Wishy Washy: More Than Just a Laundromat

From the moment you see the colorful, cat-themed art adorning the windows of Wishy Washy, it’s clear this is not your average laundromat. Step inside and you’ll find the result of owner Heather Lynn Wilson’s latest local collaboration, “The Washboard,” a new interactive, laundromat-inspired crossword puzzle.

About a year ago when Heather saw the crossword puzzles in Lower Haight Local she became curious about the possibility of commissioning one for Wishy Washy. While she says she’s not traditionally been a puzzle person herself, she acknowledges that doing laundry can be, well… boring. She thought a crossword could offer people something to do while completing what can otherwise be a mundane chore. She reached out to Sage—creator of the puzzles and founder of Cozy Cubs Puzzle Club—to inquire about creating a puzzle for Wishy Washy.

When Sage met with Heather and saw how committed she is to creating a business that serves the community, he decided to create “The Washboard” with the goal that, “when people do it, they feel like it belongs there, and they belong there.”

The Washboard is a dry-erase puzzle that can be erased and re-solved. As more puzzles are needed, Sage will create new laundry-themed clues and share them with Heather. It’s approachable and open to the puzzle-curious; participants can add a word or even just a letter. The board was also designed with intentional blank space for notes and drawings. Heather says she’s already seen notes, drawings, and congratulatory messages, and she’s really looking forward to seeing new faces interacting with the puzzle.

The Washboard puzzle is one of the latest steps Heather is taking to create a business that fosters a sense of belonging for the community. Wishy Washy’s colorful window paintings feature rotating designs by artist ianthemeow, with messages centered on mental health that remind visitors and passersby, “Good things r always possible” and “Pizza cat loves you.” In February, Wishy Washy plans to host a public art show with @ian_the_meow. Who knew a laundromat could have a resident artist?

Envision chatting over a puzzle clue with a stranger while folding your clothes or checking out an art show while you do your laundry. Can the place where you do your chores also be a cool place to hang out? One thing is clear: Wishy Washy is not just a laundromat. With an emphasis on fostering local talent, Heather is expanding the ways in which it can reflect its community. With such a multifaceted community as the Lower Haight, the results will surely be something to pay attention to.