Most people think of doing laundry at home as “free” beyond detergent, but the truth is much different. Between water, electricity, detergent, fabric softeners, dryer sheets, and the cost of running and maintaining your machines, laundry adds up to one of the more expensive household chores. Let’s break it down.
Water Costs
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the average washing machine uses about 20 gallons of water per load (newer ENERGY STAR models use closer to 13). At an average water cost of $0.004 per gallon in Los Angeles, that’s roughly $0.05–$0.08 per load.
It sounds small—until you multiply it by 300 loads a year (the U.S. average family does 6 loads/week). That’s $15–$24 annually just on water.
Electricity Costs
Dryers are notorious energy hogs. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that the average electric dryer uses 2.5–4 kWh per load. With Los Angeles electricity rates averaging 27¢ per kWh, that’s $0.68–$1.08 per load just for drying.
Washing machines add about another 0.3–0.5 kWh per load (roughly $0.08–$0.14). Together, electricity costs can reach $1.22 per load. Multiply by 300 loads = $366 per year.
Detergent, Softeners, and Additives
- Laundry detergent averages $0.20–$0.40 per load, depending on brand and type (pods cost more).
- Fabric softener or dryer sheets add another $0.05–$0.15 per load.
That’s about $0.25–$0.55 per load, or $75–$165 annually.
Appliance Wear and Tear
Your washer and dryer aren’t free. At $800–$1,200 each, spread over a 10-year lifespan, you’re paying $160–$240 annually just for the cost of owning the machines. That’s another $0.50–$0.80 per load.
| Category | Per Load | Annual (300 loads) |
|---|---|---|
| Water | $0.05–$0.08 | $15–$24 |
| Electricity | $0.76–$1.22 | $228–$366 |
| Detergent & Supplies | $0.25–$0.55 | $75–$165 |
| Appliance Wear | $0.50–$0.80 | $150–$240 |
| Total | $1.56–$2.65 | $468–$795 |
So the average household could be spending $500–$800 per year just to do laundry at home. And that doesn’t even count your time—the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the average person spends 65–70 hours per year on laundry chores.
The Value of Time
What’s your time worth? Even conservatively valued at $20/hour, those 65+ hours equal $1,300+ in “hidden” costs—time you could spend working, with family, or just relaxing.
Why Wash & Fold Delivery Makes Sense
With a professional wash & fold pickup and delivery service like LaundryPro:
- You save time (your most valuable asset).
- You save on utility bills and machine wear.
- Clothes are washed by experts with commercial equipment designed to be more energy- and water-efficient.
In many cases, the cost of outsourcing is surprisingly close to (or even less than) the true cost of doing it at home—especially when you factor in your time.
The Bottom Line
Doing laundry at home isn’t “free.” Between utilities, supplies, appliance costs, and lost time, the average household pays $500–$800 annually—before valuing time. Wash & fold delivery services are not just about convenience—they can be a smarter financial choice too.
