How Much Does It Cost to Wash a Load of Laundry?

The cost of washing a load of laundry can accumulate into a notable annual expense. Understanding the various components that contribute to this routine task is helpful for managing household budgets and identifying opportunities for savings. This article examines the factors determining the expense of cleaning clothes, whether at home or at a commercial facility.

Understanding Home Laundry Expenses

Washing laundry at home involves costs primarily from water, electricity, and laundry supplies. Water consumption varies by appliance type; traditional machines use 20 to 40 gallons per load, while high-efficiency (HE) models use 7 to 17 gallons. Front-load HE machines are generally the most efficient. Water cost ranges from $0.05 to $0.25 per load, influenced by local utility rates.

Electricity usage impacts both the washing machine and, more significantly, the dryer. Washing machines consume 400 to 1,400 watts per cycle, while dryers use 1,800 to 5,000 watts. At an average U.S. electricity rate of $0.13 to $0.17 per kilowatt-hour, electricity for a washing machine costs $0.04 to $0.30 per load, and a dryer costs $0.36 to $0.60 per load. The combined electricity expense can range from $0.49 to over $1.00 per load.

Beyond utilities, laundry detergent and other supplies add to the per-load expense. Detergent costs $0.10 to $0.40 per load, though premium brands can exceed $1.00. Fabric softener and dryer sheets also contribute to these material costs. The average cost of washing and drying a single load of laundry at home generally falls between $1.00 and $3.00.

Costs at a Commercial Laundromat

Using a commercial laundromat has a different cost structure, primarily driven by machine usage fees. A standard washing machine at a laundromat costs $2.00 to $6.00 per load. Larger or heavy-duty machines, designed for bulkier items, may cost up to $10.00 per load.

Drying clothes also incurs a separate fee, $1.00 to $3.00 per cycle, with cycles often lasting 30 to 45 minutes. The total expense for washing and drying a single load at a commercial laundromat ranges from $4.00 to $10.00. Prices vary depending on the laundromat’s location, machine size, and services offered.

Laundromats often provide vending machines for purchasing supplies like single-use detergent packets or dryer sheets. These convenient purchases can add an extra $1.00 to $2.00 to the cost per load. Additional expenses include transportation to and from the laundromat or parking fees.

Key Influences on Laundry Expenses

Several factors influence laundry costs, whether at home or in a commercial setting. Machine efficiency plays a role in reducing utility expenses. ENERGY STAR certified appliances use 20% to 33% less energy and 25% to 50% less water than conventional models. Upgrading to such models, particularly front-load high-efficiency washers, can lead to savings over the appliance’s lifespan, potentially exceeding $530.

Water temperature is another determinant of energy consumption. Heating water accounts for nearly 90% of a washing machine’s energy use. Washing a load in cold water can cost as little as $0.04 to $0.05 per load, while hot or warm water can increase the cost to $0.68 to $0.72 per load. Shifting to cold water washing for most loads can result in annual savings of up to $250.

Optimizing load sizes directly impacts cost efficiency. Washing full loads, rather than multiple smaller ones, maximizes water and energy use per cycle, reducing the per-item cost.

The drying method also presents an opportunity for cost reduction. Electric and gas dryers consume energy, with electric dryers typically using between 1,800 and 5,000 watts. Opting for air-drying clothes on a line or drying rack eliminates these energy costs entirely, offering savings. Utilizing the washing machine’s high-speed spin cycle can also extract more water, reducing the time and energy needed for machine drying.