Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the story?

We rebuilt The Clean Bean to make laundry feel less grim, less chaotic and less time-hungry. Whether you use the machines yourself or leave a service wash in a locker, we aim for the same thing. Clear prices, simple systems and a calmer visit.

Do you collect and deliver in my area?

We collect from the area around the shop at BS7 8PB. Pay-as-you-go collection orders have a £30 minimum, even if your laundry costs less. There is no separate collection or return fee. Collections included in your monthly plan use your plan. We check your postcode when you book. Some areas only get the later 11am to 3pm collection.

Do you offer dry cleaning?

We no longer offer dry cleaning. We still wash and press shirts, bedlinen and everyday laundry. If a care label says dry clean only, ask us before booking so we can check whether we can help with your item.

Can I change or cancel a collection?

Yes. Start in your account. Sign in with the email address you used to book. This works for guest bookings too. Each booking shows the options you can use.

For a future one-off collection, choose Change collection date. You will see the dates you can pick and the new return date before you confirm. You can change the date up to twice. Date changes close at 10pm the day before collection. If you cannot see the option, or you want to change a regular schedule, contact us for help.

Use Cancel Collection for a future booking you no longer need. If you cannot see it, contact us for help. Your account shows the change straight away. We email you when the shop, calendar and delivery are updated. After you change a date, update any entry you saved in your own calendar.

How long does laundry take?

Standard laundry is usually ready in 2–3 days. It depends on when you drop it in a locker or when we collect it, on weekends and on the items. A Friday-evening locker drop-off may mean Tuesday. It is not a promise of exactly 48 hours. We confirm the ready date. For locker laundry, wait for our ready-to-collect message before you come back. Business schedules are agreed separately.

Can I get it back sooner?

Yes. You can choose this when you book. On the locker drop-off form, pick Next day or Same day. When you book a collection, pick Next day to get it back on the next working day. Faster options cost more (see prices). They depend on space and on when you drop off. Same day is for lockers only.

What’s the parking situation like?

Gloucester Road parking can be awkward. As a guide:

• Monday to Friday: no parking before 09:30 or from 16:30 to 18:30.
• Saturday: usually one hour between 09:00 and 18:00.
• Sunday: usually no limits.

If in doubt, check the signs when you arrive.

How do service washes work?

Service washes are charged by weight. We wash, dry and fold unless the service option says otherwise. You can leave notes about detergent or care if something needs special treatment.

When will I know the final price?

Choose your services and items on the booking form to see the starting prices. For pay-as-you-go locker and collection orders, we check and weigh your laundry. Then we send an invoice that lists each item. The £30 collection minimum still applies if your items cost less. Your monthly kilos and the extras on your plan are covered by your plan. Any extra work is charged at our normal one-off prices. See Pricing for details.

Do unused subscription kilograms roll over?

No. Any kilos you have not used are lost at the end of your month. Each paid renewal gives you a fresh set of kilos. We do not add the old ones.

Can I pay for a subscription annually?

Subscriptions are billed monthly. Annual billing is not available at the moment. If it would suit you better, tell us through the contact form and mention annual subscriptions. We like to hear your ideas.

Do you wash laundry for catering businesses?

Yes. We wash for restaurants, cafes and caterers, including tablecloths and napkins. We can wash them, press them, or both. Tell us what items you have, roughly how many, how often, and how fast you need them back. Then we can agree a service and a quote. See commercial laundry.

What about colour separation?

For service wash and economy laundry, tell us if your laundry is already split into light and dark loads that are ready to wash. If it is mixed, our team will sort it. You do not need separate bags.

• Already separated: no charge, when each load is big enough to wash alone.
• Separated, but a load is too small: there may be 1 fixed £4 charge per booking. We will contact you first.
• Mixed laundry that we sort: 1 fixed £4 charge per booking.
• On a monthly plan, colour separation is free when you use your plan kilos. Any other booking pays the usual £4.

What if I want a refund?

We do not give automatic refunds, but if something has gone wrong we want to know. Depending on what happened, we may offer a re-clean, store credit or another fair fix.

Do you have WiFi?

Yes. Wi-Fi is free for customers using the washers or dryers.