Laundry costs can add up fast.
But which option is cheaper—owning a washer and dryer or using a laundromat?
At first glance, washing at home seems cheaper, costing as little as $7–$12 per month (water, electricity, detergent, fabric softener).
But that doesn’t include the $1,500+ upfront cost of buying appliances or the maintenance/repair fee.
So, let’s break down the real costs so you can make the best decision.
The Cost Breakdown: Home Washer/Dryer vs. Laundromat
- Electricity and Water Usage at Home:
- A front-loading washer uses about 1-1.5 kWh per wash, and a heat pump dryer uses 2-2.5 kWh per cycle—totaling around 3-4 kWh per full load.
- The average electricity rate in Clarksville is $0.12 per kWh, meaning a cost per load of around $0.36–$0.48 if using both washer and dryer.
- Water costs vary but typically add $0.50–$1 per load.
- Laundromat Costs at The Dutchman’s Laundry:
- Our washer and dryer cost for 8 loads is around $15
- But you can sign up for our free loyalty card program to get 10% back on every wash and dry!
Upfront Costs and Maintenance
While running a home washer and dryer is cheaper per load, the initial purchase and maintenance can add up over time.
- A basic washer and dryer set costs $800–$1,500.
- High-end models (like Speed Queen) can cost $2,000+.
- Repairs, including clogged drains, broken belts, or leaks, add unexpected expenses.
If you are using the Laundromats, you don’t need to consider the maintenance costs since the facility handles all equipment upkeep.
You’re also not paying for water or potential appliance repairs.
How much does laundry really cost each month? Let’s break it down based on a family that does laundry 2 times a week and 8 loads per month.
Home Washer/Dryer Costs
- Minimum monthly cost: $6.88
- Maximum monthly cost: $11.84
These costs include electricity, water, and detergent for a standard washer and dryer setup at home.
Laundromat Costs
- Regular monthly cost: $39.00
- With loyalty program (10% back): $35.10
Conclusion
On a month-to-month basis, doing laundry at home is much cheaper, costing between $6.88 and $11.84 per month, compared to $35.10 to $39.00 at a laundromat.
However, this calculation does not account for the washer & dryer investment.
Long-Term Costs Comparison (Including the washer & dryer investment)
While monthly costs favor home laundry, what happens when we factor in the upfront cost of buying a washer and dryer? We’ll assume the washing machine and dryer cost is $1500, and there is no maintenance/repair fee.
Home Washer/Dryer Costs (Including Upfront Investment)
We’ll assume the washer & dryer cost $1500.
- Minimum total cost over 5 years: $1,912.80
- Maximum total cost over 5 years: $2,210.40
Laundromat Costs Over 5 Years
- Regular total cost: $2,340.00
- With loyalty program (10% back): $2,106.00
Conclusion
Investing in a washer and dryer will definitely be worth it if you are planning to stay for at least 5 years. But this still does not account for the maintenance/repair fee.
But in short, if you are planning to stay for 5+ years, investing in the home washer and dryer will definitely be worth it.
But, if you are staying for less than 5 years, then a laundromat is still the cheaper option.
The Convenience Factor
Cost aside, convenience is a huge factor in the decision.
Pros of Owning a Washer and Dryer:
✔ Do laundry whenever you want.
✔ No need to travel to a laundromat.
✔ No waiting for machines to be available.
✔ Control over detergent and machine cleanliness.
Pros of Using The Dutchman’s Laundry:
✔ No repair or maintenance worries.
✔ Wash multiple loads at once—get everything done faster.
✔ High-quality commercial washers and dryers clean more efficiently.
✔ Loyalty program helps reduce costs.
✔ Avoid the upfront cost of appliances and utility bills.
For families with frequent laundry needs, owning a washer and dryer may be more convenient in the long run.
However, for renters, students, or those who move often, a laundromat is a better alternative.
Hidden Costs and Considerations
Beyond basic cost comparisons, there are additional factors to think about:
- Some people dislike spending hours at a laundromat.
- Apartments or smaller homes may not have room for a washer and dryer.
- Laundromat machines are often well-maintained and cleaner.
- If you own a washer and dryer, repairs and maintenance can be annoying and expensive.
Final Verdict: Which Option Is Best for You?
If you do laundry frequently and plan to stay in one home long-term, investing in a washer and dryer may be the cheaper and more convenient option over time.
However, if you move often, dislike maintenance, or want to wash large loads quickly, then using a laundromat might be the smarter choice.
Plus, with our 10% loyalty program, you can save money while enjoying a high-quality laundry experience.
Key Takeaways:
- If you wash your laundry with your own washer and dryer, you can save $23.26 to $32.12 per month. That means you will save around $0.40 to $1.02 per load. But this doesn’t include the investment and the maintenance fee.
- If you are planning to stay for 5+ years, investing in a home washer and dryer will definitely be worth it.
- But, if you are staying for less than 5 years, then a laundromat is still the cheaper option.
Would you rather have the convenience of doing laundry at home or the flexibility of using a laundromat without maintenance worries?
The choice depends on what you value most—saving money, saving time, or saving stress.
Visit The Dutchmans Laundry in Clarksville, TN, to experience fast, high-quality washing and drying with savings through our loyalty program!
FAQs
Q. Is it cheaper to wash clothes at home or at a laundromat?
A. Washing at home is cheaper per load, costing about $0.86–$1.48, compared to $1.88 per load at a laundromat (with The Dutchman’s Laundry’s 10% loyalty program). However, owning a washer and dryer requires an upfront investment of around $1,500 or more, plus maintenance costs. If you plan to stay in one place for 5+ years, washing at home will save you money in the long run.
Q. What is the cheapest way to do laundry?
A. The cheapest way to do laundry is to wash at home using cold water and air-dry your clothes instead of using a dryer. This reduces electricity and water costs. Using high-efficiency appliances and bulk-buying detergent can also help cut expenses.
Q. Is a laundromat cheaper than washing at home?
A. In the short term, yes—using a laundromat means no upfront costs, maintenance, or utility bills. But in the long run, if you stay in one place for several years, a home washer and dryer will cost less per load and per month.
Q. Do laundromats save you money?
A. Laundromats save you money if you move frequently or don’t want to spend thousands on appliances and repairs. They also save time since commercial machines can handle larger loads more efficiently. However, if you do laundry regularly and plan to stay in one home long-term, owning a washer and dryer will be the cheaper option.
