Nina’s Launderette

When it comes to doing laundry outside of your home, many people wonder whether they need to stay at the laundromat the entire time their clothes are washing. After all, a typical wash cycle can take 30 to 40 minutes, and if you add drying time, you might spend more than an hour there. So, the big question is—do you actually have to wait, or is it okay to leave and come back later? The Quick Answer No, you don’t technically have to stay at the laundromat while your clothes wash. Most laundromats do not have strict rules requiring you to remain on the premises. However, whether you should stay depends on safety, convenience, and courtesy toward other customers. Why Some People Choose to Stay Security of belongings – Clothing, bags, and laundry products can be stolen or moved if left unattended. Staying ensures nothing goes missing. Machine issues – Sometimes washers or dryers malfunction. If you’re not there, you may return to a half-finished load or a problem that could have bee...

 Laundry is one of those chores that everyone has to deal with, yet most people rarely stop to think about the actual cost of each wash. Whether you are running your machine at home or heading out to a laundromat near me , the real expenses can surprise you once they are broken down. The cost of doing laundry at home When you wash clothes at home, there are several hidden costs. Water is one of the biggest contributors, with most front loaders using between fifty and seventy litres per cycle. Electricity adds another layer, especially if you are heating water or running a long cycle. Detergent and softeners add up over time, usually costing between one and two dollars per load depending on the brand. Another factor many people forget is the wear and tear on the machine itself. Washing machines and dryers have limited lifespans and every cycle brings them closer to needing repairs or replacement. Dryers, in particular, consume significant energy, often adding another dollar or m...

 Using a laundry machine—whether at home, in a laundromat, or through a rental service—comes with a variety of costs that can catch many people off guard. Whether you're a student, a busy professional, or managing a commercial setup, understanding these costs can help you make more budget-friendly decisions. In this guide, we’ll break down the typical expenses, hidden charges, and alternatives like laundry machine rental to help you find the most cost-effective way to do your washing. Cost Breakdown: Using a Laundry Machine 1. Laundromat Prices In Australia, laundromat prices vary by location and machine size. On average: Washing machine (8-10kg): $4 to $6 per load Dryer (30-45 minutes): $1 to $2 per 10 minutes If you do laundry twice a week, you're looking at $10–$15 weekly, or $40–$60 per month. Over a year, that’s close to $500–$700 just on shared laundry facilities. 2. Owning a Laundry Machine at Home Buying a washing machine for home use may seem economi...

 For many, the decision between buying and renting a washing machine can feel surprisingly complex. Whether you're a student living temporarily in the city, a family trying to avoid upfront appliance costs, or a renter unsure of your long-term plans, washing machine rental has become an appealing option. But is it really worth it? Let’s break down the pros, cons, and scenarios where laundry machine rental might just be the smart move. The Appeal of Renting a Washing Machine 1. No Large Upfront Costs One of the biggest draws of renting a washing machine is avoiding the hefty upfront cost of buying a new unit. A decent washing machine can set you back anywhere between $600 to $1,500. For many people — especially students, new renters, or short-term residents — that’s not always feasible. Renting allows you to access a high-quality machine for a manageable monthly fee instead of a lump-sum payment. 2. Maintenance is Usually Included When you rent, the company typically cover...

 Getting a commercial laundry business off the ground isn’t just about soap, space and spin cycles—it’s about choosing the right machines without blowing your entire startup budget. So how much does a laundry machine actually cost for a laundry shop in Australia? Short answer: it depends on the type, capacity, brand, and whether you rent or buy. But here's the kicker—renting often makes more financial sense than you'd expect. Let’s unravel the cost threads and dig into your real options. How much does a commercial laundry machine cost in Australia? Here’s a ballpark range to get your head around it: Top-loading commercial washers : $2,500 – $5,000 Front-loading washers (8kg–10kg) : $4,000 – $8,000 High-capacity washers (over 10kg) : $7,000 – $15,000+ Dryers (stacked or single) : $3,000 – $10,000+ These numbers vary depending on whether you’re buying new, second-hand, or refurbished units. Brands like Speed Queen, Electrolux, and Maytag dominate the Aussie com...

 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...