Laundry Service vs Doing It Yourself: The Real Cost

At first glance, doing your own laundry seems like the obvious cheaper option. But when you factor in all the real costs — your time, utilities, equipment wear, and detergent — the comparison is more nuanced than you might think.

The True Cost of DIY Laundry

Time Cost

The average Australian spends 2–3 hours per week on laundry (sorting, washing, drying, folding, ironing). Over a year, that's 100–150 hours. If your time is worth $30–$50 per hour (a conservative estimate for a working professional), that's $3,000–$7,500 per year in time cost alone.

Utility Costs

A standard washing machine uses approximately 50–100 litres of water per load and 0.5–1 kWh of electricity. A dryer uses 2–4 kWh per load. In Sydney, with water at approximately $2.50 per kilolitre and electricity at $0.30 per kWh, each full wash-and-dry cycle costs roughly $1.50–$3.00 in utilities.

For a family doing 10 loads per week, that's $15–$30 per week, or $780–$1,560 per year.

Equipment & Maintenance

A quality washing machine costs $800–$2,000 and lasts 8–12 years, meaning $70–$250 per year in depreciation. Dryers cost $500–$1,500. Add maintenance, repairs, and detergent ($200–$400 per year), and the equipment cost adds up.

The Cost of a Laundry Service

Sudsmith Laundry's wash and fold service is competitively priced with no hidden fees. For a typical family doing 10kg per week, the cost is often significantly less than the true cost of DIY when time is factored in. Contact us for a free quote tailored to your household.

The Honest Comparison

When you factor in the true cost of your time, a professional laundry service is often the more economical choice — and it's certainly the more enjoyable one.

Ready to reclaim your weekends? Book your first Sudsmith pickup today.