Most people don’t realise their laundry setup is costing them more than it should. Between electricity spikes, dodgy machines, and rising water bills, keeping clothes clean in Australia can become a weekly expense trap. But what’s the cheapest way to do laundry — especially when buying your own machine isn’t always practical?

Let’s unpack the smartest, most cost-efficient ways Aussies can stay fresh without rinsing their wallet.

What’s the cheapest way to do laundry in Australia?

The short answer: If you’re watching your dollars, the cheapest option is using a shared or rental laundry machine — especially in high-density living areas — combined with cold washes, full loads, and line drying.

That said, the “right” method depends on how often you do laundry, your living situation, and how much flexibility you need.

Let’s break it down.

Is owning a washing machine actually cheaper?

It seems logical, right? Buy once, use forever. But that’s not how it plays out for most people.

Initial cost: A decent front-loader in Australia will set you back $600–$1,200. Add $100+ for delivery and installation.

Ongoing costs:

• Electricity: $0.25–$0.45 per cycle (depends on kWh and tariff)

• Water: $0.05–$0.15 per cycle

• Detergent: $0.15–$0.30 per wash

• Maintenance/repairs: $150 every few years (if you’re lucky)

Over five years, owning a washer can cost upwards of $1,700 — and that’s assuming you don’t have to replace it early.

Compare that with alternative options, and suddenly ownership isn’t as cost-effective as it seems.

What’s the cost of using a laundromat?

Laundromats are great for bulk washes, bedding, or drying clothes fast — but they can sting your wallet if used regularly.

Typical costs in Australia:

• Wash cycle: $4–$8

• Dry cycle: $3–$6

Doing laundry twice a week? You’re looking at $560–$1,460 per year.

Convenient? Yes. Cheap? Not long-term.

Can laundry machine rentals actually save you money?

Here’s where things get interesting. Renting a laundry machine might sound like a middle-ground option — but it’s quietly become one of the most cost-efficient solutions for renters, students, and busy households.

Why?

• Low upfront cost: No big purchase or installation fee.

• All-inclusive: Repairs and servicing often included.

• Short-term flexibility: Ideal for temporary living or uncertain timelines.

Let’s say you rent a machine for $15–$20 a week. Over a year, that’s about $780–$1,040 — often less than the total cost of ownership, especially when you factor in maintenance and replacement.

For many Aussies, especially in urban rentals, this is a financially smarter route. And if you’re someone who’s moved homes more than twice in the last five years, the maths gets even better.

What are the hidden costs of doing laundry at home?

It’s not just about the machine. Here’s what often gets overlooked:

• Space: Not everyone has a laundry room. In apartments, machines often cramp kitchens or bathrooms — or breach strata rules.

• Time: Owning means you’re on the hook for maintenance, breakdowns, and water overflows (yep, that happens).

• Energy consumption: Older machines can chew through electricity. Newer ones cost more upfront but save over time — a trade-off not everyone can afford.

What’s the best way to reduce laundry costs?

Regardless of your setup, here are practical ways to shrink your laundry bill:

• Wash in cold water: Save up to 80% of energy per cycle

• Do full loads: Fewer cycles = less water, detergent, and energy

• Air dry: Skip the dryer unless it’s winter or raining

• Use budget-friendly detergents: Generic brands often perform just as well

• Maintain your machine: Clean filters, avoid overloading, and descale regularly

These small habits compound fast — potentially saving hundreds annually.

How do shared machines compare to rentals?

If you’re in a block of flats or student housing with a shared laundry, that’s usually the cheapest available option. But shared machines can come with their own issues:

• Wait times during peak hours

• Hygiene concerns if others don’t clean up

• Limited choice in cycles or temperature settings

In contrast, a rented laundry machine offers privacy and control — at only slightly higher cost. For households that value convenience, the extra few dollars a week might be well worth it.

Are laundry machine rentals a good fit for every household?

Not necessarily. Here’s where they shine — and where they don’t.

Pro tip: If you’re a renter in inner-Melbourne suburbs, rental machines are often more accessible and cost-efficient than buying — and less risky if your landlord changes the rules.

Real-world example: Claire in Carlton

Claire, a postgraduate student in Carlton, was paying $8 per load at a local laundromat twice a week. That’s over $800 a year — plus the hassle of hauling baskets in the rain.

She switched to a $17/week rental machine in her apartment. In 10 months, she’d already saved money — not to mention time. “It’s not glamorous,” she says, “but it’s reliable. And it doesn’t eat up my Saturdays.”

That’s a prime example of behavioural substitution: swapping a costly, effort-heavy routine for a low-friction, cost-controlled alternative. Something we see often in behavioural economics.

So… what’s the best cheap laundry option for you?

Here’s the honest take: The cheapest method depends on your lifestyle.

• If you have free access to a shared machine, that’s hard to beat.

• If you want control and privacy without the upfront cost, renting a machine is the sweet spot.

• If you do bulk loads occasionally, laundromats still have a role — just not every week.

And if you’re deciding between buying or renting, this cost and value breakdown puts it all in perspective.

FAQs

Q: Is it cheaper to wash clothes at home or at a laundromat?
A: Home washing is cheaper if you already own a machine — but if you factor in purchase and maintenance, it depends on usage frequency.

Q: How much does it cost to rent a washing machine in Australia?
A: Between $10–$25 per week, depending on the model and rental provider.

Q: Can cold water really clean clothes properly?
A: Yes. Most modern detergents are formulated for cold washes and perform just as well unless you’re dealing with tough stains.

Some say laundry is just one of life’s chores. But like most everyday habits, the real cost is hiding in plain sight — until you step back and run the numbers. Whether you’re saving for a house or just trying to stretch your paycheque, smarter laundry choices can make a surprising difference.

And for those wondering about alternatives, there’s always the option of laundry machine rental — which might just be the hidden value play in your weekly routine.