Is a Laundromat Cheaper Than Washing at Home in Australia?

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 MethodCost 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—convenience, machine quality, and total time also matter.

What do you actually pay for when washing at home?

People often forget that washing at home comes with ongoing operating costs, including:

  • Electricity – $0.25 to $0.60 per load, depending on water temperature

  • Water & sewerage – $0.30 to $0.50 per load

  • Detergent & softener – $0.30 to $0.70

  • Machine wear & maintenance – $100+ per year if averaged out

  • Dryer (if used) – $0.80 to $1.80 per cycle

Suddenly, your “cheap” home wash isn’t quite so cheap—especially if you’re using older machines or live in a high-utility-cost region like parts of regional WA or Queensland.

Real example:
Sam in Ballarat found that using his ageing top-loader with hot cycles cost around $2.20 per load, especially once he factored in detergent and water rates. Swapping to cold washes and switching to a laundromat near me for big loads saved him both time and energy.

What does a laundromat fee really include?

Here’s where laundromats start to shine:

  • Commercial-grade machines that clean more efficiently and faster

  • No extra utility costs—water, electricity, and even detergent in some cases is included

  • Large-capacity washers—you can wash more in one go

  • Time savings—do multiple loads at once or use fast dryers

  • No maintenance or repair worries

At $5 per load, that may seem high. But if you’re cramming 1.5–2 home-sized loads into a single industrial washer, it’s almost the same price per kilo of laundry.

And in high-density housing or apartments without laundry hookups, laundromats are more necessity than luxury.

Is a laundromat better for bulk washing?

Absolutely.

Let’s say you’ve just returned from a camping trip, or need to wash a month’s worth of bedding, towels, and gym gear. Running 4–5 loads at home might take 6 hours, cost $8–$10 in power and water, and possibly ruin your dryer.

A single trip to the laundromat?

  • One 14kg machine: $9

  • Dryer for 20–25 mins: $3

  • Total: $12, done in under an hour

Plus, there’s often a café next door. Just saying.

When is home washing not cheaper?

You may be better off using a laundromat if:

  • You're renting and your unit has no washer/dryer

  • Your machine is old or inefficient (e.g. top loader from 2005)

  • You live in a high-tariff area (30c+/kWh electricity)

  • You only wash once a week or less

  • You're washing large or bulky items (blankets, doonas, pet beds)

In these cases, the convenience and reliability of laundromats can beat the cost-per-load advantage of home washing.

What about dryer costs?

Drying clothes is one of the most expensive parts of laundry.

  • Home electric dryers: $0.80–$1.80/load

  • Laundromat dryers: $1–$2 per 7 minutes (most loads need ~20 mins)

Air-drying at home saves big—but isn’t always possible in winter or apartment living.

Laundry pro tip:
Washing at home and drying at the laundromat can be a happy medium. Some Aussies wash with cold water at home for cheap, then take wet clothes to the laundromat to dry them faster and more efficiently.

FAQs

Q: Is buying a washer cheaper long-term than using a laundromat?
Yes—if you wash frequently and have energy-efficient machines. But consider the upfront cost ($600–$2,000), plus ongoing water, power, and maintenance.

Q: Are laundromat machines cleaner or dirtier than home washers?
They’re often cleaner. Commercial laundromats clean their machines regularly, and high-temp cycles kill bacteria more effectively than home eco modes.

Q: Can I do all my laundry at a laundromat once a week?
Definitely. Most laundromats are designed for bulk washes. One 14kg machine can often hold a full week of clothes for 2 people.

Final Thought

Is a laundromat cheaper than washing at home? Technically, no—but it depends on how, where, and what you’re washing. If your machines are modern and you wash efficiently, home wins. But if you’re stuck with small drums, high bills, or no appliances at all, a laundromat near me might just save you more than money—it could save your weekend, your schedule, and your sanity.

Because sometimes, paying a little more upfront is the price of peace, not just clean socks. 



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