Question 1

What cities do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We currently offer 7-day-a-week service in Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, Castro Valley, El Cerrito, Emeryville, Hayward, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Piedmont, Richmond, San Leandro & Walnut Creek. Please note that our Berkeley, Richmond and Walnut Creek service is next-evening return only.

Question 2

How do I schedule a laundry pickup?

Accepted Answer

You can schedule a pickup via the Family Laundry mobile app for iOS or Android, or on the web by clicking here. If you’d rather deal with a human, we’ll be delighted to take your call at (510) 842-3560 between 7 am and 10 pm and get you set up over the phone!

Question 3

Will you provide me with a laundry bag for my first pickup?

Accepted Answer

Not for your first pickup. Simply put your laundry in securely closed trash bags and we’ll return your clean laundry in your very own Family Laundry bags, which you can continue to use.

Question 4

Do I have to be home, or meet your driver, for pickup or delivery?

Accepted Answer

No you don't. We offer convenient and socially distanced pickup and delivery of your laundry. You can leave your bag(s) out for us (by 7 am for morning pickup, and 6 pm for evening). Let us know when you sign up if you’d prefer your clean laundry left on your doorstep.   Please note, if we swing by and your laundry is not out, or you require an in-person delivery and you are not available, we’ll charge a $15 missed pickup/delivery fee.

Question 5

Do you have a minimum per order?

Accepted Answer

Yes - regardless of how little laundry you send us, we charge a minimum of $49 per bag plus an $8.95 delivery fee.

Question 6

Is there a maximum per order?

Accepted Answer

No! Though if you send more than 50 lbs., we may need extra time to process and return your order. We’ll let you know by text message if we do.

Question 7

What cleaning products do you use?

Accepted Answer

We use safe and effective Puretergent, a non-toxic, fragrance- and allergen-free detergent made right here in Oakland. It starts with a P, but it’s “p-free,” containing no petroleum, phosphate, phthalates, parabens or other things you don’t want on your clothing, your body, or in our water.   We also offer OxiClean for an extra $2.50 per bag.

Question 8

Do you offer Hang Dry for delicate items?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we now offer Air Dry for Delicates (additional $15 per delicates bag).  Select AIR DRY DELICATES when placing your order. Put your delicates in a separate plastic bag and we'll provide you with a  15"x19" delicates bag at no additional cost to you that you can use for all future orders.

Question 9

Do you offer dry cleaning?

Accepted Answer

We do not. Our sole focus is providing you with the best laundry service using only water and natural soap.   We oppose dry cleaning for several reasons, namely because it relies on toxic chemical solvents that can be harmful to humans, are known to pollute groundwater, and can damage your clothing.

Question 10

Who actually does my laundry?

Accepted Answer

We do, every step of the way. Everyone who touches your laundry is a W2 employee of Family Laundry. Our trained, full-time launderers do your laundry at our facilities, and our drivers transport your laundry in our 100% owned and operated delivery trucks. We never outsource.   We pay a living wage and provide benefits to all of our full-time staff members.

Question 11

Can you clean dog bedding, large comforters and sleeping bags?

Accepted Answer

Yes we can! We have big machines to launder your larger items. If it fits in the Family Laundry bag, we will wash it.

Question 12

How can I reach you?

Accepted Answer

Call us at (510) 842-3560. In case we miss your call, please leave a voicemail and we'll call you back as soon as possible. You can also email us anytime at info@familylaundry.com.   Returning customers, you can reply to our last text from your mobile phone.

Question 13

Will you do laundry for my business?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We currently provide laundry service to childcare centers, massage/chiropractic practices, small grocery stores and other local businesses.

Question 14

Do you sell gift cards?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We offer e-gift cards that can be purchased here. You can post-date the gift card so it gets sent on whatever special day you have in mind: a birthday, Mothers Day, baby shower, housewarming, etc. The recipient of your gift card then just needs to create an account, and forward the gift card to info@familylaundry.com so we can apply it to their first order.

Question 15

Do you provide group service to multi-unit apartment buildings?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we do! Coordinate/consolidate pickup days with your neighbors for a group discount. Requests for multi unit pricing and coordination should be sent to info@familylaundry.com.

Question 16

Can I bring my laundry to you?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Bring it by 2609 Foothill Boulevard (Oakland) before 10 am for same-day pickup or after 10 am for next-day pickup. We’re open from 7 am to 8 pm, 7 days a week. Our drop-off/pickup service is $2.00/lb.

Question 17

Why Free and Clear only?

Accepted Answer

The more we learn about the chemicals used in popular detergents, the less we want to use them. For example, phtalates are a group of chemicals used heavily in detergents to retain scents throughout the cleaning cycle. We know for a fact that they can cause allergic reactions, and recent studies suggest they can be harmful to your health.

Question 18

Do you check clothing labels for laundering instructions?

Accepted Answer

We do not. We wash everything you send us in warm water and dry on medium. Please be sure to only send us items that can be washed in water.

Question 19

Do you bleach whites?

Accepted Answer

No. As part of our commitment to humans and the environment, we do not use chlorine bleach.   Did you know that white clothing is dyed white, and bleach removes the white dye, turning items yellow? As with dry cleaning, bleaching is both damaging and unnecessary for most clothing items.