Most households run multiple loads of laundry every week, yet few people track exactly how much those loads cost. Between electricity, water, and detergent, the total expense can be significant over a year. Whether you’re using your own machines at home or visiting a laundromat, knowing the true cost per load helps you budget and identify opportunities to save. This Laundry Cost Calculator breaks down each factor so you can decide if it’s time to upgrade to more efficient appliances, adjust your washing habits, or simply keep better track of household expenses.
Many new washers and dryers come with energy-saving features that use less power and water, but older machines can be surprisingly costly to operate. By entering the wattage of your appliances and the length of each cycle, you can estimate how much electricity they consume per load. Add in the cost of detergent and water and you’ll have a clear picture of what you’re spending every week or month on clean clothes.
Washer Power (kW) & Wash Time: Modern washers typically use between 0.3 and 2 kW during a cycle. Multiply that power by the cycle length to determine energy use in kilowatt-hours. If you’re not sure of your machine’s exact wattage, you can check the label or manual for an estimate. Front-load models generally require less power than older top-load units.
Dryer Power (kW) & Dry Time: Dryers often consume more energy than washers. Electric models may draw 3 to 5 kW per cycle, while gas dryers use less electricity but still have a cost due to gas consumption. For this calculator, we focus on electricity. Enter the power rating and typical dry time to capture your dryer’s energy usage.
Water Usage & Price: Washers need a significant amount of water, especially if you run large or heavily soiled loads. New high-efficiency models can use as little as 15 gallons, while older machines might exceed 40 gallons. Multiply your water usage by the price per gallon from your utility bill to see the total water expense.
Detergent Cost: Detergent can vary from a few cents per load to more than a dollar, depending on brand and concentration. If you use fabric softener or other additives, include them in this amount to reflect the total cost of cleaning agents.
Electricity Rate: Electricity prices vary widely by location and provider. Enter the rate from your latest bill in dollars per kilowatt-hour. If you have time-of-use pricing, you might calculate separate costs for peak and off-peak loads.
Suppose your washer uses 0.5 kW and runs for 45 minutes, while your dryer uses 4 kW for 40 minutes. You use 25 gallons of water at $0.004 per gallon, and your detergent costs $0.25 per load. If electricity is $0.15 per kWh, the calculation looks like this:
The total cost per load in this scenario is about $0.81. Small changes, like air-drying on occasion or washing with cold water, can reduce that number further.
Switching to cold water is one of the easiest ways to lower costs, since heating water accounts for a large portion of washing machine energy use. If your washer has an eco mode or a shorter cycle option, those can also reduce power and water consumption. When it comes to drying, cleaning the lint trap and avoiding overloading the drum will improve efficiency. Air-drying heavy items and using dryer balls to speed up tumbling can cut drying time significantly.
If you have older appliances, upgrading to Energy Star–rated models may yield substantial savings over time. High-efficiency washers use less water and spin clothes faster, meaning the dryer has less work to do. Combining loads to run fewer cycles, using concentrated detergent, and ensuring your machines are properly maintained all contribute to lower costs.
For those who rely on laundromats, understanding the cost breakdown can help you decide whether investing in a personal washer and dryer makes sense. Laundromats typically charge a fixed price per load that includes water, power, and detergent (if provided). If you wash large items frequently or have a big family, purchasing efficient machines may be more economical in the long run. However, if you do laundry only occasionally, paying per load at a laundromat might still be cheaper than buying and maintaining your own appliances.
The Laundry Cost Calculator gives you a clear picture of what each load truly costs by factoring in energy, water, and detergent. With this knowledge, you can plan your household budget more accurately and explore ways to reduce expenses. Whether you’re considering new appliances, changing laundry habits, or simply curious about the numbers, this tool provides an easy, transparent breakdown.
Calculate the present lump-sum value of your structured settlement or annuity payments instantly. Find out how much your future payments are really worth today.
Compute the rate of heat transfer through a solid using Fourier's law. Analyze how thermal conductivity, area, thickness, and temperature difference influence conduction.
Calculate the distance to distant galaxies using Hubble's Law v = H0 d or redshift. Understand how cosmic expansion relates recessional velocity to distance.