The free mobile laundry service launched in Canberra and Queanbeyan in April last year. It is run by 70 volunteers, coordinated by Canberra service manager Noreen Vu.

The service not only provides clean laundry for homeless people and others in need, but also a feeling of connection.

Its service locations include St Benedict's Community Centre in Queanbeyan and the Aboriginal Tent Embassy in Canberra.

"Everyone is just so grateful, especially for the conversation," Ms Vu said.

"Our volunteers have to commit to a weekly or fortnightly service, which is a lot more than is required by other voluteering organisations, but the wonderful thing is, they remember the stories people have told them from the week or fortnight before.

"Even remembering someone's name makes them feel great."

The local service recently won the innovation section of the 2017 Volunteering Awards for the Canberra region, using technology and knowledge to enrich the community.

Orange Sky Laundry is not only innovative because it is a self-sufficient laundry on wheels, but it also has an app which logs all the washes. Once a shift is finished, the app emails donors to let them know that they've just paid for a wash.

A quarter of Orange Sky Laundry donations come from overseas, so being able to see their contribution is making a difference is invaluable to the organisation.

The app also allows Ms Vu to monitor the service.

Brisbane mates Nic Marchesi and Lucas Patchett founded Orange Sky Laundry in 2014 and were named the 2016 Young Australians of the Year for their efforts.