Is It Cheaper to Use a Commercial Laundry vs Doing It at Home?

September 14, 2025

Why does it always feel like laundry costs more than it should? Whether it’s the power bill creeping up or the detergent that disappears faster than socks in the wash, the question many Australians are now asking is: Should I be doing my washing at home… or outsourcing it to a commercial laundry?

The quick answer? In many cases, using a commercial laundry service can be cheaper than doing it at home—especially when you factor in energy use, appliance wear and tear, and time (which, let’s be honest, we never seem to have enough of).

Let’s unpack the dollars, time, and hidden costs behind your weekly wash.

What does it actually cost to do laundry at home?

On the surface, doing laundry at home feels “free-ish.” You’ve already got a washing machine, right? Maybe a dryer too? But those appliances don’t run on good vibes.

Here’s what you’re really paying for:

Electricity: On average, a front-loader uses about 0.9 kWh per cycle, and a dryer around 3–5 kWh. With power rates averaging 30–35 cents/kWh, one load could cost between $1–$2 just in electricity.
Water: Each wash uses 50–100 litres of water. Add a few bucks to your water bill.
Detergent and softeners: Budget around $0.50–$1.00 per load depending on what you use.
Maintenance and depreciation: Machines break. They also lose efficiency over time. Let’s not forget the upfront cost of replacing them every 7–10 years.
Time: One full load (wash, dry, fold) can take up to 2–3 hours. What’s your time worth?

Let’s run the maths. Say you do five loads a week:

Power: $7
Water: $2
Detergent: $4
Machine depreciation: $3
Weekly total: ~$16

That’s $832 a year. And that’s without factoring your time.

Is commercial laundry more expensive—or less?

At face value, commercial laundry might seem pricier. But hold that thought.

Here’s what you’re paying for when you use a professional service:

High-capacity, industrial-grade machines that clean more thoroughly and efficiently.
Bulk efficiencies—they wash hundreds of loads daily, often using less water and energy per kilo than you do at home.
Time-saving: No folding, no drying, no sorting. Some even pick up and deliver.
Consistency: Stains treated properly, items dried appropriately. No shrinkage horror stories.

Typical prices vary. A standard load might cost between $5–$10. Wash-and-fold services can range from $20–$40 per basket, depending on weight and extras like ironing.

But here’s the kicker: if you’re already paying $16 a week at home, and spending 2–3 hours doing it, outsourcing it for $20–$25 might be a better use of both time and money.

When does commercial laundry become more cost-effective?

There are specific situations where commercial laundry just makes more sense:

Households with kids: The sheer volume of clothing (and stains) skyrockets.
Renters with no laundry facilities: Hauling baskets to the shared laundry or laundromat is time-consuming.
Busy professionals or shift workers: Convenience and time-savings outweigh cost.
Small businesses: Think hair salons, gyms, cafes—commercial laundry helps meet hygiene standards at scale.

In fact, a study by Choice showed that running inefficient washers and dryers could tack on hundreds to your annual energy bills. So using smarter systems (like those found in commercial laundries) can reduce your environmental footprint too.

What are the hidden costs of home laundry that people forget?

The big one? Time. And then there’s:

Energy spikes: Dryers during peak hours can surge your power bill.
Appliance breakdowns: A washer repair can cost upwards of $200.
Water damage risk: Faulty machines or overflows = possible insurance claims.
Laundry stress: Wet weather + no dryer = clothes hanging for days = damp smell = rewashing = more power.

Anyone who’s tried drying bedsheets in a Melbourne winter knows the pain.

Are commercial laundries environmentally worse?

Not necessarily. Industrial laundries often have water recycling systems, heat recovery units, and bulk washing efficiencies that far outperform home machines on a per-kilo basis. Plus, they typically use commercial detergents in precise dosages—less waste, fewer nasties down the drain.

While that may sound surprising, Sustainability Victoria highlights the energy-hungry nature of home dryers as a major contributor to household emissions. So skipping the dryer and outsourcing might be greener than you think.

How do you know if it’s right for you?

Ask yourself:

Are you spending more than 3 hours a week doing laundry?
Do you feel laundry is eating into your “real” life?
Are your energy and water bills creeping up?
Do you find yourself rewashing items because they don’t dry properly or still smell?

If you answered yes to more than two of those, then trying out a professional service might be worth the experiment.

You don’t have to commit long-term. Many people mix and match—doing basics at home and sending out bedding or heavy items.

FAQ

Is it cheaper to use a laundromat or a pick-up laundry service?
Laundromats are often cheaper per load, but you pay in time. Pick-up services cost more, but save time and effort.

Are commercial laundries safe for sensitive skin?
Most professional services now offer hypoallergenic or fragrance-free options—just ask in advance.

Can I get just sheets or towels washed?
Absolutely. Many services cater to bulk single-item loads. Ideal for seasonal bedding refreshes or post-guest changeovers.

So, is commercial laundry cheaper overall?

For many Aussies, the answer is yes—especially once you count time, energy, and wear on machines. Commercial laundry offers predictability, convenience, and in some cases, environmental benefits.

And if you’re comparing the true costs of each option, it’s worth looking at breakdowns like this one on commercial laundry services to help guide your decision.

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