Step 1: Locate a laundromat.
I passed 3 of these in a 10 minute walk around my place. So I can scientifically conclude that either I live in the laundry district of Chiang Mai, or they are quite common.
Step 2: Acquire laundry detergent.
I was hoping I could buy some at the laundromat, but when that didn’t pan out, I headed for 7-11 (the most ubiquitous store in Asia).
Do your best to confirm that what you purchase is, in fact, laundry detergent, and that it does not contain bleach. Higher confidence levels can be found at larger supermarkets or by learning better Thai. Otherwise, be prepared for your laundry adventure to not go quite as planned.
Step 3: Figure out how to use the machine.
I chose Fuzzy Cycle and Water Level 3. The machine paused itself a few times, but I was able to outwit it by pushing the “Start” button again.
Step 4: Dry your clothes.
This laundromat had one dryer which costs 10 baht for 10 minutes, 20 for 20, and so on. I did 30 for 30.
This step may be augmented by Step 4.5: Hang up your clothes to dry again at home because the dryer doesn’t dry.
Step 5: Evaluate.
All in all? Success, I think. A reasonable first attempt. I didn’t accidentally bleach my clothes, and some items even smell kind of like laundry soap. Unfortunately, Fuzzy Cycle isn’t aggressive enough and some of my clothes didn’t seem too clean in the end. Good thing I have this to make up the difference until my next laundry adventure!