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 are using the machines yourself or handing over a service wash, the aim is the same: cleaner systems, clearer pricing, and a calmer visit.

Do you collect and deliver in my area?

We broadly cover the current collection area around the shop at BS7 8PB. Pay-as-you-go collection orders have a £30 minimum, even if your selected laundry costs less. There is no separate collection or return fee. Included subscription collections use your monthly plan. We check the postcode automatically during booking, and some areas only show the later 11am to 3pm collection route.

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.

How long does laundry take?

Standard laundry is usually ready in 2–3 days, depending on the time you hand it over, weekends and the items involved. A Friday-evening locker drop-off may mean Tuesday; it is not a guarantee of exactly 48 elapsed hours. We confirm the ready date, and you should wait for the ready-to-collect message before returning for locker laundry. Business schedules are agreed separately.

Can I get it back sooner?

Ask about Express or Super Express before dropping off. Faster services depend on the items, handoff time and availability. Super Express is not available with collection and delivery; the collection booking form shows the dates available for your postcode.

What’s the parking situation like?

Gloucester Road parking can be awkward. As a general guide: Monday to Friday there is no parking before 09:30 or between 16:30 and 18:30, Saturdays are usually limited to one hour between 09:00 and 18:00, and Sundays are generally unrestricted. If in doubt, check the local 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, and you can leave detergent and handling notes if something needs special treatment.

When will I know the final price?

Choose your services and items on the booking form to see the relevant starting prices. For pay-as-you-go locker and collection orders, we inspect and weigh your laundry, then send an itemised invoice. The £30 collection minimum still applies if your items total less. Subscription allowance and included benefits are handled under your plan; extra or separately invoiced work follows the applicable one-off prices. See Pricing for details.

Do unused subscription kilograms roll over?

No. Unused kilograms expire at the end of your monthly billing period. Each paid renewal starts a fresh allowance, without adding unused kilograms from the previous period.

Can I pay for a subscription annually?

Subscriptions are currently billed monthly. If annual billing would suit you better, tell us through the contact form and mention annual subscriptions. We welcome the feedback; annual billing is not currently available.

Do you wash laundry for catering businesses?

Yes. We support restaurants, cafes and catering businesses with everyday laundry, tablecloths, napkins and washing or pressing requirements. Tell us the items, approximate volume, frequency and turnaround you need, and we can discuss a practical service and quote. See commercial laundry.

What about colour separation?

For service wash and economy laundry, tell us whether the laundry is clearly separated into wash-ready light and dark loads or mixed and needs our team to sort it. Separate bags are not required. Already-separated laundry has no charge when each load is large enough to wash alone. A too-small separated load may incur 1 fixed £4 charge per booking; we will contact you first. Mixed laundry we sort is 1 fixed £4 charge per booking. Eligible subscription bookings using plan allowance keep included Colour Separation; separately invoiced or non-entitled bookings use the normal £4 charge.

What if I want a refund?

We do not offer automatic refunds, but if something has gone wrong we want to know about it. Depending on the situation, we may offer a re-clean, store credit, or another reasonable remedy.

Do you have WiFi?

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