The Bute Steam Laundry was opened in May 1893 by Mr James Robertson of Paisley and was housed in the old mill between Ladeside Street and King Street. Steam laundries became popular at the end of the 19th century as washing had to be done at high temperatures when the detergents available at the time were not very efficient. With the introduction of machinery clothing could be washed at high temperatures, but did not need to be scrubbed meaning less wear and tear was reduced. Boarding houses made good use of the laundry during summer months as it saved a lot of work for the landladies and prices were keen as the adverts state, matching those of the best city laundries. As one of the adverts in a local directory from 1896 states –“Orders from steamboats, yachts, hotels, hydropathics and private families are attended to with promptness, and all vexations, delays and disappointments are avoided. Washings called for and delivered to you by van.” (P03-3236, B9.17)
