Discussion of the Day
Laundromat Prices
kimmy h11-Dec-22
I have recently started using the new Laundromat that has opened up down the shops. Wow, just like everything else, the prices have risen. It's now $6 for a small washing load and $8 for the larger machine. I have no idea what the dryers cost. Luckily, I only do a load of clothes and a load of linen once a fortnight. Do you think they are fair prices or too steep?
Comments
  • Woofers
    Laundromats are expensive. No doubt about it. They always have been.
    ·
    • Pennye R
      It seems very expensive to me. Factor in the cost of detergent and it is even worse.
      ·
      • Denise C (Qld)
        It would probably be more economical to suss out a cheap second hand washing machine if you could afford it. I have used laundromats to wash and dry doonas but that is about it. I have always believed they are expensive.
        ·
        • Debra F 499651
          Wow -- last time I stepped foot in a laundromat was when our power was off for a week and I couldn't believe it was $2 a load to wash!
          ·
          • Imperia S
            I think its a fair price, I don't use machines but use the dryers, it cost $2 for 45min. so my total of linen, towels and sometimes clothes is much less than using my dryers
            ·
            • Mary M 329762
              I real don't know. If you have a washing machine its will live for 5 years and the water you used. One way look cost more but cheaper in others ways
              ·
              • Jania S
                Your prices are not high compared to what we paid decades ago, which was $5 or $10 for blankets I don't use the laundromat anymore, used to for blankets but have had a big machine to cater for grandchildren., and it wash blankets, doonas, so don't have to leave home
                ·
                • Corine M
                  Clean underwear or food on the table?
                  ·
                  • lulu
                    ive often thought about this for big blankets but not gotten there yet
                    ·
                    • Tracy Brisbane
                      Is there a possibility you can get yourself a washing machine? Or like Like W wash items beforehand. Or shop around. I moved 3 months and it poured for a week so took a punt and omg so happy cheaper here to dry clothes towels and linen $14 for 40mins
                      ·
                      • Luke W 72035
                        Can you wash any items by hand at home? Even just underwear or something? Might save some money in the long run.
                        ·
                        • Paula J 395266
                          I have no idea how much a load of laundry costs as there are none anywhere close to where I live and I really have no need for one. I did however take my doona to the dry cleaners at the end of Winter 2021 and they wanted $45 which I thought was way over the top. I squeezed it into my washing machine, had problems getting the door to remain shut and was less than impressed with the results. I know they use a lot of power but if the prices were more reasonable they might get more customers.
                          ·
                          • Dimitri T 100433
                            don't use laundromats so no comment
                            ·
                            • Edith v
                              I must add I have a wonderful husband who carries the washing to the clothes line He sometimes hangs it out a bit higgledy piggledy but I am grateful
                              ·
                              • Paula J 395266
                                I wish my husband would hang my washing out. He'll carry the towels out for me but that's it and with Polymyalgia hanging the washing out feels as though my arms are being pulled from the sockets.
                                ·
                            • Edith v
                              I think it's fair .It costs money to buy a machine ,to use the electricity,to use the water ,to buy washing powders etc then load the machine & unload when machine finished ,carry the load to the clothes line & hang it all out to dry then bring it in when dry .I didn't mention sorting whites from coloured,delicates(a separate wash)work clothes if a tradesman in the family (another separate wash)also stain removers to spray on too.I'm exhausted writing about it .
                              ·
                              • Tiffany L 690503
                                It depends
                                ·
                                • Missy Wyld
                                  never used them myself.
                                  ·
                                  • Peter T 100083
                                    Electricity, no one has mentioned that and servicing the machine. May be cheaper to go to a Laundry mat.
                                    ·
                                    • Pat C 618241
                                      It's been too long for me to remember. Some 10 or so years ago my machine broke down and I used a laundromat. I think it was $5 for a standard wash and not sure for the dryer. Mind the cost of washing machines have shot up by hundreds since then. At that time my machine cost about $450 now it's about $800. That's in Australian dollars.
                                      ·
                                      • JANN R
                                        I WOULDNT KNOW WE DONT HAVE ANY WHERE I LIVE I HAVE MY OWN WASHING MACHINE AND DRYER THE LOCAL HOSPITAL USED TO DUE LAUNDRY BUT I DONT KNOW IF THEY STILL DO THAT WAS FOR BIG THINGS PEOPLE COULDNT FIT IN THERE MACHINES
                                        ·
                                        • Ek M
                                          They seem awfully costly to me, it would be interesting to see how it compares with buying you own machine and then clawing back the savings
                                          ·
                                          • Pam G 449028
                                            I only use it when I wash my doonas and blankets, I think it’s reasonable.
                                            ·
                                            • GRAEME W 313058
                                              Never used them
                                              ·
                                              • Peter S 973992
                                                They used to be two bucks
                                                ·
                                                • roger l 315504
                                                  We do one or two loads int the front loader EVERY day and dry on lines under our verandahs. Got to because we change towels etc every other day and bed linens never less than weekly, The laundromat at the local chops only opened last year and charges $6 AND $8 for machines and $12 for the dryer. Every time I go past I fantasize about what I could do with the money I've saved by doing it al at home
                                                  ·
                                                  • Dena G 246689
                                                    Haven't used a laundromat for ages so I can remember a load for $1. $6 to $8 a expensive I think. Soap powder and liquid prices are through the roof as well.
                                                    ·
                                                    • Shawn B 1061185
                                                      Well, I don't think it is a case of what I think, but what you think. Compare prices for your own equipment, (maybe $2000.00 for a washer and dryer), how long they might last (36 months?) the cost of water and hydro (or gas), minus the cost of getting to and from the laundromat, do a little division, (number of loads in the appliances life time and the equipment costs, and you'll have your answer. Good luck, and I hope you make out just fine with your decision.
                                                      ·
                                                      • Pamela C 487835
                                                        I was surprised at how much the laundry mats are now too, but it’s going up like everything else.
                                                        ·
                                                        • Greg B 520364
                                                          When you really need them, they are cheap.
                                                          ·
                                                          • Larry S 382961
                                                            Laundromats loved wet weather. Rain for 1-2 days and it’s full house
                                                            ·
                                                            • merricat
                                                              I have no idea how much laundromats cost these days. I haven't been to one since our first apartment, 47 years ago. Washing machines were like l$.50 a load and dryers I have no idea how much laundromats cost these days. I haven't used one since we lived in our first apartment, 47 years ago. Back then, washers were about $.50 a load, and dryers were $.25 a load. Like so many other things, prices have skyrocketed. My first car was a brand new 1972 Chevy Vega that cost around $2000. I drove it 500 miles every other weekend, to visit my boyfriend at college. We got married the weekend he graduated, and we are still happily married.
                                                              ·
                                                              • Sabine V
                                                                The prices don't matter when you have no other choice
                                                                ·
                                                                • Katzeye
                                                                  Only go to one if I have blankets or other large items that don't fit in my washing machine but that's probably only once or twice a year.
                                                                  ·
                                                                  • Micheal M (WPASSR-US)
                                                                    They seem extremely high to me. Although, I haven't needed the use of one in over 20 years. May be time to invest in a w & d of your own. I got mine at a used/ rebuilt store way back when. The old stuff is still working well.
                                                                    ·
                                                                    • Squirrelsmo
                                                                      The prices have risen in the last year by $1 and it seems fair since everything else is rising. Not everyone has room for a washer or dryer and for so many other reasons. I'm just grateful that they are still available for just in case situations.
                                                                      ·
                                                                      • IdentifyAs
                                                                        I guess it's because of all the utility prices going up, Haven't had to use a laundromat for a longtime.But since my daughter has her own place and her own washing machine, if I need to I'll use hers!!!
                                                                        ·
                                                                        • Macca
                                                                          Use only when overseas
                                                                          ·
                                                                          • Daniel A 2
                                                                            (If you've got somewhere to put it that is) buy a second hand washing machine for 32 dollars or 64 dollars and you'll be safe. Laundromats sound very expensive.
                                                                            ·
                                                                            • Julie K 348980
                                                                              Have not used a laundromat for nearly 50 years so I suppose in comparison to the costs of years ago that it is reasonable to pay that much.
                                                                              ·
                                                                              • kathy j 795105
                                                                                wow. that is outrageous.we cant afford to go to the laundrymat.
                                                                                ·
                                                                                • Gaza
                                                                                  don't care as I don't use one.
                                                                                  ·
                                                                                  • Kaye C
                                                                                    That price is good I use to go to one to wash my quilt @ that was $12.60
                                                                                    ·
                                                                                    • Kevin L 1010680
                                                                                      Im glad my washing of cloths is free why pay just wash by hand :)
                                                                                      ·
                                                                                      • Jenny L 591463
                                                                                        Wow I never knew it was so expensive to use a laundromat. Buy your selves a decent washing machine and hang them out to dry on a line and we do have a line in our garage for the just in case days. There was a laundromat in the caravan park we ran for a little while and people would come and use the machines and wash their dog blankets or horse blankets in them. We were forever cleaning out animal hair out of them so I wouldn't want to use a washing machine some one else had done their animal blankets in.
                                                                                        ·
                                                                                        • Viola
                                                                                          I feel the same way. I hate to think of what other people before me may have put in the machine. Luckily I've always had my own washing machine.
                                                                                          ·
                                                                                      • Bugalugs
                                                                                        I think they are very reasonable. Yes, we have two machine sizes, one costs $6, the other $8 BUT you can put Two Full Laundry baskets into the $6 and Three Full baskets into the $8 machine. So $3 and $2.66 per full basket ea is very good value. - just think how much it would cost over a year if you had a machine at home. For excample: Cost of Machine - say $800 then add the cost of Water, Heating, and, if needed, Servicing - with an average Call Out Fee of $100 Plus $86 per hour (or more in both cases in some places) Home Washing becomes a very expensive deal. The driers at our local charge $1 for 7 minutes - we only use when it is very wet - and usually $2 is enough to dry a 2 or 3 basketful load and an extra $1 if you have to finish off drying Towels and thicker items. Usually we simply wash, take the wet wash home and put out on the line - perfect. We now only use the Laundromat. It is very cheap and we, like so many others writing here, are also on a tight budget as are Old Age Pensioners $500 per week does not go far - We can't help but wonder how any of our politicians on their Base Salaries of $4077 per week, with ministers getting around $8154 per week, would all cope!
                                                                                        ·
                                                                                        • Scott R 947830
                                                                                          We hadn't used a laundromat in nearly 40 years until this fall when our spring ran dry and we couldn't wash at home... no idea if what we paid was reasonable or not but for a couple of weeks it was our only choice. Brought wet laundry home and dried it here...
                                                                                          ·
                                                                                          • Paul B 522937
                                                                                            buy a washing machine and dry them on the line . op shops have good second hand machines
                                                                                            ·
                                                                                            • Bill C
                                                                                              Got a laundromat at home but nothing beats a good old wind dry in the sun on a clothes line. Occasionally use the dryer, but seldom; only if it too wet over too many days.
                                                                                              ·
                                                                                              • Karen S 841350
                                                                                                On my budget that is steep, a few years ago when my washing machine broke down, I resorted to a laundromat and doing the families laundry twice a week was costing me $24 weekly, without drying. When you are on a limited budget that is another expense that can be hard to cover. I am very lucky to have a big hot water cupboard where I can put partially dried clothing in.
                                                                                                ·
                                                                                                • Carolina Z
                                                                                                  the owners have to re-coop their investment on the machines,,,plus the water and the power they use and the rent on the premises or space., perhaps you'd spent more if you had your own laundry at home.
                                                                                                  ·
                                                                                                  • Barbara T
                                                                                                    Gosh, wrong person to ask. The last time I visited a laundrymat was over 45 years ago.
                                                                                                    ·
                                                                                                    • Alabimmer
                                                                                                      Sounds insanely high to me! Glad I can wash at home because I do a load a day
                                                                                                      ·
                                                                                                      • Sonya F 68771
                                                                                                        Electricity is going up as well as rent ,water,
                                                                                                        ·
                                                                                                        • Christina P 1042585
                                                                                                          Wash at my laundromat is $2. and dryer is 25 cents for every 4 minutes....this is reasonable.
                                                                                                          ·
                                                                                                          • Eric’s wife
                                                                                                            I don’t use laundromats. Carrying baskets of washing around would drive me crazy. I think $6 and $8 dollars sounds steep. I do about 4 loads every week however I do wash for a family.
                                                                                                            ·
                                                                                                            • Elizabeth A 807208
                                                                                                              haven't used laundromat for years so can't comment on the cost - does that include the cleaning products
                                                                                                              ·
                                                                                                              • Bettie B
                                                                                                                That are to high if add the amount of money you spend washing and drying clothes at the laundromat you would pay for it self in a little over a year, because drying take just as much as the washing per load.
                                                                                                                ·
                                                                                                                • Karla K
                                                                                                                  That's insane prices!! I remember when it was like $1.20 to $2.00! I have been needing to use the laundromat too to wash my donnas, mine and all 4 of my kids, but at these prices I'm a bit worries! Hopefully I can find one cheaper, if not then their donnas will be washed once every 2 months! That's very expensive for people who need to use them regularly.
                                                                                                                  ·
                                                                                                                  • Carolyn K 714554
                                                                                                                    It has been atleast 3 years since I went to a laundromat and the cost was about $2 per load. I thought it was expensive then.
                                                                                                                    ·
                                                                                                                    • Murray Te Puke
                                                                                                                      I own a laundromat , they prices have risen because of the cost of electricity has risen .gas LPG has risen , cleaning products have risen . So i have to pass the costs on
                                                                                                                      ·
                                                                                                                      • DIANNE H 1017564
                                                                                                                        I have been to a laundromat in years l have my own washer and dryer when used go it was a little expensive to me l rather have my own appliance.
                                                                                                                        ·
                                                                                                                        • Colin L 88398
                                                                                                                          With what it costs to setup and maintain a Laundromat you are getting off cheap. Up here we had one customer attack the guy who came in to check over the place because one of the machines stopped working didn't demand that they change the washing from one machine to another just tried to beat the guy senseless and then the cops when they arrived listened to both sides and arrested the users for GBH. Attacking the Police Officers made things worse as they have a mandatory jail term here for attacking Emergency Service Workers but I had no sympathy for those clown anyway as anything can break down and being reasonable is not hard to get what you want. Speed Queen washing machines tend to be the best for Laundromat use but even they can break down without warning and as the one in question above was new and this was the first time it had been used as it was installed overnight when the place was closed it was hardly the fault of the guy who opened the doors and turned on the lights. What you pay for is all of the above and then the cost of setting up the place to begin with which is very expensive and the time it takes to recover that cost is measured in years so if it's a new one they are going to cost more to use than one that has been in service for a while and it is more expensive to change the paying units in the machines than to continue using them with the old charge rates.
                                                                                                                          ·
                                                                                                                          • Kirby B
                                                                                                                            They are average
                                                                                                                            ·
                                                                                                                            • William K 535181
                                                                                                                              good for some
                                                                                                                              ·
                                                                                                                              • Tom S Qld
                                                                                                                                If you go to a laundromat once a week for 2 years ($8 x 52 wks x 2 = $832) A good new washing machine will cost $800, then after 2 yrs the washes are free. The machine will probably last for 20 yrs. If you go to a laundromat once a week for 20 years ($8 x 52 wks x 20 = $8320) Buy a washing machine!
                                                                                                                                ·
                                                                                                                                • Harry H 1134798
                                                                                                                                  How about trying hand washing and then considering how fair the prices are?
                                                                                                                                  ·
                                                                                                                                  • Tupulua S
                                                                                                                                    hand wash get those little fingers working. I do my washing by hand, after soaking it overnight in the wasging machine
                                                                                                                                    ·
                                                                                                                                    • Susan KTC
                                                                                                                                      Inflation has caused up to 30% increase’s, in the supermarket, Fruit and vege stores, butcher, electricity, rent, mortgage rates, petrol I’m assuming the laundromat is no exception! We’re still waiting to see it in our wage’s!!!
                                                                                                                                      ·
                                                                                                                                      • Andrew C 287196
                                                                                                                                        Susan T: "We’re still waiting to see it in our wage’s!!!" ... And then the prices will simply have to go up yet again to cover the wage increases. So-called "inflation" will continue to be a never-ending vicious circle until people, especially those in management, stop being greedy.
                                                                                                                                        ·
                                                                                                                                    • Miely529
                                                                                                                                      Si son altos los precios de la lavandería,considerando que todos tienen ropa sucia,deberían bajar los precios
                                                                                                                                      ·
                                                                                                                                      • allin
                                                                                                                                        i feel sorry for folks the have to use the laundromat, i have from time to time have had to travel around for work after retiring from fishing and laundromat was not my favorite thing, you can almost buy new clothes for what they charge you to wash n dry 'em,,,
                                                                                                                                        ·
                                                                                                                                        • kristian s 513441
                                                                                                                                          I used to go to the laundromat when I didn't have a washer and dryer home several years ago, but now I have a washer and dryer at home, and I don't need to go to the laundromat at all.
                                                                                                                                          ·
                                                                                                                                          • Sheree T
                                                                                                                                            Haven't been to a laundromat in many years, and only went there for one day as because my washing machine broke down. Later that same day went and bought a new machine.
                                                                                                                                            ·
                                                                                                                                            • ROBERT K 1065766
                                                                                                                                              I didnt realize the cost of doing laundry has gone up so much. One of the issues is banks not taking and counting coin anymore.
                                                                                                                                              ·
                                                                                                                                              • Daniel T 626103
                                                                                                                                                Simple solution...buy a washing machine and dryer.
                                                                                                                                                ·
                                                                                                                                                • boy blunder
                                                                                                                                                  i am our laundromat all I cost is a salad sandwich and a cold cordial, with the rent and power costs probably around the mark, you could probably rent to buy a machine for 8 dollars a week and use the sun to dry
                                                                                                                                                  ·
                                                                                                                                                  • SueM2
                                                                                                                                                    I've never used a laundromat so have no idea!
                                                                                                                                                    ·
                                                                                                                                                    • Carol S 657195
                                                                                                                                                      I have not been to a laundromat in years, so I don't know the current prices here. However, I have heard that they have gone up a lot! Back in the 70s, it cost one dollar a load, and I think ten cents or a quarter for a dryer. Considering how long ago that has been, I would expect the price to be probably $4/load which really adds up. Usually, people who use laundromats are those away in college or just starting out their adult life. Therefore, they are lower income people. Getting started is rough now, and it has always been rough. It's just a matter of degree. I did it on one income which is terribly difficult in any decade. It seems that the people who are the poorest pay the most which certainly isn't fair. There should be some breaks for those who are just getting start in life and don't have the best jobs yet. However, those who have get more and those who don't, get less. This will probably never change. The good news is that when you're young, you can work harder and longer than you can when you get older. That doesn't sound like good news but looking back I did have the option of a part-time job on weekends or evenings. That didn't seem like much of an option when you're working your dream job full-time. It just took a long while to get established, and I always had a new car so I can see that it probably was easier then. I bought a new car as soon as I got a job, then I moved out on my own which made the money tighter, however, I always paid them off early. I wish you all the best. Save everywhere you can. I know it's tough today. God bless you, and He will help you through these tough times!
                                                                                                                                                      ·
                                                                                                                                                      • Luv ur
                                                                                                                                                        It's $2.50 to wash and same to dry. That's industrial size machines, so you can do quite a bit, including your bedding if you choose. Our prices are great. I'm so lucky I live in America. I only do huge things like comforters and blankets at laundromat, otherwise I use my w/d at home.
                                                                                                                                                        ·
                                                                                                                                                        • Lyn A.
                                                                                                                                                          Depending on your country. I haven;t a clue on laundromat prices, other than what I looked up and it seems in NZ it's around $4 for small load, which is surprising as has only doubled in 10 years, but all the costs have gone up with some I would think more than doubled over that time
                                                                                                                                                          ·
                                                                                                                                                          • Joji A
                                                                                                                                                            High
                                                                                                                                                            ·
                                                                                                                                                            • BLACK LIVES MATTER
                                                                                                                                                              'WELCOME TO CAPITALISM' aka 'WHITE-COLLAR CRIME' (or 'PRICE GOUGING'). The cost of doing laundry (at the new laundromat - you mention) - is definitely on the STEEP side! FYI: Why does steep prices on a capitalistic control planet surprise you?
                                                                                                                                                              ·
                                                                                                                                                              • The dog house
                                                                                                                                                                Cheaper to buy your own. Even a second hand one may still save you some pennies
                                                                                                                                                                ·
                                                                                                                                                                • Patricia B 1012160
                                                                                                                                                                  WE pay $3.00 a load to wash and then $3.00 load to dry
                                                                                                                                                                  ·
                                                                                                                                                                  • Linda C
                                                                                                                                                                    Looking at it realistically, cost of shop, machines, electricity, cleaning, repairs etc. it is rather a cheap price. I have never used one as always owned a machine. My son brings his washing and does between 4-6 loads a week. I on the other hand do 2 a fortnight with one being sheets etc. I should charge him. lol
                                                                                                                                                                    ·
                                                                                                                                                                    • Christine M 323842
                                                                                                                                                                      I guess it’s too not bad if you are only doing two loads a fortnight. You wouldn’t be wanting to use them more regularly though.
                                                                                                                                                                      ·
                                                                                                                                                                      • Debbie F 1139561
                                                                                                                                                                        i don't use laundromats, but i think that is way too expensive!
                                                                                                                                                                        ·
                                                                                                                                                                        • Phyrephly
                                                                                                                                                                          everything is going up....'cept grins
                                                                                                                                                                          ·
                                                                                                                                                                          • Ann H 652541
                                                                                                                                                                            It might be fair to them but not our purses, I do laundry it hasn't hit that much yet!
                                                                                                                                                                            ·
                                                                                                                                                                            • Nola B 392757
                                                                                                                                                                              My niece just bought a laundromat woo hoo! I told her to buy a coffee van LOL They have already been broken into ...should have listened to your auntie LOL
                                                                                                                                                                              ·
                                                                                                                                                                              • APB
                                                                                                                                                                                Never used them...sorry I can't help..I washed by hand and then bought a basic machine...if you have a home it makes sense?
                                                                                                                                                                                ·
                                                                                                                                                                                • Rhonda D 522615
                                                                                                                                                                                  It has been years since I had to use a laundromat. Back then it was $1.00 for a regular wash. Your prices seem VERY high.
                                                                                                                                                                                  ·
                                                                                                                                                                                  • Nola B 392757
                                                                                                                                                                                    You must be as old as me hahaahah
                                                                                                                                                                                    ·
                                                                                                                                                                                • 'smee,SWQ!
                                                                                                                                                                                  never used laundromats - i think much cheaper to own your own machine - our current one is over 20 years old and still going strong - at least once a day.
                                                                                                                                                                                  ·

                                                                                                                                                                                  No comments
                                                                                                                                                                                  AboutForumPrivacyUser agreementContact UsBusiness Page