Life, laundry and a much-loved Speed Queen: this is where the world comes clean

Things are changing outside the window, and some of it feels a little soiled.

October 29, 2026 — 12:06pm

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Laundromats are everywhere in cinema. They’re busy places, packed with powerful spinning machines, overflowing with potential for drama and metaphor. My local laundromat on Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, is even named after a famous movie, My Beautiful Laundrette. I’ve spent a lot of time in that place. During winter I’m there once a week, drying my family’s washing.

I’ve had some good times at My Beautiful Laundrette – reading books and playing cards with my kid. I’ve had bad times, too. I’ve been hit in the head with dryer doors by careless amateurs. I’ve seen some nasty drunken fights out front. I have shrunk my favourite jumper.

For the most part, though, it’s a calm place and I appreciate the charming interior touches. There are a couple of vintage photographs of Fitzroy on the walls. There’s a decommissioned washing machine stationed in the front corner with a silver plaque that reads “R.I.P Speed Queen 1979-2018”.

Unbelievably, I had never seen the movie........

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