I have done it two ways - brought my dirty clothes to a laundromat that washes clothes. I paid per pound. And I also had a cleaning lady who did laundry on the side. I paid per load.
I think it is pretty common that you can take it to a dry cleaner/laundromat place. I would rather someone came to my house and just sat there and did it though. I am way too particular about what goes with what and what settings to use.