Consumer Agency Reports 284 Self-Laundry Room Consultations Over 5 Years
Survey of 44 Self-Laundry Rooms in Seoul Area
Many Prohibited Clothes Not Labeled, Balance Refunds Also Not Possible
[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] It has been found that information on garments prohibited from washing and drying is inadequately displayed at self-service laundromats, raising concerns about potential damage to laundry items.
On the 4th, the Korea Consumer Agency announced that, following an investigation of 44 self-service laundromats in the Seoul area from April 14 to 16, 22.7% (10 locations) did not properly display information about garments that are prohibited from water washing. Additionally, 61.4% (27 locations) failed to indicate garments that are prohibited from using dryers. As a result, consumers may unknowingly use washing machines or dryers with prohibited garments, risking damage to their laundry.
At all 44 locations, once the washing fee was inserted, refunds were not possible through the machines even if there was a remaining balance after using the washer or dryer. Half of these locations did not even notify customers that refund functions were unavailable. Furthermore, 86.4% (38 locations) lacked storage compartments to hold laundry items that were not collected after washing, posing a risk of loss. Also, 61.4% (27 locations) displayed notices stating that the business operator is not responsible for lost items.
From 2016 to last year, there were 284 consultations related to self-service laundromats filed with the 1372 Consumer Counseling Center, with 87 cases reported last year alone?approximately 3.1 times more than the 28 cases in 2016. The most common reason for consultation was 'laundry damage,' such as tearing or discoloration, accounting for 117 cases (41.2%). This was followed by 58 cases (20.4%) related to 'payment and refund' issues, such as non-refunded balances, and 57 cases (20.1%) concerning 'laundry contamination' caused by residues inside washing machines or dryers.
The Consumer Agency plans to propose the establishment of standard terms and conditions related to self-service laundromats to the Fair Trade Commission. The agency explained that the standard terms should include strengthening business operators' obligations to provide information on garments prohibited from washing and drying, refund obligations for unused consumer balances, and compensation responsibilities for damage or loss of laundry caused by the business operator’s fault.
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