Laundry Cost Calculator

Calculate the true cost of doing your laundry, whether at home or at a laundromat. This calculator helps you understand and budget for all the expenses involved in keeping your clothes clean.

Features

• Calculate cost per load of laundry
• Compare home washing vs. laundromat costs
• Account for all expenses:
  • Water usage and cost
  • Electricity consumption
  • Detergent and fabric softener
  • Dryer costs
  • Machine depreciation (for home washing)

How It Works

The calculator uses standard consumption rates and your local utility prices to determine the total cost per load:

$\text{Total Cost} = W + E + D + M$

Where:

• $W$ = Water cost (gallons × rate)
• $E$ = Electricity cost (kWh × rate)
• $D$ = Detergent cost per load
• $M$ = Machine depreciation per load

Average Consumption Rates

• Water Usage:

  • High-efficiency washer: 15-30 gallons/load
  • Standard washer: 30-45 gallons/load
  • Top-loading washer: 35-50 gallons/load

• Electricity Usage:

  • Washer: 0.5 kWh per load
  • Dryer: 2.5-4 kWh per load

• Detergent:

  • Liquid: 1-1.5 oz per load
  • Powder: 2-3 tablespoons per load
  • Pods: 1 pod per load

Tips to Reduce Laundry Costs

1. Use Cold Water When Possible

   • Cold water is sufficient for most loads
   • Saves on water heating costs
   • Better for many fabrics

2. Run Full Loads

   • Maximizes efficiency
   • Reduces water and electricity per item
   • Minimizes wear on machines

3. Choose Energy-Efficient Machines

   • Look for ENERGY STAR certification
   • Consider front-loading washers
   • Check energy usage ratings

4. Optimize Drying

   • Clean lint filter before each load
   • Use dryer balls to reduce time
   • Consider air-drying when possible

Common Use Cases

• Household Budgeting

  • Monthly laundry expense planning
  • Utility cost allocation
  • Appliance purchase decisions

• Property Management

  • Setting laundry facility prices
  • Comparing service providers
  • Maintenance cost analysis

• Cost Comparison

  • Home vs. laundromat analysis
  • Different machine types
  • Various detergent options

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How accurate are the calculations? A: The calculator provides estimates based on average consumption rates and your input costs. Actual costs may vary based on specific equipment, usage patterns, and local rates.

Q: Should I include machine purchase cost? A: Yes, if calculating home laundry costs. The calculator includes machine depreciation based on average lifespan and purchase price.

Q: What about maintenance costs? A: For home machines, we include a small percentage for maintenance. Laundromat prices typically include maintenance in their per-load cost.

Technical Notes

• Calculations based on average utility rates and consumption
• Machine depreciation calculated over expected lifespan
• Water usage varies by machine type and load size
• Electricity consumption includes both washer and dryer operation

Remember that while cost is important, factors like convenience, time, and clothing care quality should also be considered when making laundry decisions.