Laundry Cost Calculator
How It Works
Laundry is a regular household expense that adds up over time. The average American household does 5-7 loads per week. The true cost includes electricity for the washer and dryer, water consumption, detergent, and wear on your appliances and clothing.
The dryer is the biggest energy consumer, using approximately 2.5 kWh per load compared to 0.5 kWh for the washer. A standard top-load washer uses about 20 gallons per load, while high-efficiency (HE) front-loaders use only 12-15 gallons. Air-drying eliminates the dryer cost entirely.
To reduce laundry costs, wash with cold water (saves $0.10-0.30 per load on water heating), use HE detergent (you need less), run full loads only, clean the dryer lint trap before each use (improves efficiency by 25%), and consider air-drying when possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does one load of laundry cost?
The average load costs $1.00-2.50 total: about $0.40-0.70 for electricity, $0.05-0.15 for water, and $0.15-0.30 for detergent. Using a laundromat typically costs $3-5 per load plus drying.
Is it cheaper to wash in cold water?
Yes. About 75-90% of the energy for washing is used to heat water. Washing in cold saves $0.10-0.30 per load. Modern detergents work effectively in cold water for most laundry.
How can I reduce dryer costs?
Clean the lint filter every load, use dryer balls to reduce drying time, separate heavy and light items, use the moisture sensor setting, and consider line-drying some items. These can cut dryer costs by 20-40%.
How much do laundromat trips cost?
A laundromat typically costs $3-5 per wash and $2-3 per dryer cycle, totaling $5-8 per load. If you do 5 loads per week at a laundromat, that is $100-160 per month versus $20-50 at home.