How Much Does It Cost to Use a Laundry Machine?

 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 economical, but don’t forget the extras:

  • Purchase cost: $600 to $1,200 for a decent machine

  • Electricity & water per load: $0.50 to $1.50

  • Maintenance/repairs: $100–$200 annually

  • Detergent & softeners: Approx. $0.50–$1 per load

Over time, it adds up. And if you’re renting or in a small space, owning might not even be feasible.

The Sneaky Hidden Costs

Energy Usage

A washing machine consumes 0.3 to 2 kWh per cycle depending on settings and model. At ~$0.30 per kWh, it can cost you up to $0.60 per wash just in electricity.

Water Consumption

Standard top-loaders use around 100–150 litres per wash. With water prices averaging $4 per 1,000 litres, that’s another $0.40–$0.60 added per cycle.

Breakdowns & Repairs

Unless you’re tech-savvy, even minor repairs can quickly exceed $150. Frequent callouts, especially for older machines, make ownership more expensive long term.

Smarter Option: Laundry Machine Rental

If you're looking for convenience without the upfront investment, laundry machine rental might be your best bet. With rental services:

  • No upfront cost

  • Free maintenance and repairs

  • Predictable monthly fees

  • Ideal for tenants, short-stay properties, student housing & more

Most rental plans start from $15 to $25 per week, which includes installation, support, and sometimes detergent subscriptions. Over time, it may cost less than constant laundromat trips and machine ownership combined—especially if you're sharing with housemates.

Making the Right Choice

OptionUpfront CostPer-Load CostFlexibilityMaintenance
Laundromat$0$4–$6HighNone
Home Machine$600+$1–$2MediumYou pay
Rental Machine$0$0.50–$1.50HighIncluded

If you're in a rental property, don’t want the hassle of machine upkeep, or are starting a short-term accommodation business, renting might just be your laundry solution of choice.

Final Thoughts

The true cost of using a laundry machine depends on your lifestyle, frequency of washing, and whether you value convenience over ownership. While laundromats are great in a pinch and home machines offer independence, laundry machine rental offers a smart, hassle-free middle ground—especially in 2025, when flexibility is everything.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Unlocking the Benefits of Leasing Coin Laundry Equipment for Communal Spaces

Image
  In modern communal living — from apartment complexes and student housing to hotels and caravan parks — reliable laundry facilities aren’t just a convenience, they’re an expectation. Yet for many property managers, purchasing and maintaining commercial-grade machines can be a costly, time-consuming exercise. That’s where leasing coin laundry equipment comes in. This smart approach removes the heavy upfront costs, takes the hassle out of maintenance, and even opens the door to extra revenue — all while keeping your residents, guests, or tenants happy. 1. Cost-effective from day one Buying high-capacity washers and dryers outright can run into tens of thousands of dollars. Leasing spreads the cost over manageable instalments, freeing up capital for other investments. The Australian Taxation Office also recognises certain leasing arrangements as operating expenses, which can deliver tax advantages for eligible businesses. By avoiding large upfront spends, property owners can k...
Read more

The Evolution of Laundry Services: How 24-Hour Laundromats Are Changing the Game

Image
  Laundry has always been a necessity, but the way we manage it has evolved dramatically over the decades. Gone are the days when doing laundry meant dedicating an entire afternoon at home to small, slow machines. Today, 24-hour laundromats have emerged as a modern solution, giving busy individuals the freedom to wash and dry clothes whenever it suits their lifestyle. These facilities not only save time but also provide efficiency, flexibility, and even community connection. Why 24-Hour Laundromats Are So Popular 1. Convenience at Any Hour The biggest advantage of a 24-hour laundromat is obvious — you can do laundry on your schedule . Whether you’re an early riser, a shift worker, or a night owl, these facilities are always open. For city residents juggling unpredictable work hours, this flexibility is a game-changer. The Australian Bureau of Statistics notes that non-traditional working hours are increasingly common, making around-the-clock services more relevant than ever. 2...
Read more

The Evolution of Laundry: From Riverbanks to Smart Laundromats

Image
 Laundry is one of humanity’s oldest chores — but the way we do it has transformed beyond recognition. What began as a manual, back-breaking process by the riverbank has evolved into today’s high-tech, eco-conscious laundromats that combine efficiency, convenience, and community. This journey reflects not just technological innovation, but also shifting social norms, environmental priorities, and consumer expectations. From handwashing to early machines In ancient times, washing clothes meant hours of soaking, scrubbing, and beating garments against rocks in rivers or communal wash areas. This method was physically demanding and dependent on natural resources like sunlight for drying. The Industrial Revolution changed everything. By the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the first manual washing devices emerged, dramatically reducing the physical effort required. These early machines were rudimentary but marked the beginning of laundry as a mechanised process — paving the way...
Read more