How much does a load of laundry actually cost?

For most Australians, doing the laundry feels like a background chore — something you set and forget while getting on with the rest of your day. But if you've ever stopped mid-spin cycle and thought, “How much is this actually costing me?” — you're not alone.

Spoiler: It’s not as cheap as you think. And for some, outsourcing to a professional laundromat might actually be the smarter, more cost-effective play.

Let’s unpack it.

What's the average cost of doing a load of laundry at home?

Let’s cut to it. On average, one load of laundry at home in Australia costs between $1.20 and $2.60, depending on how you do it. That figure includes electricity, water, detergent and wear-and-tear on your machine.

Now, factor in the dryer, and that cost jumps another $0.70–$1.50 per load — even higher if your machine isn’t energy-efficient or you’re running multiple cycles.

Quick tip: Want to cut back on dryer use? In sunny Aussie states, clotheslines still reign supreme — and they’re free.

Is doing laundry at home actually cheaper than a laundromat?

The knee-jerk answer is “of course,” but let’s not confuse price with value.

A typical laundromat in Australia charges around $4–$6 for a standard wash and $1 per 7 minutes in the dryer. That might sound steep, until you consider:

Time saved: Laundromat machines are often twice as fast and can take larger loads.
Hot water efficiency: Commercial washers use hotter water more effectively, boosting stain removal without extra product.
No maintenance stress: No risk of breakdowns, repairs, or that mysterious “burnt rubber” smell mid-wash.

If your machine breaks down or your loads are piling up, a "laundromat near me" becomes less of a Plan B and more of a sanity saver.

What hidden costs do people forget about?

This is where things get sneaky. Most people underestimate the indirect costs of home laundry:

Time: The average Aussie spends 1.5 to 3 hours per week on laundry tasks — that's 6–12 hours a month. What’s your time worth?
Water bills: Especially in drought-prone areas, water rates can bite.
Upfront investment: A decent washer-dryer combo can set you back $1,000–$2,500. Factor in repairs and replacement every 8–10 years.
Environmental impact: Older machines gobble up power and water. Newer, eco-friendly models? Great — but expensive.

When does outsourcing laundry actually save you money?

There’s a tipping point — and for some households, it’s already passed.

You’re likely better off using a laundromat if:

You have limited space (e.g. in apartments or shared homes)
Your machine is old, inefficient or broken
You’re washing bulk loads (think: linen, towels, or post-party disasters)
You want professional-level results without shelling out for top-tier appliances

Plus, laundromats are often open 7 days a week, which means zero waiting for your partner to finish their “delicates only” cycle.

Is there a difference between urban and regional laundry costs?

Yep — and it’s worth knowing.

In metro areas, electricity rates can be higher, but you’ve got more laundromat options and competitive pricing. In rural regions, water restrictions can jack up usage fees, and service availability might be lower — meaning when and how you do laundry has bigger budget impact.

Either way, it pays to do a quick cost comparison. The perception that laundromats are “too expensive” is often rooted in 1990s thinking — not reality.

What are real Aussies saying?

You don’t have to dig far to find people swapping their home washers for professional help.

One Sydney mum shared:

“When I calculated the power bills, time wasted, and how much my machine cost me in repairs last year, it made more sense to use the laundromat down the street. I get three loads done in an hour. That’s worth it.”

A tradie from Brisbane admitted:

“Mate, I don’t have time to wait around. I drop my gear off, grab a meat pie, and it’s done before my lunch break’s over.”

Social proof like that? It matters. And it’s growing — especially among renters, students, and busy families.

FAQs

Q: Is it cheaper to wash in cold water?Yes. Washing in cold can reduce energy use by up to 80%, but it may not remove oily stains as effectively.

Q: Are laundromats hygienic?Modern laundromats clean their machines regularly, and high-temp cycles help kill germs. Always check for cleanliness or ask the staff if unsure.

Q: How long does a laundromat wash take?Most commercial machines finish a cycle in 25–35 minutes, much quicker than the average home unit.

Final spin cycle: What’s the smarter choice?

Laundry isn’t just about clothes — it’s about time, energy and hidden costs. For many Australians, sticking with the home washer feels cheaper, but once you add up the real numbers? A professional wash might be the better deal, especially when convenience, quality, and time matter more than squeezing every last cent.

For those curious about local services, finding a laundromat near me could open up a smarter weekly routine — one with less waiting, less water waste, and way less hassle.

And that’s worth thinking about before your next rinse cycle.