Do you save money at a laundromat?

 

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 amortised.

  • Detergent and maintenance: Home users usually overpour detergent (a classic case of the more-is-better fallacy), which adds up over time.

  • Time costs: Time is money. If your machine is small or slow, laundry becomes a drawn-out chore.

By contrast, laundromats offer:

  • High-capacity machines – Fewer loads, less time.

  • Fast drying times – Industrial dryers get it done in 15–20 minutes.

  • No wear-and-tear costs – Machines, maintenance, and utilities are someone else’s problem.

A typical wash and dry at an Aussie laundromat might cost around $8–$12. That’s often cheaper than the real cost of running your home setup — especially if you’re doing large or infrequent loads.

Who actually saves the most using a laundromat?

Here’s where things get interesting.

Laundromats aren’t just for renters or folks without machines. These groups often see big savings:

  • Small households: Buying and running machines for one or two people rarely stacks up.

  • Busy professionals: Speed and convenience often outweigh the dollar difference.

  • Urban dwellers: In denser suburbs, power and water costs tend to be higher, tipping the scales in the laundromat’s favour.

  • Flatmates or share houses: Splitting loads or doing bulk family-sized washes can be far more efficient at a laundromat.

Behavioural science calls this the default bias — people stick with home washing simply because it’s familiar. But familiarity doesn’t always equal value.


What are the hidden costs (or savings) of laundromats?

Just like a dodgy spin cycle, there are a few twists.

The downsides:

  • Transport: If you have to drive far, petrol costs might cancel out savings.

  • Time of day: Peak hours (weekends, after work) can mean waiting.

  • Pricey extras: Some machines upsell hot washes, softener, or longer drying cycles.

The upsides:

  • Wash while you work: Many modern laundromats are next to cafés or shops, so you can get other stuff done.

  • Bulk efficiency: Large machines mean you can do sheets, towels, and clothes all at once.

  • Reduced wear and tear on your clothes: Commercial machines are surprisingly gentle on fabrics compared to home dryers.

There’s also a psychological win here: clean slate effect. When you batch tasks like laundry and knock them out fast, you feel more productive and in control. That’s not nothing.

How do laundromats compare in different parts of Australia?

There’s no one-size-fits-all.

  • Inner-city suburbs: Laundromats are more common, but slightly more expensive. Still cheaper than high inner-city energy rates.

  • Regional towns: Fewer options, but often cheaper per wash.

  • High-density areas (like Northcote, VIC): Perfect laundromat territory. Parking’s manageable, and the demographic often includes renters or students looking to save both time and cash.

You don’t need to be a money-saving expert to realise the sweet spot: if you’re doing 1–2 big loads a week, a laundromat often wins.

What’s the behavioural reason people stick with home washing?

It’s all about status quo bias — the tendency to prefer things the way they are, even if they’re not optimal.

Plus, there’s a false perception that laundromats are outdated or only for people without means. In reality, many are modern, well-lit, and tech-enabled (card payments, loyalty programs, even apps that tell you when your wash is done).

Some customers even treat laundry day as a bit of “me time” — bring a book, pop on a podcast, and let the machines do the work.

So, do laundromats actually save you money?

For many Aussies — yes, especially if:

  • You don’t do laundry daily

  • You live in a unit or flat with limited space

  • Your washer or dryer is old or energy-hungry

  • You’re keen to get laundry done faster and in fewer loads

But the money-saving isn’t just in cents and dollars. It’s in reclaiming your Sunday arvo, not worrying about maintenance, and keeping your power bill in check.

FAQ

Are laundromats more energy efficient than home washing machines?
Yes. Commercial machines are designed for volume and efficiency. They typically use less water per kg and spin faster, cutting down drying time.

How much does a typical laundromat wash cost in Australia?
Expect around $4–$7 per wash and $1–$2 per 7-minute dryer cycle. Full wash-and-dry can average $8–$12, depending on load size and location.

Can I do my weekly laundry in one visit?
Absolutely. Most laundromats offer large-capacity washers and dryers that can handle multiple loads in under an hour.

Sometimes, the smarter choice isn’t the flashiest — it’s the one that gets the job done with less fuss. If you’re looking to save time, energy, and maybe even money, exploring a laundromat near me could be the quiet win your weekly routine needs.

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