How Much Does a Load of Washing Cost? A No-Nonsense Guide for Aussie Households

 Quick answer: A single load of washing at home costs between $0.60 and $1.80, depending on your machine type, electricity and water rates, and whether you use hot or cold water. At a laundromat, the cost usually sits between $4 and $7 per wash, with drying an extra $1–$2 per 10 minutes.

That said, there’s more to it than just dollars and cents. Let’s break down the actual cost of a load of laundry—at home and at the laundromat—and why the cheaper option isn’t always the better value.

 What does it cost to wash a load at home?

To understand the full cost, you need to account for:

  • Electricity

  • Water

  • Detergent

  • Machine depreciation (wear and tear)

Let’s take a closer look.

Electricity

Most front-loading washing machines use around 0.6 to 1.5 kWh per cycle.

If your electricity rate is $0.30 per kWh, the power cost is:

  • Cold wash: ~$0.20–$0.30

  • Warm wash: ~$0.35–$0.45

  • Hot wash: ~$0.50–$0.70

Hot washes are the real energy guzzlers.

Water

A modern, water-efficient washer uses 50–70L per load. At a typical Australian water rate of around $4 per 1,000L, that’s:

  • ~$0.20–$0.30 per load

Older machines may use double this amount, which drives costs up without you even noticing.

Detergent

Per-wash cost for detergent ranges between:

  • $0.20 (powder) to $0.40 (premium pods or liquids)

Total estimated cost at home

Load TypeEstimated Cost
Cold wash, eco mode~$0.60
Warm wash, full load~$0.90
Hot wash, older machine~$1.50–$1.80

These estimates assume a reasonably efficient machine. If yours is more than 10 years old, expect to pay closer to the higher end.

 What’s the cost of one load at a laundromat?

Most Australian laundromats offer machines by size:

Machine SizeCost per LoadIdeal For
6–8kg (small)$4–$5Standard clothes load
10–14kg (medium)$6–$7Bedding, towels, mixed loads
18–27kg (large)$8–$12Doonas, blankets, bulk loads

Drying typically costs $1–$2 per 10 minutes, and a full dry often takes 20–30 minutes, depending on fabric type and load weight.

So a wash + dry combo will run you:

  • $8–$10 for a standard load

  • $10–$14+ for bulky or double loads

 Which is cheaper overall—home or laundromat?

In sheer price-per-load terms, home wins if you already own a washer and dryer, and your machines are efficient.

But cost isn’t always the full story.

Here’s what to consider:

FactorHome WasherLaundromat
Upfront cost$600–$1,500              $0
Repair/maintenance$150+                $0
Load size6–9kg              Up to 27kg
Time to complete multiple loads2–3 hrs             ~1 hr (simultaneous)
Space and convenienceRequires laundry space           No laundry setup needed
Best forRegular weekly loads           Quick catch-ups or bulky items

So if you live in a small apartment, or you’re renting short-term, the convenience of a laundromat near me might offset the higher per-load cost.

 Real-life story: Tanya saves her weekend

Tanya, a part-time teacher and mum of two in Carlton, once spent entire Saturdays doing three loads back-to-back at home.

“I’d start in the morning, but with drying, folding, and the kids running around—it took all day.”

Now she hits her local laundromat early on Sunday. “I knock it all out in an hour and have the rest of the day free.”

Time, for her, is worth the extra few dollars. That’s Reciprocity—trading money for peace of mind.

 What factors increase washing cost?

Whether at home or at the laundromat, a few habits can quietly drive up your laundry bill:

  • Underloading your machine (wasting water/power)

  • Hot washes for everyday clothes

  • Using too much detergent

  • Running the dryer for longer than needed

  • Frequent small loads instead of batching

Doing full, cold washes and air-drying when possible are the easiest ways to cut down.

Quick FAQ

Q: Is it cheaper to wash at night?
Yes—if you’re on a time-of-use tariff. Off-peak hours (usually 10pm–7am) can be 30–40% cheaper per kWh.

Q: Do laundromats use more energy?
Not necessarily. Many commercial machines are more efficient than older domestic models.

Q: Can I bring my own detergent to a laundromat?
Absolutely. Just be mindful of how much you use—less is often more with commercial washers.

Final thoughts: So what does a load of washing really cost?

If you’re using cold water, a full load, and skipping the dryer, you can keep your cost under $1 per wash at home. But that assumes you’ve got a working washer, time, and space to dry clothes.

If not, paying $8–$10 at a laundromat might be a smart swap—especially if it buys you back time, convenience, or helps avoid appliance breakdown drama.

It’s not just about saving money—it’s about choosing the option that works best for your week, your washing habits, and your sanity.

For many, that starts with a simple search for a laundromat near me.


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