Is laundromat cheaper than washing machine

Why does it feel like your power bill triples the moment you run the washing machine? If you’ve ever stood in front of your laundry pile wondering whether the local laundromat might be cheaper than firing up your own machine, you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll unpack the true costs — financial and practical — of at-home washing versus using a laundromat. Spoiler: the answer isn’t as black-and-white as a load of darks and lights.

TL;DR – Is a laundromat cheaper than using your washing machine?

In many cases, yes — especially if you factor in water, electricity, detergent, maintenance, and time. Laundromats can be more cost-effective for households with limited loads per week or those without energy-efficient machines. But if you’re running multiple loads regularly and already have a high-efficiency washer at home, the maths might lean in your favour.

Let’s break it down.

How much does it actually cost to run your washing machine?

At first glance, a home washing machine seems like a free ticket to clean clothes. But every cycle comes at a cost — and it's not just the detergent.

Here’s a rough breakdown:

Electricity per load: $0.60–$1.20 (depending on your machine and energy rates)
Water usage per load: 50–100 litres (or about $0.25–$0.50)
Detergent: $0.25–$0.40 per load
Machine wear and tear: Approx. $0.10–$0.20 (if we amortise the cost of the machine)
Time: Priceless — unless you value your Saturdays

So, we’re looking at around $1.20–$2.30 per load, not including drying. Dryers can double that cost again — especially if you’ve got an old energy-hungry unit.

Cognitive bias check: We tend to fall for the “sunk cost fallacy” — thinking because we own the washer, it’s essentially free to use. But ongoing costs stack up quietly.

When is a laundromat actually cheaper?

You’re better off using a laundromat if:

You don’t own a washer/dryer and would need to buy new ones.
Your machine is outdated or inefficient, guzzling water and power.
You live in an apartment where running the machine during peak hours is pricey — or even banned.
You do fewer loads per week and don’t need a full-size washer at home.
Your time matters — because laundromats let you wash and dry everything at once in under an hour.

A Perth mum we spoke to washes weekly for a family of four using her local laundromat. “I get everything done in one go. Costs me $12 total. Cheaper than replacing our old washer, and way quicker.”

What about hidden costs?

Here’s where behavioural science kicks in.

Convenience bias makes us value home laundry more because it’s, well, convenient. But that convenience fades when you’re waiting for a load to finish at 10pm or dealing with mouldy drum odours.

On the flip side, time scarcity often drives people to laundromats. One 45-minute session knocks over everything — washing, drying, folding. Done.

There’s also maintenance: burst hoses, repair bills, and energy spikes aren’t just hypotheticals. A single call-out can cost more than a year’s worth of laundromat visits.

Are laundromats environmentally worse?

It’s easy to assume laundromats use more energy. But many modern laundromats use commercial-grade, energy-efficient machines that outperform home washers in both energy and water efficiency.

Some even use recycled water systems or green energy — something your 10-year-old front-loader likely doesn’t.

If you’re in a drought-prone area or under water restrictions, the laundromat may even be the more sustainable choice.

Is there a smart middle ground?

If you’re on the fence, try this:

Run a cost tracker for a month comparing home vs. laundromat (include time!)
Use your local laundromat for big items only — doonas, blankets, pet beds
Mix and match: wash at home, dry at laundromat (especially in winter)
Invest in a high-efficiency machine only if you regularly do loads — and use it smartly (full loads, cold wash, off-peak hours)

FAQ

Is it cheaper to wash at home or at a laundromat weekly?If you're doing several loads a week with a modern machine and drying on a line, home is likely cheaper. But if you're using a dryer frequently or have a small inefficient machine, laundromats may win.

Are laundromats hygienic?Yes. Most commercial machines reach higher temperatures and have faster spin cycles, which can be more effective at removing dirt and bacteria.

Can I save money by only drying at the laundromat?Absolutely. Home dryers are often slow and power-hungry. Laundromats can dry a full load in under 30 minutes, sometimes saving both money and time.

Final spin: Whether the laundromat is cheaper than your washing machine depends on what you value: time, money, or convenience. But next time you’re standing over that overflowing laundry basket, remember — there’s a laundromat near me that might just make your life easier.