When Prime Time visited the Speed Queen laundrette in Belgard, Tallaght this week, 22 shiny machines were whirring away. Among the steady stream of people carrying bags and baskets of clothes was Laura Delves.
"I've never been in here before, but because we're all cramped in the house at the moment I needed to try it."
She lives with her husband's parents and their three children - seven people in a three-bedroom house.
The notice to leave their most recent rental marked the 15th time they’ve had to move in 19 years, often because landlords chose to sell the property.
"You're left in limbo, constantly looking through Daft but there’s nothing there. It's horrendous."
Even with strong references, finding a place to rent in Dublin is "absolutely impossible," Ms Delves explained. And with the recently announced changes to rental rules, she fears more landlords will exit the market, shrinking the options available to her family even further.
"Obviously, we're grateful for where we are at the moment because there are people worse off than us, but what are we supposed to do? I genuinely think they don't look after their own. They don't look after the Irish."
There are hundreds of automated laundry facilities across the country - both in dedicated locations and petrol forecourts.
Patrick Brennan, operator of Speed Queen laundries in Ireland, told Prime Time he has opened 40 stores in just four years, with plans to double that number.
Customers use the service for many reasons - from broken machines to faster wash times and the ability to clean bulky items like duvets or pet beds. They are also undoubtedly a lifeline for those hardest hit by the housing crisis.
Mr Brennan recalled meeting one customer living out of a suitcase, moving between family and friends.
"Whatever about asking for a couch to sleep on, she was not going to ask to do her laundry," he explained.
"She broke down and said it was the first time she had washed her clothes in a month."
Similarly, a couple arrived at the Belgard laundry with four large shopping bags, having left a relative's home at short notice and struggling to find a new place to rent.
They did not want to speak on camera, but the stress was written across their faces.
Una Curren had her own story of the housing crisis. She was using the Speed Queen machines in Belgard to tackle a backlog of laundry, and has two adult children living at home.
"That's why I'm down the laundry. I can't get up on my washing because it's just a busy household."
Although they are studying for professional qualifications, Ms Curren is pessimistic about her children’s chances of ever owning a home.
"Half a million euro for a two-bedroom home? They’d have to be earning the guts of €80,000. I'm actually encouraging them to emigrate because I can't see them getting a house here.
"Outside of Dublin there are places, but where's the jobs? Most of them are in Dublin.
"I think my washing machine at home will be long gone before we get the housing situation sorted."
Some smaller businesses rely on laundry facilities instead of larger commercial services.
Paula McCrimmon was dropping off laundry to be washed for the company she works for.
"When I first came up to Dublin I could rent a whole studio apartment for €175 a week. Now we have three people in our apartment, and it's €750 each. We're a married couple living with someone just because we have to be able to afford rent."
A decision on whether to have children is on hold while the couple consider how to make their finances stretch to buying a home.
Approved for a mortgage of €350,000, they have been frustrated with what is on the market.
One development appeared to be in budget, but "when they actually released them to buy they shot up to €480,000".
Despite having mortgage approval and solid savings, Ms McCrimmon said she is hoping for a 2008-style property crash "so that we might actually get a look in."
"They need to stop and take a proper look at what affordable actually is. Half a million is not affordable. I'll never see half a million unless I win the lotto."
Mr Brennan said that while many regular customers have washing machines at home - especially since all rental properties are required to provide them - properties can be overcrowded.
For others, particularly older people and those with a disability it can be easier and quicker to use a premises like his. Tradespeople living in "digs" accommodation without washing facilities are another category of frequent user.
"I know a number of trades people who are working in Dublin but living in the west because they can't afford property. They're staying in digs in Dublin and they need a place to get their work clothes cleaned."
John Giblin, who owns his own home, uses the laundrette machines as they are a convenient alternative.
"I think the Government itself can't really do much to directly influence the housing market. I think that's up to the private sector, really," he said.
"I can't see any obvious or easy answers to this. I think it's just going to take time to work itself out. And maybe in ten years time things might have improved. I don't see any great miracles on the horizon."
But for Laura Delves, a miracle cannot come soon enough - or at least her daughter is hoping for one.
"The children keep telling me that they want their own house. My daughter is seven and she said to me, 'I'm going to ask Santy for a house.’"
