How Kehlani Turned Her Viral Hit Into Free Laundry for Moms
Grammy-nominated artist Kehlani used the momentum of their TikTok-viral single “Folded” to create a real-world impact. Two weeks ago, mothers in seven U.S. cities had the chance to wash and dry their clothes for free at local laundromats. The initiative wasn’t a promo stunt, but a heartfelt “giveback” inspired by Kehlani’s own upbringing.
Kehlani’s hit “Folded” inspired an act of care
The August 9 event spanned cities including Oakland, Long Beach, Charlotte, Chicago, Atlanta, Washington D.C., and New York. Partnering with the nonprofit Current Initiatives’ Laundry Project and creative director City James, Kehlani covered laundry fees for moms on a first-come, first-served basis.
The artist announced the project on Instagram with a personal reflection: “growing up, I knew how hard it was for all the single mamas in my family to get the tasks done on top of it all. clean clothes is a basic necessity. i got yall.”
From “Nini’s Fluff & Fold” to real laundromats
The idea connects back to the music video for “Folded,” which features a fictional laundromat called Nini’s Fluff & Fold. As Rap Up reported, Kehlani brought that concept to life by transforming it into a one-day community service.
Each laundromat, from BubblyMat Laundry in Long Beach to LaundryBee in Jackson Heights, hosted the event between 10 a.m. and noon. Kehlani emphasized that the project was “a giveback, not a gathering,” asking fans to let moms in need take priority.
Kehlani reminds fans that clean clothes are essential
The artist rooted the gesture in gratitude for the love “Folded” has received. The single, a breakup track where Kehlani sings “So come pick up your clothes, I have them folded,” has gone viral on TikTok with users choreographing dances to the post-hook.
Still, the focus wasn’t on the charts. Kehlani framed the laundry event as a simple acknowledgment of how hard it can be for mothers to keep up with daily tasks. “A thank-you for sending this song over the moon… I love you, [mommies]. You deserve the world,” they wrote.
Community uplift at the center of Kehlani’s artistry
Shine My Crown noted that Kehlani stayed away from the participating laundromats, so the spotlight remained on mothers accessing the service. The artist wanted it clear: this wasn’t a meet-and-greet. It was a practical way to show love.
In fact, Kehlani described the gesture as “paying it forward for those who have supported her over the years.” For moms hauling loads of laundry, the initiative was a rare moment where a viral hit translated into tangible relief.
