Whether you’re washing clothes at home, using a laundromat, or outsourcing to a laundry service, the cost of daily laundry can add up fast. But how much does it really cost per day, per month, or per year?
Let’s break down laundry costs for different methods, including DIY at home vs. laundromat vs. professional wash-and-fold services, and how to save money on daily laundry! 👇
💲 Average Cost of Doing Laundry Per Day
Laundry Method |
Cost Per Load |
Cost Per Week (7 Loads) |
Monthly Cost (30 Loads) |
|---|---|---|---|
Home Laundry (Washer & Dryer) |
$0.50 – $1.50 |
$3.50 – $10.50 |
$15 – $45 |
Laundromat (Self-Service) |
$3 – $6 |
$21 – $42 |
$90 – $180 |
Wash-and-Fold Service (Drop-Off) |
$1.50 – $3 per lb |
$25 – $50 |
$100 – $200 |
Dry Cleaning (Special Items Only) |
$3 – $10 per item |
N/A |
Varies by need |
🔹 Key Takeaways:
- Doing laundry at home is the cheapest option ($0.50 – $1.50 per load).
- Laundromats cost 3-4x more than home washing.
- Wash-and-fold services are the most expensive but save time.
- Dry cleaning is only for delicate items and varies in cost.
🏡 How Much Does It Cost to Do Laundry at Home?
If you own a washer and dryer, you still have to factor in:
✅ Electricity Usage
✅ Water Costs
✅ Detergent & Fabric Softener
✅ Washer & Dryer Maintenance
Breakdown of Home Laundry Costs (Per Load)
Expense |
Estimated Cost Per Load |
|---|---|
Water Usage |
$0.10 – $0.30 |
Electricity (Washer & Dryer) |
$0.20 – $0.50 |
Laundry Detergent |
$0.10 – $0.30 |
Fabric Softener / Dryer Sheets |
$0.05 – $0.15 |
Total Cost Per Load |
$0.50 – $1.50 |
💡 Best For: Households that do laundry frequently and want the lowest cost per load.
🏢 How Much Does It Cost to Use a Laundromat?
If you don’t have a washer & dryer at home, laundromats offer a convenient, though more expensive, alternative.
Laundromat Pricing (Per Load)
Machine Type |
Cost Per Wash |
Cost Per Dry |
|---|---|---|
Small Washer (Single Load) |
$2.50 – $4.00 |
$1.50 – $3.00 |
Large Washer (Double Load) |
$4.50 – $7.00 |
$2.00 – $4.00 |
Extra-Large Washer (Family Size) |
$6.50 – $10.00 |
$3.00 – $5.00 |
💡 Laundromat Costs Per Month:
- One person (7 loads/week) → $90 – $180/month
- Family of 4 (20+ loads/week) → $250 – $500/month
💡 Best For: Apartment renters, people without in-unit laundry, or those who need oversized machines.
🏢 How Much Do Wash-and-Fold Laundry Services Cost?
If you don’t have time for laundry, many businesses offer drop-off wash-and-fold services.
Service Type |
Cost Per Pound |
Weekly Cost (20 lbs) |
Monthly Cost (80 lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|
Basic Wash & Fold |
$1.50 – $3.00 per lb |
$30 – $60 |
$120 – $240 |
Premium (Eco-Friendly, Hypoallergenic, Folded) |
$2.50 – $4.00 per lb |
$50 – $80 |
$200 – $320 |
Pickup & Delivery |
Extra $5 – $20 per order |
Adds to total |
Adds to total |
💡 Best For: Busy professionals, people without home laundry access, or those who prefer outsourcing chores.
👔 How Much Does Dry Cleaning Cost?
Dry cleaning is only needed for delicate fabrics like suits, dresses, and wool coats.
Item |
Cost Per Item |
|---|---|
Dress Shirt |
$2.50 – $5 |
Suit (Jacket & Pants) |
$10 – $20 |
Dress |
$10 – $25 |
Winter Coat |
$15 – $40 |
Comforter / Large Blanket |
$20 – $50 |
💡 Best For: Work attire, formal wear, and special fabrics that require dry cleaning.
💰 Annual Cost of Doing Laundry (By Method)
Laundry Method |
Total Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
Home Laundry (Washer & Dryer) |
$180 – $540 |
Laundromat (1 person) |
$1,080 – $2,160 |
Laundromat (Family of 4) |
$3,000 – $6,000 |
Wash-and-Fold Service (20 lbs/week) |
$1,440 – $3,840 |
Dry Cleaning (1 item per week) |
$500 – $1,500 |
💡 Doing laundry at home saves $900 – $1,500 per year compared to a laundromat!
🚀 Ways to Save Money on Laundry
💡 Here’s how to reduce your daily laundry expenses:
✅ Wash in Cold Water – Saves $0.20 – $0.50 per load on electricity.
✅ Use Full Loads – Avoid small loads to reduce detergent and energy costs.
✅ Air Dry Clothes – Dryers use the most electricity—hang dry to save.
✅ Buy Detergent in Bulk – Costco/Sam’s Club offer lower prices per load.
✅ Skip the Laundromat Dryer – Take wet clothes home and air dry to cut costs.
✅ Look for Free Laundry Days – Some laundromats offer discounted or free laundry promotions.
💡 Example: Switching from laundromat drying to air drying could save you $500+ per year!
🎯 Final Thoughts: How Much Does Daily Laundry Cost?
The cost of daily laundry depends on your method—doing it at home is the cheapest, while wash-and-fold services are the most expensive.
💡 Key Takeaways:
✅ Home laundry costs $0.50 – $1.50 per load, saving $900+ per year over laundromats.
✅ Laundromats cost $3 – $6 per load, making them expensive for frequent washing.
✅ Wash-and-fold services cost $1.50 – $3 per pound, best for busy people.
✅ Dry cleaning is only needed for delicate items and costs $10 – $40 per item.
✅ Air drying, using cold water, and washing full loads can lower laundry costs.
💬 How much do you spend on laundry per month? Do you prefer DIY or a service? Drop a comment below! 👇
🚀 For real-world pricing insights, bookmark CostHowMuch.com!
