Is it cheaper to dry clothes at home or laundromat?

 Drying clothes at home might feel “free,” but once you factor in energy costs, time, and wear-and-tear, the maths can flip. In many cases, a laundromat can actually be the more cost-effective and convenient choice—especially if you’re juggling large loads or live in a small space without reliable drying options. Let’s break it down.

How much does it cost to dry clothes at home?

The real cost depends on the method:

• Electric tumble dryer: On average, a standard dryer in Australia uses 2.5–3 kWh per load. At a power rate of 30¢/kWh, that’s around 75¢–90¢ per load. Over a year of weekly use, you’re looking at $40–$50 just for drying.

• Heat pump dryer: More energy efficient at around 1.5 kWh per load, so about 45¢ per use.

• Clothesline/air drying: Essentially free in dollar terms, but slower, weather-dependent, and can leave clothes stiff in winter.

Hidden costs include:

• Increased humidity indoors (leading to mould risk).

• Wear on clothing fibres from machine drying.

• The “hassle cost” of hanging, waiting, and space taken up inside the home.

What do laundromats charge for drying?

Most Australian laundromats charge $1–$2 for 7–10 minutes of drying. A typical load takes 20–30 minutes, so $3–$5 per load.

That’s higher than the electricity cost of a home dryer, but laundromats use industrial machines that dry faster, handle bulkier loads (doonas, towels, sheets), and don’t add to your home’s power bill.

When is home drying cheaper?

• If you air-dry most of the time and only use a dryer occasionally.

• If you own an efficient heat pump dryer.

• If you’ve got space, time, and reliable weather.

When is a laundromat better value?

• You’re renting a small flat without a dryer or clothesline.

• You need quick turnaround (e.g., school uniforms overnight).

• You’ve got heavy loads like bedding or wet winter washing.

• You factor in time saved: 30 minutes at the laundromat vs. 2–3 days of clothes hanging indoors.

Cost comparison: home vs laundromat

Method	Cost per load	Pros	Cons
Clothesline	Free	No energy use, gentle on clothes	Weather-dependent, slow
Home dryer (standard)	75¢–90¢	Convenient, fast	Ongoing energy bills, shrinks clothes
Home dryer (heat pump)	45¢	Energy efficient	High upfront purchase price
Laundromat dryer	$3–$5	Industrial fast drying, handles big loads	Ongoing per-use cost

The bigger picture: money vs time

From a strict dollar perspective, home dryers (or clotheslines) are cheaper per load. But when you factor in time, space, and convenience, laundromats often win. Behavioural economists would call this a trade-off between financial and opportunity cost. Anyone who’s tried drying doona covers in a tiny apartment knows the “pain tax” of doing it at home.

FAQ

Is it worth buying a heat pump dryer?
Yes if you do lots of loads weekly. They’re pricey upfront but can halve your running costs.

Can you really save by air drying?
Absolutely—but in winter or humid climates, the hidden cost is slow turnaround and higher indoor moisture.

Do laundromats shrink clothes?
Not necessarily. Commercial dryers are powerful, but careful use (lower heat settings) avoids most damage.

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In the end, whether drying at home or at a laundromat is cheaper depends on how you value time vs money. For some, a clothesline and patience do the trick. For others, especially in urban Australia, a laundromat near me becomes the smarter play. And if you want to dive deeper into household energy costs, this Australian Energy Regulator guide has useful insights.