Is a laundromat actually cheaper than doing laundry at home?

 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 someone left a tissue in their pocket… it adds up.

Let’s say you run 5 loads a week. That could average:

• $0.60–$1.00 per wash in electricity

• $0.50–$0.80 in water

• $0.70 in detergent

• Time: 2–3 hours weekly

That’s roughly $2.50–$3.50 per load, not counting depreciation on your machines or repairs.

What does it cost to use a laundromat in Australia?

On average:

• Washing machine (7–10kg load): $5–$8

• Dryer: $1–$2 per 10 minutes

Let’s say you wash and dry a medium load—it might cost around $8–$10 all up. Add a few more dollars for larger machines or specialty cycles like hot washes or delicates.

But here’s the kicker: you can do multiple loads at once, and dryers are often far more powerful. What takes 4 hours at home can be done in 45 minutes flat.

Anyone juggling kids, shift work, or small spaces knows—time saved is sanity saved.

When is a laundromat the smarter financial choice?

Laundromats often come out ahead when:

• Your machines are old or inefficient

• You live in a rental with no washer/dryer

• You need to wash bulky items (doonas, sleeping bags, pet beds)

• You’re trying to reduce water or energy use

• You're short on time and need fast turnaround

Consider this: A new energy-efficient front-loader can cost anywhere from $800 to $2,000. Add a decent dryer? You’re closer to $3,000. Divide that over 5–7 years of usage, and you're paying hundreds yearly just for the privilege of having machines at home.

What about environmental impact?

Modern laundromats now often use commercial-grade machines that are more water- and energy-efficient than many home models. Some even offer eco cycles that reduce both water and energy use. Compared to that rattling 10-year-old top-loader in the granny flat? It’s a cleaner footprint, too.

What are the hidden benefits of laundromats?

It’s not just the cost. For many Aussies, laundromats are a haven of convenience:

• Speed: Do four loads at once, then pop next door for a coffee.

• Social vibe: Some laundromats double as cafés or co-working spots.

• No breakdown stress: If a machine’s busted, it’s someone else’s problem.

• Space-saving: No machines = more room at home.

And let’s be honest—there’s a strange joy in outsourcing your household chores for a few gold coins. A bit like going out for dinner instead of cooking—it’s not “necessary,” but it just feels better sometimes.

Are there downsides to laundromats?

Sure, they’re not perfect:

• Costs can add up if you go multiple times a week

• Limited opening hours or long waits at peak times

• Some may lack card payments or air conditioning (the summer struggle is real)

But for many, the trade-off is worth it. You might pay a few dollars more here or there, but you gain back time, headspace, and often cleaner clothes—those industrial machines don’t muck around.

Quick Cost Comparison: Home vs Laundromat

Cost Element	At Home	Laundromat
Per Load Cost (avg)	$2.50–$3.50	$8–$10
Time per Week	2–3 hours	~1 hour (batch wash)
Upfront Appliance Cost	$1,500–$3,000+	$0
Maintenance/Repair	$100–$300/year	$0
Bulky Items Convenience	Difficult	Easy
Water & Power Usage	Paid by you	Included in price

FAQ

Can I save money by air-drying at home instead of using laundromats?
Yes, line drying saves energy—but it takes time, space, and ideal weather. In a unit or during winter, it’s often not practical.

Do laundromats damage clothes faster?
Not necessarily. In fact, commercial machines often have gentler cycles and better rinsing. Just don’t overload, and follow the care tags.

Is it weird to use a laundromat if you already own a washer?
Not at all. Many people use them for large or infrequent loads—like end-of-season doona washes or big family catch-ups.

Final Thought

For some, doing laundry at home still makes the most sense—especially with newer appliances and low energy rates. But if you’re short on time, space, or patience? Laundromats are a smart, surprisingly economical solution hiding in plain sight.

Depending on where you live, you might already have a reliable laundromat near me that makes it all feel worth it.