by David Flint
The flooding in Stephentown at the end of July caused disruption for a number of businesses, one of them being the Scrub Board Laundromat and Car Wash on Route 22. Elmer Stuart said that the overflowing Kinderhook Creek resulted in dirty water that forced the facility to shut down on the evening of July 29. They were finally able to re-open on the following Saturday afternoon.
Stuart opened the Laundromat in November 1968. Later he added the car wash bays. Although still closely involved, Elmer turned over the business to his son Alan Stuart six years ago. Alan said most of the equipment in the Laundromat has been replaced in recent years, with the newest purchase being six new 45-lb dryers that complement the nine 30-lb. and three 75-lb. dryers. The old top loading washing machines are gone, replaced by 20 front loaders that handle loads ranging from 18 up to 50 pounds. The top loaders, the Stuarts said, were “water hogs.” A 12-lb. wash would use 40 gallons of water, whereas the new 18-lb. front loaders use only 25 to 30 gallons.
The Stuarts have also installed new water heaters that have an efficiency rating of 92%. They draw only 60% of the electricity that the old water heaters used.
Improvements have also been made in the car wash bays with new air dryers, bubble brushes and new wash arms centrally mounted in the ceilings to make it easier to move around your car.
