This article covers chocoZAP, which has been making waves for various reasons.
I have been a member of chocoZAP, an unstaffed gym, since last July. When the closest location recently added a laundry service, I decided to try it out and share my experience.
Unlimited Washer and Dryer Access
As a chocoZAP member, you get unlimited access to washers and dryers at no additional cost.
Being the budget-conscious person I am, my logic was simple: “I am already paying for the membership, so I might as well use everything available.”
The Laundry Room
Layout and equipment vary by location. This is based on my regular branch.
The setup includes: 1 washing machine, 2 dryers, 2 baskets, and a folding table. Simple but clean, with a table for folding clothes on the spot.
*The baskets are for items left by people who do not pick up within their reserved time.
Rules and instructions are posted. Key points to note: reservations are required, only standard wash mode is allowed, heavily soiled items are prohibited, and you cannot bring your own detergent or fabric softener.
Reservations are made through the chocoZAP app.
Washing Machine
The unit is a standard home-style front-loading drum washer.
It is the AQUA AQW-F8N, capable of washing up to 8kg loads.
AQUA may not be a household name, but they are widely used in commercial laundromats, so they are a reputable brand.
While the machine has various features, only the standard cycle is permitted.
(It supports hot water wash too, which I would love to try, but unfortunately that is off-limits.)
Add detergent to the tray on the left side. I noticed some people dumping detergent directly into the drum, which is incorrect.
The provided detergent (MegaTech powder laundry detergent) sits on the shelf above the washer. I expected a cheap generic brand but was pleasantly surprised it is a decent product.
Dryer
The dryers are electric models. They look a bit basic…
The brand is SENTERN, model ES306386.
Available on Amazon for around 40,000 yen.
A note asks users to clean the lint filter before use. As a courtesy, clean it after you are done so the next person has a pleasant experience.
Temperature display is available. It was reading about 50 degrees Celsius, which is the temperature said to kill dust mites — a nice bonus.
Usage Impressions
Washing Machine
The standard cycle finished within 40 minutes. I was surprised by how quiet it was.
My home unit is a Hitachi BD-SV120JL drum washer-dryer (2023 model), and this AQUA was even quieter.
Wash quality and spin-dry were both excellent — I honestly wanted one of these for home.
Since fabric softener is not allowed, only powder detergent is used, but the fresh scent after washing was quite pleasant.
Dryer
There is a minor issue here. Rather than auto-stopping when dry, the standard setting runs on a fixed 2-hour timer.
On my first attempt, some items were still damp, requiring an additional cycle. An extra 15 minutes did the trick.
Loading slightly less seems to be the way to go.
My Recommended Routine
Here is the routine I have settled into:
- Start the washing machine
- Hit the gym for a quick workout during the wash cycle (30 min)
- Do the Friendly Member cleaning shift (15 min)
- Transfer clothes to the dryer when washing finishes
- Head home or run errands
- Return 2 hours later to collect dried laundry
My apartment is a 1-2 minute walk away, so popping home between cycles is effortless. If you live nearby, just think of it as having an extension laundry room.
Cost Savings
My Hitachi drum washer-dryer (heater type) consumes about 40kWh per month. At 31 yen/kWh, that is about 1,240 yen in electricity alone. Add water and detergent costs, and laundry runs roughly 1,500 yen/month.
chocoZAP membership is 3,278 yen/month. With the Friendly Member program (8 sessions/month), you get a 2,000 yen discount, bringing the effective cost to 1,278 yen. Factor in the free laundry, and it essentially pays for itself.
Final Thoughts
I have already used the laundry service more than five times since writing this, and I plan to keep it in my routine. The workflow I described works well for me, and I would recommend it to others.
The washing machine impressed me so much that I am now considering an AQUA drum washer paired with a gas dryer for when I eventually buy a house.
Referral Code
When signing up for chocoZAP, entering OLRGC5NP gets you 300 yen off per month for a full year. That adds up to 3,600 yen annually.
Leave a Reply