Nina’s Launderette

 Washer and dryer running costs aren’t just about the electricity—they include everything from water usage to machine lifespan. If you’re renting or considering buying your own, here’s a breakdown that’ll help you figure out how much these household staples really cost each month. How much do washers and dryers cost to run each month? For most Aussie households, the monthly running cost of a washer and dryer combo sits between $15 and $40 , depending on a few key factors: Energy efficiency : High-efficiency models use less electricity and water. Usage habits : Families doing frequent loads will obviously spend more. Appliance age : Older machines tend to guzzle power. Peak vs off-peak usage : Running your dryer at night might save you a bit. Let’s break it down further. How much does electricity for laundry cost? Dryers are the big hitters here. A standard electric dryer uses about 3.3 kWh per load , which translates to around $1.00–$1.40 per cycle at today’s en...

 Short answer: It depends on your situation, but yes—for many people, the laundromat can be cheaper in the long run. Especially if your washer or dryer is ageing, energy-inefficient, or you’ve got bulky items to clean. Let’s break down the numbers and the real-world experience. What’s the real cost of doing laundry at home? Doing laundry at home isn’t “free” once you tally everything: Electricity : A standard front-loader can use around 0.8–1.2 kWh per cycle. If you’re using a dryer, that number triples fast—especially in winter. Water : Each wash may guzzle 50–100 litres. Depending on your state’s water rates, this adds up. Detergent and supplies : Laundry detergent, softeners, stain removers, dryer sheets—those costs sneak up. Appliance wear and maintenance : Repairs or replacements every few years? That’s a big outlay, especially if your dryer conks out mid-winter. Time and opportunity cost : You’re paying in hours, too. Sorting, folding, rewashing because some...

 Whether you’re dealing with a week's worth of family laundry or just a mountain of sweaty gym gear, laundromats offer more than just clean clothes. Speed and efficiency : Industrial machines can handle bigger loads and wash faster than most domestic machines. Cost-effective for big items : Washing bulky items like doonas, curtains, or pet bedding at home can be a nightmare—if your machine can even manage it. Time-saving : Do multiple loads at once and get out in under an hour. No maintenance headaches : No worrying about repairs, breakdowns, or replacement costs. A 2023 survey from IBISWorld reported a rising trend in Australians turning to laundromats during peak periods like winter or post-holiday clean-ups, especially in inner-city suburbs where space and machine access can be tight. And let's not forget the unspoken benefit: you can actually leave with everything done in one go , including drying. For anyone who's waited days for laundry to air-dry in c...

 Owning a washer and dryer might seem like a luxury, but when you crunch the numbers over time, it could be a financially savvy move—especially when compared to laundry machine rentals or trips to the laundromat. Let’s unpack the real costs, the hidden perks, and the trade-offs you might not have considered. Is it actually cheaper to own a washer and dryer? In most cases, yes—owning is cheaper in the long run. But it's not black and white. Here's a quick breakdown: Option Upfront Cost Ongoing Cost (per month) Total After 3 Years (est.) Owning (new) $1,500–$2,000 ~$10–$20 (energy/water) ~$1,860–$2,720 Owning (used) $300–$800 ~$10–$20 ~$660–$1,520 Renting $40–$80 Included in rental fee ~$1,440–$2,880 Laundromat $6–$10 per load $50–$150 (avg. use) ~$1,800–$5,400 While renting may look affordable up front, it typically ends up more expensive over a few years. The tipping point is usually around 12–18 months, depending on your washer-dryer usage and rental terms. What are the o...

 Owning a washing machine might feel like a long-term win—but is it really cheaper than renting or using a laundromat? Here’s the short answer: if you wash weekly and have space, owning is usually cheaper over time . But the cost equation flips if you’re an infrequent washer, live in tight quarters, or face high repair costs. Below, we break it down—dollars, decisions, and a few surprises. What’s the real cost of owning a washing machine in Australia? Let’s put some real numbers to it. Upfront purchase : Basic top-loaders start at around $500; decent front-loaders hover near $800–$1,200. Running costs : Expect to pay $0.50–$1 per load for electricity and water, depending on your machine's efficiency. Repairs and maintenance : A single fix can cost $150–$300. Warranty coverage varies wildly. Lifespan : Most machines last around 10 years if you treat them kindly. So, doing the maths, a $1,000 machine spread over 10 years works out to just $100 annually—plus utilities...

It’s a question many renters, students, and busy families have quietly pondered: Would I actually save money by using a laundromat instead of washing at home? On the surface, it seems obvious—surely running your own machine is cheaper… right? Well, not always. Here’s the short answer: Washing at home is usually cheaper per load —but only if you already own a reliable, energy-efficient washer and dryer, and don’t mind the ongoing costs of electricity, water, and detergent. If you’re a renter, using old appliances, or doing lots of small loads, a laundromat might actually work out cheaper or at least better value . Let’s break down the real numbers.  TL;DR – Which is cheaper per load? Washing Method Cost Per Load (AUD) Home (efficient cold wash) $0.90 – $1.40 Home (hot wash, older top loader) $1.60 – $2.50 Laundromat standard washer (7–9kg) $4.00 – $6.00 Laundromat large washer (10–18kg) $7.00 – $12.00 So yes, home washing wins on dollars alone , but there’s more to the story...