How Much Does a Load of Laundry Cost?

Doing laundry at home is widely thought to save money over going to a laundromat, but with constant laundry supply purchases, hefty utility bills, and inconvenient repair costs, you might wonder how much money is being saved, if any at all.

The cost of a load of laundry depends on several things, from the area you live in to the detergent you use. Find out how much a load of laundry costs and the factors influencing the price.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Doing Laundry

Electricity Rates

Washers and dryers take up quite a bit of your home’s electricity usage. Depending on your state’s electricity rates and how often you wash, you could be spending anywhere from $10 to $20 a month on laundry. High-efficiency appliances use less energy, benefitting both the environment and your wallet.

Water Usage

Running your washer also increases your water usage. The average washer uses about 40 gallons of water per load, and depending on how many loads you run weekly, your water bill could be significantly affected by doing laundry.

Detergent Type

The types of detergent you buy influence how much you spend on laundry each month. Prices vary between liquid, powder, pods, and laundry sheets. Opting for the larger amounts typically saves you money per load. However, keep in mind that cheap detergents sometimes contain chemicals that can damage your clothes or washer, costing you more in the long run.

Washer and Dryer Efficiency

High-end washers and dryers will use less water and electricity to wash a load. Front-load appliances are typically more efficient than top-loaders. Your appliance’s power consumption also depends on the settings you choose. For example, using cold water can decrease the amount of energy used.

Load Size

The load size affects the cost of doing laundry due to the amount of water used. While you can adjust how much water your washer uses, running several small loads costs more than running a few large loads because your washer is working longer.

Comparing Laundry Costs at Home vs Laundromat Prices

Upfront Equipment Costs

The cost of a washer and dryer varies significantly, ranging from a few hundred dollars for basic models to thousands of dollars for high-end models. The brand, model, and energy efficiency of these appliances also factor into the cost. While high-efficiency models typically have a higher cost upfront, they can save money in the long run through lower water and energy bills.

An alternative to buying laundry appliances is to rent them. Renting often involves monthly payments and a smaller selection of appliances. While renting can be a short-term solution, the cost of renting can quickly surpass the cost of owning, especially with a low-efficiency model.

Maintenance Costs

Maintenance costs include repairing leaks, replacing parts, and scheduled cleanings. Minor repairs can be addressed for under $100, but major ones can go upwards of $500. Newer models will likely require less maintenance, while older models can put a strain on your wallet.

Evaluate how much you’re spending on repairs and whether it’d be worth buying a new washer and dryer instead. Be wary that sometimes the issue lies in your home’s electrical or water system rather than your appliances, so ensure your equipment is the issue before investing in something new.

Consider purchasing an extended warranty for your laundry appliances. These assurances provide peace of mind by covering the costs of repairs and ensuring your equipment works as it should.

Ongoing Expenses

Ongoing utility expenses include water and energy usage. These expenses vary based on several factors, such as how often you wash clothes and the appliance. High-efficiency models use less electricity and water than standard models, and front-loading appliances tend to be more energy efficient than top-loading ones.

The average washing machine uses about 40 gallons of water per load. Depending on your water rates, this can range from $0.05 to $0.25 per load. The electricity costs of running your washer and dryer also vary by area, but can range from $0.25 to $0.75, with the dryer being the biggest energy consumer.

In addition to your utility bill, laundry products also influence how much you spend on doing laundry at home. Products such as detergents, fabric softeners, dryer sheets, and stain removers can add up over time. Consider cost-effectiveness when deciding which items to invest in.

Laundry detergents can cost anywhere from $5 to $20, depending on the brand and size. For larger families, you’ll likely burn through a bottle faster than most, adding to your monthly laundry bill. If someone in your family has sensitive skin, you’ll likely need to spend a little more for a dermatologically tested laundry detergent.

Laundromat Machine Pricing

Laundromat prices vary by area and can cost up to $10 when using the washer and dryer. Prices are higher in busy urban areas, during peak hours, and based on extra amenities offered.

Convenience and Time

Your lifestyle also influences the cost of doing laundry. Washing clothes at home is typically more cost-effective, but not every living situation allows for a home washer and dryer. Laundromats may not be available in your area; if they are, prices vary by location. You’ll have to account for transport and whether you can afford to wait at a laundromat for your clothes.

Ways to Save on Laundry Costs

1. Wash with Cold Water

Heating water requires a significant amount of energy from your washer. Washing with cold water can eliminate this energy consumption because your washer won’t need to heat water for each load.

2. Air Dry When Possible

Dryers account for a major portion of energy consumption. Air drying using a drying rack or clothesline can lessen dryer use and save on your electric bill.

3. Run Full Loads Only

Running a full load will minimize unnecessary water and electricity consumption. While most washers allow you to run loads of different sizes, running lighter loads can increase the amount of time your washer is working. Instead, consider waiting until you can run a full load to maximize efficiency.

4. Use Energy-Efficient Machines

Although they cost more than base models, high-efficiency appliances (ideally with an ENERGY STAR label) can significantly reduce energy consumption, leading to long-term savings on your utility bill.

5. Use Quality Laundry Detergent Sheets

Using quality detergent in the right amount protects your clothes and washer. Freddie laundry detergent sheets are free of harmful chemicals like dyes, phosphates, bleach, parabens, and 1,4-dioxane, and come pre-measured to ensure you use the right amount every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Should One Load of Laundry Cost?

The cost of one load of laundry varies by area and whether you’re washing at home or at a laundromat. At home, one load ranges from $0.50 to $2, including electricity, water, and laundry supplies. At a laundromat, one load can cost anywhere from $3 to $10.

How Much Does It Cost to Run One Load of Washing?

One load of washing typically costs anywhere from $0.25 to $1.50 when factoring in water, electricity, and detergent consumption. The cost of one load varies by the cost of energy in your area and your detergent of choice.

Smart Habits Lower Laundry Expenses and Protect Garments

The cost of doing laundry depends on several factors, but luckily, there are several ways to reduce the expense. By implementing energy-efficient practices and using quality laundry products, you can extend the life of your clothes and appliances while keeping costs down.

Compatible with all washing machines, Freddie laundry detergent sheets dissolve easily in cool water. They provide thorough cleaning while being free of harmful chemicals like dyes and bleach, often found in some traditional laundry detergents.