Speedy Suds Laundry opens in Eureka

By day, Agustin Valdez, works as a coordinator of the Diverse Male Scholars Center (DMSC) at Cal Poly Humboldt. On nights and weekends, he takes on a different role as the owner of two laundromats in Eureka.

Valdez grew up in Willow Creek before moving to the Bay Area for about 20 years. He returned to Humboldt County during the pandemic and has been working at Cal Poly Humboldt since 2022.

Valdez has focused on creating spaces that support the community both on and off campus. He owns Speedy Suds Laundry and Best Eureka Laundry, two businesses hoping to create a welcoming environment for people to do their laundry.

“We really want to be known as a pillar in our community,” Valdez said.

Speedy Suds, which opened in June, is named after Valdez’s father, whose nickname was “Speedy.” The laundromat is Valdez’s second business venture after opening Best Eureka Laundry in December 2025.

The business’s mission is tied to the legacy of Valdez’s mother, a Cal Poly Humboldt alumna who earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He wants to honor her memory by giving back to the community and supporting her alma mater.

“At the end of every year,” Valdez said,” all of the money that we’ve earned, we will donate 10% of all earnings to a cause.”

Located at 420 North St. in Eureka, Speedy Suds features 70 machines and utilizes the Speed Queen Insight app for cashless payments, rewards and promotions. Machines include an 80-pound washer for $13.75 a load and a 60-pound washer for $9.25.

The other location, Best Eureka Laundry, located at 636 E. St. in Eureka, is a smaller facility with 27 machines. The laundromat only accepts coins but Valdez plans to implement the Speed Queen card readers by the end of the month. Both locations offer wash and fold services, with plans to expand into pickup and delivery services in the future.

Speedy Suds has a “Map of the World,” where travelers can mark their origins, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for both locals and tourists. Speedy Suds has also benefited foot traffic for neighboring businesses.

Jose Delgado, owner of the La Nayarita Internacional Market next door to Speedy Suds shared that about 20% of his sales come from customers using the laundromat, especially buying snacks or other items while waiting for their clothes.

“A lot of the Hispanic community comes and does their laundry there and while they are there,” Delgado said. “They come here and pick up whatever they need.”

Stephanie Pfeifer, manager of Old Growth Cellars in Eureka and a frequent customer at Speedy Suds, mentioned how she’s had a positive experience each time she visits.

“It’s very clean and safe,” Pfeifer said. “I’m in and out of there in an hour, maybe two and it’s the easiest decision I’ve ever made.”

Pfeifer regularly uses the laundromat’s mobile app and finds it convenient and user friendly.

“Their app is super affordable,” Pfeifer said, “and you end up getting rewards and points you can use for your wash and dry.”

Another bonus at Speedy Suds happens on Tuesdays.

“On Tuesdays there’s a dollar off day,” Pfeifer said. “It takes a dollar off the wash and a dollar off the dry.”

Speedy Suds is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., with the last wash being at 8:30 p.m.

For more information, customers can follow Speedy Suds on social media @speedysudslaundromat.