Eigelsteiner Waschsalon

Okay, it is a laundromat, but it sure beats paying the outrageous prices that hotels charge you just to clean your clothes (which includes something ridiculous like 2 euros for a pair of jocks). Anyway, there are quite a few machines, and the dryers are actually pretty powerful. Most of the instructions are in German, which can be a bit annoying, but even the German speakers seemed to be having a little trouble working out how to use them. Fortunately the owners may be there and they can give you instructions. It's not the best part of the city, but it certainly beats the hotel. Oh, there are a couple of pubs nearby so you can have a beer while waiting (though be careful because some of the pubs are a little dodgy).

Located in the heart of Cologne's Karneval party, it is a great place to get clean clothes. It beats €6 per shirt and €3 per pair of underwear at the Mercur.

Scary neighborhood near the train station, scary clientele, but it got the job done. The owner (I think) was luckily in there when I arrived and helped me get started. The washers all have a number that corresponds to a number on the master control panel. Essentially you pick out an empty machine, go to the panel, select it and feed it 4 euros. There is a laundry detergent dispenser that is part of the panel. After you put your money into the panel press the small button on the panel directly above the detergent cup, cost included. Take it back to your machine, select your cycle and press start. The dryer operates in a similar manner for 1 euro 50 for approximately 10-12 minutes. Mission accomplished. I was going to use the place again but they were closed Easter Sunday and Monday.