Nina’s Launderette

 Most Aussie households don’t realise it, but their washing machine could be rinsing more than just clothes—it might be draining cash every week. Between electricity spikes, water waste, and overcapitalising on machines you barely use, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s actually costing you. But there’s a quiet money-saver picking up steam: laundry machine rental . Let’s unpack how a simple change in your laundry setup can stop the money leak—and why smart Australians are reconsidering what they actually own . Can using a washing machine actually save you money? Yes— if you optimise how you use it . The average Aussie spends between $1,500–$2,000 per year on laundry-related costs when you factor in machine purchase, maintenance, electricity, water, and detergent. The real surprise? Most households are overpaying without even realising. Here’s what’s driving those hidden costs: High upfront purchase : A decent washing machine starts at $700–$1,200, and it depreciates fast....

  Starting a laundry shop in Australia sounds straightforward, but the numbers can surprise even seasoned operators. Between the lease, fit-out, permits, and—of course—the machines themselves, the startup costs can range dramatically. But here's the twist: the real question isn’t just how much it costs to start—it’s how much smarter it is to rent rather than own your machines. Because what’s sunk upfront can also sink you long-term. Let’s break it down. How much does it cost to start a laundry shop in Australia? Short answer: Expect to invest between $80,000 and $300,000 , depending on the size, location, and business model (self-service vs. staffed service). Here’s a rough cost breakdown: Cost Item Estimated Range Commercial lease (3-6 months) $10,000 – $50,000 Shop fit-out & signage $15,000 – $50,000 Equipment (buying machines) $40,000 – $150,000+ Council permits & setup $3,000 – $10,000 Utilities & plumbing $10,000 – $30,000 Insurance & registration $2,00...

 Most households are surprised when they learn that it’s not just one appliance quietly chewing through their power bill—it’s often a handful of everyday essentials. Heating and cooling top the list, but hot water systems, fridges, and laundry routines also pull more electricity than you might expect. Understanding where the kilowatts go is the first step to trimming them back without giving up comfort. What uses the most electricity in a typical house? The exact breakdown varies depending on climate, household size, and lifestyle, but across Australia the biggest energy users in homes tend to be: Heating and cooling (40–50%) – Air conditioners and heaters dominate, particularly in extreme weather. Running them inefficiently, or leaving them on longer than needed, can spike bills fast. Water heating (15–25%) – Electric hot water systems draw significant energy, especially in larger households with frequent showers or baths. Refrigeration (10–15%) – Fridges and freezer...

 Many Aussies assume owning a washing machine is always cheaper than using a laundrette. But if you’ve ever tallied the costs of buying, running, and maintaining your machine—plus the space it takes—you might be in for a surprise. The truth? Self-service laundry can often be the more cost-effective, stress-free option in the long run. Let’s unpack why, backed by behavioural economics, real-world comparisons, and a bit of Aussie common sense. Is doing laundry at home really cheaper? Here’s the quick answer: not always . While it feels “free” once you’ve got the machine, you're still paying for: Electricity and water (especially during peak times) Detergent and softeners Maintenance and repairs Appliance depreciation (yep, it loses value) Time and effort (which has its own cost) Most households underestimate these costs due to a behavioural quirk called “anchoring” —we fixate on the upfront purchase and ignore ongoing costs. Now compare that with a self-ser...

 Why do laundromats feel like time capsules from the '90s, yet keep popping up in every suburb? The answer isn’t nostalgia—it’s necessity, powered by automation. Self-service washing machines are reshaping how Australians handle their weekly laundry pile. But how do these machines actually work—and why are so many households, students, and small businesses leaning into them? Let’s dive in. Spoiler: it’s not just about coins and spin cycles. How do self-service washing machines actually work? In short, self-service washing machines work by automating the wash cycle so customers can operate them without assistance. These machines are pre-programmed, durable, and user-friendly—letting you load your clothes, select a cycle, pay, and walk away. Here's how the flow generally works: Load your laundry into a machine (commercial washers can handle from 8kg up to 27kg). Select your cycle —from delicates to hot wash, some systems offer up to 20 preset options. Insert payment...

 Washing pillows at a laundromat isn’t just possible — it’s often the best way to give them a proper refresh. Standard washing machines at home can struggle with bulky items like pillows, but commercial-grade machines at laundromats are built to handle the load. Still, there are a few things you need to know before you lug your bedding down the street. Can you put pillows in a laundromat washer? Yes, you can wash most pillows at a laundromat. Whether it’s feather, down, or synthetic filling, they usually fit into front-loading commercial machines. The key is to always check the care label first. Foam pillows, for example, don’t belong in washers at all — they can crumble apart. How should you wash pillows at a laundromat? Choose the right machine : Opt for a larger front-loader to avoid squashing your pillow too tightly. This ensures an even wash. Use gentle detergent : A mild liquid detergent works best. Powder can sometimes clump inside the filling. Cycle and temperat...

 Most Aussies assume running the washing machine at home is cheaper than heading to the laundromat. But when you factor in electricity, water, detergent, and even the value of your time, the answer isn’t always so clear. Here’s a breakdown of the true costs, the hidden benefits, and when one option makes more sense than the other. How much does it cost to wash clothes at home? Running a washing machine in Australia typically uses: Electricity : About 0.5–1.5 kWh per cycle, costing 15–40 cents depending on tariff. Water : Front loaders use 50–70 litres; top loaders 100+ litres, averaging 10–20 cents per cycle. Detergent/softener : Roughly 20–40 cents per load. Drying : The real kicker. Electric dryers can add $1–$2 per cycle. Altogether, a single wash-and-dry at home can range from $1.50 to $3.00 per load , not counting machine maintenance or replacement over time. What do laundromats charge? Most laundromats in Australian cities charge: Washing machines : $4–$...

  Most people don’t think twice about dropping a load of laundry into a coin machine. But when you look closely at the cost of doing washing at home versus using a laundromat, the numbers can surprise you — and not always in the way you’d expect. Yes, you can save money at a laundromat. But the real answer depends on how you do your laundry, where you live, and whether you’re playing the long game or just trying to get through your undies pile before Monday. Let’s break it down. Is doing laundry at a laundromat cheaper than at home? In many cases, yes — especially if you're factoring in the hidden costs of home laundering. Here’s what often gets overlooked: Electricity and water bills: A single hot wash at home can chew through up to 90L of water and 2.4kWh of energy. Add in a dryer and you're doubling down on costs. Appliance depreciation: Washing machines don’t last forever. Neither do dryers. Repairs, replacements, and the initial outlay should all be amortise...

 Some people swear by self-service laundries as a money-saver, while others argue that the long-term costs creep up. The truth? It depends on your lifestyle, how much laundry you do, and whether you value convenience over control. Let’s unpack it with a clear-eyed look at the dollars, the psychology, and the hidden trade-offs. Is self-service laundry really cheaper? On the surface, yes. A single wash at a laundrette might cost $4–$6, with dryers often $1–$2 per cycle. Compare that with buying a new washing machine ($700–$1,200) and factoring in electricity, water, detergent, and maintenance. For renters or students moving often, the laundrette often wins on upfront savings. But long-term economics shift. A washing machine typically lasts 8–10 years. If you average three loads a week at $5 each, you’ll spend over $750 per year at a laundrette. Owning a machine brings that annual cost down closer to $300–$400 once purchase is spread across its lifespan. What hidden costs should...