Is laundromat cheaper than washing at home?

 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–$6 per load (standard drum).

• Dryers: $1 per 10 minutes, so a full dry often costs $4–$5.

That means a wash and dry at a laundromat usually costs $8–$10. On the surface, that’s pricier than home washing. But there’s more to consider.

Where does a laundromat actually save you money?

This is where the psychology of value (and a bit of behavioural economics) comes in:

• Time efficiency: Laundromats let you run multiple loads at once. Instead of spending all Sunday waiting on one machine, you can be done in an hour. If you value your time, this is a hidden saving.

• Bigger loads: Industrial machines handle bulky bedding and doonas in one go—no need for expensive dry-cleaning.

• Machine costs: You don’t pay for repairs, replacements, or rising electricity bills. Over a decade, those savings add up.

• Social proof bonus: Many Aussies use laundromats in apartment-heavy suburbs, proving convenience often outweighs a few extra dollars.

Which option is cheaper overall?

• For small, regular loads: Washing at home wins—especially if you air dry.

• For large, bulky, or urgent loads: Laundromats often end up cheaper once you factor time, wear-and-tear, and electricity.

• For renters or city dwellers: Without a machine, laundromats are usually the most practical and cost-effective choice.

Cost Factor	At Home (per load)	Laundromat (per load)
Wash only	$0.50–$1.00	$4–$6
Dry only	$1.00–$2.00	$4–$5
Wash + Dry total	$1.50–$3.00	$8–$10
Time spent	2–3 hours (sequential loads)	1 hour (parallel loads)

FAQs

Is it cheaper to wash at home if I don’t use a dryer?
Yes. If you line-dry your clothes, you can keep costs well under $1 per load.

Do laundromats use more efficient machines?
Yes. Many commercial machines are water- and energy-efficient, designed to handle big loads at lower per-kilo costs.

Are laundromats worth it just for doona and bedding washes?
Absolutely. Washing bulky items at home often damages machines, while laundromats handle them with ease.

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In short, washing at home is cheaper for regular small loads, but laundromats can be better value for big, bulky, or time-sensitive washing. If you’re in a high-density area, finding a reliable laundromat near me could make laundry day less about cost—and more about convenience.

For more on energy costs per load, you can check this breakdown by Energy.gov.au.