We’ve all been there. We’re down to our last pair of clean socks and there’s no clean underwear in sight. The laundry pile has grown to towering heights and we know we can’t put it off any longer. But doing laundry isn’t free – those trips to the laundromat or even washing at home takes time and money.
We started wondering just how much coin we drop into those machines or how high our water and electric bills climb just so we can have fresh clothes. Turns out those piles of dirty clothes are costing us a pretty penny every year.
We decided to break it down and figure out what an average load of laundry costs so you know what you’re dealing with next time your washer calls your name.
The Major Elements Of Laundry Costs
We all know doing laundry at home isn’t free, but have you ever added up how much it really costs you each month? The major expenses for any laundry routine are:
Equipment Costs:
Buying a washing machine and dryer can cost a lot or a little, depending on the type you choose. Basic models are cheaper, while high-end, energy-efficient ones can be more expensive initially. The brand, model, and energy efficiency all affect the overall cost. Although pricier upfront, energy-efficient models can save money in the long run by reducing energy and water bills.
Another option is renting the equipment. This can be a more affordable choice if you don’t want to spend a lot upfront. Renting involves paying a monthly fee, making it suitable for those who plan to replace their equipment often. Keep in mind that rented equipment may not be as efficient as purchased ones, considering the ongoing monthly fees.
Operating Costs:
Using a washing machine and dryer costs money because of things like electricity and water. This can really affect how much a household spends, especially for those who do a lot of laundry. The type of washing machine matters too – front-loading ones are usually better with energy, while some models use less electricity and water.
Aside from utility bills, there’s also money spent on laundry stuff like detergents, fabric softeners, and stain removers. These products can add up over time, so it’s important to think about their cost and choose ones that work well and don’t cost too much. Some people even make their own laundry detergent to save money. In short, people can save money on laundry by paying attention to how much it costs to run their machines and choosing laundry products wisely.
Maintenance Costs:
Taking care of laundry machines can cost money. This includes fixing leaks, changing parts, and cleaning them every year. The cost and how often you need to do these things depend on how old and what brand the machines are. Older machines usually need more fixes, but newer and better ones might need less.
To save money on fixing and cleaning, it’s a good idea to buy a longer warranty or service plan for the laundry machines. These plans cover the cost of repairs and keeping the machines working well. Sometimes, they also give you faster service and discounts on parts, which makes the overall cost of taking care of the machines less.
The Cost Of Laundry
Let’s talk about how much it really costs to do laundry. A bottle of laundry soap usually costs between $5 and $20, depending on the brand and size. If your family does a lot of laundry, these detergent costs can add up fast. Don’t forget about fabric softener, bleach, and other laundry stuff – those costs matter too.
Using your washing machine and dryer at home also adds up on your electricity and water bills. These machines use a bunch of energy and water. For example, a regular washing machine uses about 40 gallons of water for each load, and the cost of that water can be anywhere from $0.002 to $0.005 per gallon. The electricity cost for running a washing machine and dryer can vary too, anywhere from $0.25 to $0.75 per load based on where you live.
Buying a washing machine and dryer is another cost to think about. Even though they last a long time, they can be expensive. On average, a washing machine might cost between $300 and $1,000, and a dryer can be between $300 and $800. So, these appliances can be a big expense, especially if you have to replace them after a few years.
And it’s not just the money you spend on detergent, water, and electricity. Doing laundry also takes time and effort. It can be a lot of work, especially if you have trouble moving around or health issues. For people dealing with these challenges, the overall cost of doing laundry can be even higher.
Ways to Reduce Your Laundry Costs
We know doing laundry at home isn’t cheap these days. The cost of detergent, fabric softener, bleach and dryer sheets can really add up over time. My family has found a few tricks to cut down on how much we spend on laundry each month.
First, we air dry our clothes whenever we can. Using the dryer is one of the biggest expenses when it comes to laundry. We hang clothes on drying racks and hangers in our laundry room, basement and garage. This allows us to minimize how often we run the dryer. In nice weather, we hang clothes on our clothesline outside. The sun and breeze do a great job of naturally drying and freshening our clothes.
Another way we save is by making our own laundry detergent. Commercial detergents are loaded with fillers and harsh chemicals. We use basic and inexpensive ingredients like baking soda, washing soda, borax and essential oils to make natural detergent that cuts through stains and smells great. Our homemade detergent costs only pennies per load compared to dollars for store-bought kinds.
Finally, we’ve started washing some clothes less frequently. Things like jeans, sweaters, sweatshirts, pajamas and towels don’t necessarily need to be washed after each use. As long as the items don’t look or smell dirty, we wash them every few wears or uses. This simple change has probably cut our laundry in half. We’re saving time, money, energy and helping the environment.
By air drying when we can, making our own natural detergent and washing some items less often, our family has found an easy way to cut our laundry costs significantly each month. Give these eco-friendly tips a try—your wallet and the planet will thank you!
Use Laundromat Express And Save Yourself Time And Energy
Tired of dealing with the cost and inconvenience of doing laundry at home? Try Laundromat Express now and experience the ease and affordability of having your laundry taken care of. Bid farewell to the expenses and struggles of doing laundry at home.
