Here's an obvious innovation of convenience for a laundromat: automatic sliding doors at the entrance.

"A laundromat is the only retail outlet where your hands are full walking in and walking out," said Mike Houseknecht, owner of the new House O' Laundry in the former Payless Shoe location on West Main Street, Batavia (entrance to Valu Plaza). "A sliding door makes it a lot easier getting in and out."

From the doors to the 60- and 100-pound washing machines (along with standard washing machines), Houseknecht has worked to create what amounts to, if this can truly be said about a laundromat, a first-class operation. Tiled floors, plenty of counter space, soap and soda for sale, a change machine and ATM are among the details Houseknecht made sure to include.

Doing it right, Houseknecht said, was important because the business opportunity in Batavia is for a modern, up-to-date laundry. The other open door of opportunity is the lack of a laundry on the west side of Batavia.

With those big machines, Houseknecht said, "you can do 10 loads of laundry (in one machine), put it in a dryer, and be in and out in an hour."

If that isn't fast enough for you, in-store staff will wash, dry and fold your laundry for you, and you just pick it up when it's done.

House O' Laundry is located at 5142 W. Main St. and is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day. Last load allowable is 8:15 p.m.

Pictured with Mike is Ella.