Dry cleaning on the go in London

A series of smartphone-controlled vending machines are being installed near to Tube stations across London in a bid to help time-pressed commuters take care of their dry cleaning.

Laundry start-up VClean Life is behind the fleet of Vdrop machines, which allow customers to drop their dirty clothes into a biodegradable bag printed with a barcode. The washing is then collected, taken to the company’s facility in Watford and returned the next day, at a cost of £2.50 per shirt and £3 for other garments.

Users sign up through the VClean Life website to book in their washing, which generates a QR code to scan in at the machine. They can then track their washing’s progression using their smartphone. The first machines are due to open in the car park of Epping Station on Saturday, with planned trials in Loughton, North Greenwich South Woodford and Woodford. VClean Life uses mild, biodegradable detergents to wash the clothing instead of chemicals, and claims its process enhances garments’ colour.

VClean Life aims to open further vending machines in offices, shopping centres and gyms across the country. “In just 24 hours customers will receive a premium service at ridiculously cheap prices, with 200 machines being rolled out across London in coming months, before going national,” Nick Harris, founder and managing director, said. “We are thrilled that Transport for London will be the first to roll them out to commuters across the capital.”