Doing laundry is one of those household chores that feels endless. As soon as the basket is empty, it starts to fill up again. Most of us just accept it as a part of life and assume we’re saving money by handling it ourselves. But have you ever stopped to calculate the actual cost of doing laundry at home? When you add it all up, the expenses go far beyond just a bottle of detergent.
This post breaks down the often-overlooked expenses associated with your home laundry routine. From utility bills to the valuable time you lose each week, we’ll uncover the true price of that seemingly simple chore. You might be surprised to learn that outsourcing your laundry isn’t just a luxury—it can be a smart financial decision.
Breaking Down the Utility Bills
Your washing machine and dryer are two of the hardest-working appliances in your home, and they have a significant impact on your monthly utility bills. Let’s look at the numbers.
The Cost of Water
Every load of laundry uses a surprising amount of water. While high-efficiency (HE) washing machines have improved consumption, they still use between 15 to 30 gallons of water per cycle. Older, top-loading models can use up to 45 gallons. In Austin, TX, the residential water rate averages about $5 per 1,000 gallons (including sewer fees as of 2024). If your family does five loads a week, at 25 gallons per load, that’s 125 gallons per week—or about 6,500 gallons per year. At this rate, you’re spending around $32.50 each year on just the water for laundry. Use more loads, more water, or a less efficient machine, and the cost rises quickly. This directly translates to higher water bills month after month.
The Electricity Drain
Next comes electricity. Washing machines need power to agitate clothes and spin them dry. However, the real energy hog is the dryer. Electric dryers are among the most power-hungry appliances you own. In Austin, TX, the average residential electricity rate is about 13 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) as of 2024. A typical washer and dryer cycle together use roughly 2.5 kWh per load (0.3 kWh for the washer and 2.2 kWh for the dryer, especially if you use heated drying). At five loads per week, that’s about 13 kWh per week, or 676 kWh per year. This adds up to approximately $88 per year just in electricity costs for laundry. Using hot water for washing increases usage further, as your water heater must work harder—pushing costs even higher over the course of a year.
The Never-Ending Supply Run
Detergent, fabric softener, dryer sheets, and stain removers are regular items on your shopping list. While a single bottle might not seem expensive, these costs are constant.
Detergent and Additives
The price of laundry supplies can vary widely. Premium detergents, specialized formulas for sensitive skin, or eco-friendly options often come with a higher price tag. On top of that, you might buy fabric softeners to reduce static, scent boosters for extra freshness, and stain removers for tough spots. For example, in Austin, TX, a typical family might spend about $15 a month on detergent, $6 a month on fabric softener or dryer sheets, and around $4 a month on stain removers or other additives. Altogether, that’s about $25 a month—or $300 a year—for laundry supplies alone. It’s a recurring budget line item that many people forget to factor into the total cost of doing laundry.
The Wear and Tear on Your Clothes (and Appliances)
Beyond the direct costs, there are long-term expenses to consider. Your home appliances and even your favorite clothes have a limited lifespan.
Damage to Your Wardrobe
Home washing machines, especially older or overloaded ones, can be harsh on fabrics. Agitation and high-heat drying can cause colors to fade, fibers to break down, and clothes to shrink or lose their shape. Delicate items are particularly vulnerable. How many times have you pulled a shrunken sweater from the dryer or noticed a new, tiny hole in a t-shirt? Replacing damaged clothing is a hidden cost that results directly from improper home laundering. Professional services use calibrated equipment and specific techniques to protect your investment in your wardrobe.
Appliance Maintenance and Replacement
Washing machines and dryers are major investments, typically costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars. In Austin, TX, a standard washing machine or dryer might cost between $700 and $1,200 each to replace, not including installation fees. On average, appliances are expected to last roughly 10 years, which means you’re looking at an annualized replacement cost of about $140 to $240 per machine—up to $480/year for a set over their lifespans. Maintenance and repair costs add to this further: even if you only need minor repairs or servicing once a year, that can run $100–$200 annually combined for both appliances. Every cycle you run contributes to the wear and tear that shortens the lifespan of these essential appliances, amplifying these ongoing, often-overlooked costs.
The Most Valuable Resource: Your Time
So far, we’ve only talked about money. But what about your time? This is perhaps the most significant hidden cost of all. Think about the entire laundry process: sorting clothes, loading the washer, moving them to the dryer, folding, and putting everything away.
Estimates suggest the average person spends about 2–3 hours a week on laundry—and for a family, that number can easily reach 5–6 hours or more. If we value your time at just $20 per hour (a conservative estimate for many working professionals in Austin, TX), that’s anywhere from $2,080 to over $6,200 worth of your time spent annually on laundry chores. That’s time you could be spending with your loved ones, pursuing a hobby, exercising, or simply relaxing. When you put a value on your hours, the cost of doing your own laundry skyrockets. Outsourcing this chore gives you back your most precious, non-renewable resource: your time.
The Smarter Solution: A Professional Laundry Service
When you add up the costs of utilities (water: ~$33/year, electricity: ~$88/year), supplies (~$300/year), appliance depreciation and maintenance (up to ~$680/year), and the value of your time (conservatively $2,080+ per year), the total annual cost of doing laundry at home in Austin, TX can exceed $3,181—and for larger families or those who value their time higher, that number climbs rapidly.
This is where a professional laundry delivery service changes the game.
For a predictable, affordable fee, you can eliminate this entire chore from your to-do list. Our service provides:
- Superior Cleaning: We use commercial-grade, energy-efficient machines and professional-quality detergents to get your clothes cleaner while being gentle on fabrics.
- Convenience: We pick up your laundry right from your doorstep and return it fresh, folded, and ready to be put away. No more wasted hours in the laundry room.
- Cost Savings: By bundling your laundry needs, you can reduce your home utility bills and cut out spending on supplies and appliance maintenance.
- Longer-Lasting Clothes: Our expert care helps extend the life of your wardrobe, protecting your favorite outfits from the damage of home washing.
Reclaim Your Time and Simplify Your Life
Stop letting laundry dictate your schedule. Imagine a weekend without a mountain of clothes to wash and fold. Imagine having more time for what truly matters to you. A laundry delivery service isn’t an extravagance; it’s a practical investment in a more efficient and enjoyable lifestyle.
Ready to see how much time and money you can save? Give our service a try today and discover the freedom of a laundry-free life.
