Is self-service laundry cheaper long term?

 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.

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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-service laundrette: you walk in, do multiple loads in half the time, and leave. No upkeep, no waiting for a repair bloke, no surprise bills.

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What does self-service laundry cost vs home laundry?

Here’s a side-by-side look.

Cost Factor	Home Washing Machine	Self-Service Laundry
Initial Cost	$700–$2,000 (machine)	$0
Electricity per load	~$0.60–$1.20	Included
Water per load	~$0.40–$0.80	Included
Detergent	$0.50–$1.00	Often included or minimal
Repairs & Maintenance	$150–$300/year (avg)	$0
Time per load	1–2 hours (including drying)	30–45 mins (multiple machines)
Replacement every 7–10 years	$700–$2,000	$0

Add it all up, and for people who don’t do laundry daily, self-service wins on flexibility, time savings, and often total costs.

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Who benefits most from self-service laundry?

Renters, students, small families, and inner-city dwellers are often better off skipping appliance ownership altogether.

Here’s why:

• Space is at a premium in many Aussie apartments.

• Shared housing makes machine-sharing a nightmare.

• Moving frequently? Hauling a heavy washer is a hassle.

• Short-term stays or FIFO life? Why bother buying?

Even for older Aussies or downsizers, laundromats offer easier access and bigger machines that reduce bending and lifting—another hidden cost we don’t often count.

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Is it environmentally better to use a laundrette?

Surprisingly, yes—especially high-efficiency laundromats. Commercial washers:

• Use less water per kg of clothing

• Run shorter, more effective cycles

• Are often powered during off-peak grid hours

• Reduce household energy use (no dryers running at home)

It taps into a behavioural nudge called “choice architecture”—where the default setup (commercial machines) encourages better eco decisions without you trying.

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What about the time-saving factor?

Time poverty is real, especially for working parents and shift workers. Self-service laundrettes:

• Let you do multiple loads at once

• Free you from home distractions

• Often have wash + dry in under 60 minutes

This kind of friction-reduction is a textbook example of making desired behaviours (clean clothes, no chaos) easy and satisfying—something behavioural scientist BJ Fogg calls a “success path.”

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Are there other hidden costs of home laundry?

Plenty. Here are a few often overlooked:

• Noise – not fun in small apartments.

• Lint and damp air – can damage paint, furniture, and even attract mould.

• Overuse of machines – family washers aren’t designed for 5+ loads a week.

• Delayed repairs – ever had a full basket and a broken spin cycle?

Using a laundrette sidesteps all that.

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Can self-service laundry help small business or side hustlers?

Absolutely. If you run a dog-grooming biz, massage studio, Airbnb, or even a kids’ activity group—self-service laundries handle bulk linen fast, with:

• Commercial-grade washers

• No downtime waiting for your home machine

• Easy access after-hours

And if you're eyeing the financial side of this model, this piece breaks it down from the business perspective—worth a read if you're considering investing.

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So, is self-service laundry cheaper long-term?

If you only look at coin-in-hand cost per wash, it might seem more expensive. But factor in machine purchase, time, utilities, repairs, and hassle, and suddenly self-service laundry holds its own—or even wins—long term.

And for many Aussies, especially in urban pockets like Fitzroy or Redfern, the convenience outweighs the minor cost differences. It’s like comparing a home garden to a weekly farmers' market trip. Both work—but one requires daily labour, tools, and pest control.

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FAQ

Q: How much does one load cost at a self-service laundrette in Australia?
A: Usually between $5–$9 for wash, $1–$2 for drying per 10 minutes. Some locations include detergent.

Q: What if I have allergies or sensitive skin?
A: Many laundrettes let you bring your own detergent, or offer hypoallergenic options.

Q: Are laundromats safe to use at night?
A: Most are in well-lit, camera-monitored locations, and some even offer 24/7 staffing in busy areas.

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Sometimes, the cheapest option isn’t the one that costs the least money—it’s the one that saves your sanity, space, and Saturday mornings. And for many of us, that’s self service laundry.