The shift in the Indian laundry segment is characterized by convenience, technology integration and a growing awareness of environmental impact. Rishi Rathod, Founder & CEO, WeClean shares the need for a service that marries professional garment care with a seamless, modern experience
A young laundry that plans to make the luxury of washing and other cleaning services viable and affordable to individuals and households. “The whole purpose was to simplify a time-consuming chore, allowing individuals to save their precious hours. Our approach was to keep it simple. The service designed keeps daily cleaning, washing and ironing needs of people in mind.”
Following a four-year R&D of the Indian laundry segment, “I realised there is a need for a good service that not only provides professional care to valuable clothes but also offers doorstep pickup & delivery, ensuring complete customer satisfaction,” Rishi emphasizes.
Automation holds the key to overcoming the stagnation often seen in the growth of traditional laundry businesses. Technology will pave the way for a more modern, efficient and environment conscious approach to linen care.”
Rishi Rathod
Using Modern Technology
A defining characteristic of modern laundry services is the strategic integration of technology. Recognising the inefficiencies and lack of transparency in traditional models, modern laundry must build its operations on a tech-driven foundation. “It is also very clear that operating laundries is next to impossible without proper technology in place. A customer app to book, track, manage and pay for orders online is necessary. Customer convenience is a priority,” asserts Rishi.
“Our plan is to get more and more into technology. As we expand, we want to be able to get to more cities in India. We know that there is no point in spending more in building new laundries ground up. We want to just ensure that we are adding some automated technology to get rid of the pressing problem, which is currently there in this industry.” Automation takes away at least 80% of the challenges and helps in growth.”
While WeClean has developed its own comprehensive app, Rishi candidly acknowledges the significant financial investment required to sustain and scale such a platform. This highlights a key challenge for modern laundry startups in India – balancing technological ambition with financial realities.
Adopting Sustainability
Beyond convenience and technology, laundry today is increasingly embracing environmental responsibility. “We plan on using alternatives to plastics wherever we can. And, replacing harmful chemicals and machines that have a high carbon footprint by swapping them with eco-friendly ones. This can only be ensured by having complete control on all operations and abstaining from outsourcing,” explains Rishi.
An adoption of corn starch packaging, despite its higher cost, showcases a willingness to invest in greener alternatives. “We are using costs around 1.75 times more than normal packing, but it is something that we have started.”
Addressing Industry Challenges
Rishi points to the need for greater transparency in service offerings, moving away from vague terms like “dry cleaning” without clear explanations of the processes involved. “I feel there should be a sense of transparency. If you are charging people for washing and ironing, or doing by-the-kilo service, it is good to be transparent.”
Furthermore, the unique characteristics of Indian garments, with their diverse fabrics and often less standardised dyeing processes, present specific challenges for modern laundry services that aim for consistent, high-quality results. “A lot depends on the clothing items – you do not know when the colour is going to run out, right?” This necessitates a more nuanced approach to garment care beyond simple machine washing.
Future of Modern Laundry
The future of laundry in India hinges on a confluence of technology, sustainability and a deep understanding of the local context. Rashi also emphasizes the role of government support in fostering the growth of the modern laundry sector, particularly through policies that promote sustainability, such as a complete ban on single-use plastics and by improving the ease of doing business.
The emergence of newer services signifies an important moment in the Indian laundry industry. By embracing technology, prioritising sustainability and focusing on customer convenience, they are paving the way for a more modern, efficient and environment conscious approach to garment care. This ultimately redefines how India handles its laundry.