter from the law firm of Dewey, Cheetum & Howe. I even have a video I took back then. I wish I could post it.
The above is why I dropped my review to 2 stars.
3– the AC is not working and it’s brutal in here right now. The floor is condensing because of the heat from the dryers and someone is going to slip.
I’ve since found another laundromat in Woodland Park that is much bigger, clean, comfortable with plenty of tables and chairs you can sit at while you wait. Plenty of roomier folding tables too. Numerous TVs and snack and beverage machines. I use that as my back-​up or when I’m in that area.
The only negative is I prefer the machines at Alvin Place and I love the staff but I’m learning to compromise in return for the other comforts!
A shame because Alvin Place is a nice laundromat but I will strictly limit myself to Sunday mornings when it’s quietest and I will absolutely no longer come here at night until the parking lot lights are fixed.

I am giving four stars for the best price and service in Montclair. They offer free and clear detergent in addition to Tide, they follow special instructions for extra care items, and the attendants are all nice.

I think of Alvin the same way I think of Disney World: it’s expensive but never disappoints.
I used to do my laundry at another local laundromat. The place was nowhere as modern, certainly not as clean, and many of the machines did not work.
Alvin’s laundromat is more expensive, but it’s a completely different experience. All of the machines are new, they vary in size based on laundry loads, and while washing clothes is more expensive, drying is less because you pay for drying based on the amount of time you need, not a predetermined time. The use of a laundry card is a smart business idea: It does away with the need to have exact change or to make change in order to do your laundry. The cost of Dropbox wash and fold laundry is comparable to other local laundromats. There is ample free parking and the laundromat is located next to the grocery store so you can multitask while washing and drying your clothes. Also, there is a well maintained clean bathroom for customers and there’s Wi-​Fi.
I have found a few negative issues. One is that while there are many machines if you do not go at the right time you may have to wait especially if one of the workers is using machines for drop off laundry. The cost of plastic bags, hangers, laundry bags, and laundry supplies such as soap, bleach, softener, etc. are pricey, so try to remember to always bring your own.
The staff at Alvin’s is always friendly and helpful when needed, and if you run into the owner, he is a very personable individual who makes sure to thank you for doing your business at his laundromat.
All in all I have to say that while washing clothes here is a little more expensive, I thoroughly enjoy the experience. How often can you say that about doing laundry?!.

Horrible experience at Alvin Place for both pick-​up and drop-​off recently. Will not go back! Recent changes have included Rude staff, not honoring coupons and poor customer service in general. What a shame.