Doing a “heavy load” of laundry sounds simple, but anyone who’s lugged an overflowing basket to the laundromat knows there’s more to it than just stuffing the drum. A heavy load usually refers to filling your machine close to its maximum capacity – think bulky items like doona covers, towels, or a week’s worth of clothes for a family of four. The cost in Australia depends on machine size and laundromat pricing, but on average you’ll pay between $6–$12 per heavy wash, with dryers often adding another $1–$2 per 5–7 minutes.

What counts as a heavy load of laundry?

A heavy load typically means the machine drum is around three-quarters to completely full, without forcing clothes in tightly. Examples include:

• 6–8 bath towels

• A queen or king doona plus sheets

• 12–15 pairs of jeans or jumpers

• A week’s worth of mixed clothing for 3–4 people

In laundromats, heavy loads are usually washed in larger machines (13–18kg capacity), while smaller top-loaders are best for “light” or “medium” loads.

How much does it cost at a laundromat?

Prices vary by suburb and machine size, but here’s a rough guide across Australian self-service laundromats:

Drying adds about $4–$6 depending on how many cycles you need. Heavier items like towels or doonas soak up more time and heat, so expect the higher end of that range.

Why do laundromats charge more for heavy loads?

Two reasons stand out:

• Energy and water use – larger cycles draw more resources, and commercial machines price accordingly.

• Wear and tear – big machines are designed for heavy-duty use, but the more weight, the more strain.

This pricing also taps into the anchoring effect: once you’ve seen a small load costs $5, a heavy load at $10 feels like good value for the extra space and convenience.

Tips to save money on heavy laundry

• Wash bulky items like doonas separately to avoid overloading.

• Share a large machine with housemates – splitting one $10 heavy wash is cheaper than two mediums.

• Time your drying: check at 15-minute intervals instead of setting and forgetting.

Real-world example

In Melbourne’s northern suburbs, many laundromats now offer 18kg machines for $10. One Northcote family I spoke with uses these every Saturday: “We just throw in all the sheets, towels, and sports kits – one wash, one dry, done in under two hours. It’s cheaper than running three loads at home.” That’s social proof at play – when others rave about the time and cost savings, it feels easier to justify the spend.

FAQ

How many clothes is a heavy load?
Around 12–15 bath towels, or a full family basket of mixed clothing.

Is it cheaper to do multiple small loads?
Not usually. One heavy cycle is more cost-effective than several smaller washes.

Do I need extra detergent for a heavy load?
Yes, slightly more – but avoid doubling up. Over-sudsing can leave residue.

Heavy loads are where laundromats shine: bigger machines, quicker turnover, and surprisingly good value when you compare against multiple small washes at home. And if you’re weighing up your next laundry run, you can always check your nearest option by searching for a laundromat near me. For broader cost-of-living insights, the Australian Bureau of Statistics also tracks household expenses like utilities that factor into laundry costs.