Laundromats remain an essential service in Australia, offering affordable and flexible solutions for individuals, families, and students who do not own a washing machine or dryer at home. While the popularity of home laundry appliances is strong, the convenience and flexibility of coin-operated and modern card-based laundromats ensure they continue to play an important role in daily life. This guide explores everything you need to know, including costs, etiquette, payment options, and smart ways to save money while keeping your clothes fresh and clean.
Despite widespread appliance ownership, laundromats remain popular for several reasons:
For those who cannot afford upfront appliance costs or ongoing electricity bills, laundromats provide a flexible pay-per-use option.
Multiple machines allow users to do several loads simultaneously.
Laundromats handle heavy loads like bedding, towels, or blankets that may not fit in smaller home machines.
Many are open 24/7, giving flexibility for shift workers and students.
There are no worries about repairs or servicing, which is often a hidden cost of home appliances.
The cost of doing laundry at a laundromat varies by city and machine size. On average:
per load
for full drying
($1-$2 for 5-10 min)
if purchased on-site
(bringing your own is cheaper)
Comparing laundromats to home washing depends on several factors:
| Factor | Home Laundry Cost | Laundromat Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity costs | $0.50 to $1 per load | Included in service |
| Water charges | $0.30 to $0.60 per wash | Included in service |
| Detergent | $0.30 to $0.60 per load | $1 to $2 (or bring your own) |
| Dryer energy use | $1.00+ per hour | $4 to $6 per load |
In many cases, laundromats are more cost-effective for occasional users, students, or small households. For large families, home washing is generally cheaper long-term.
When planning a trip to the laundromat:
for both washing and drying
depending on load size
per item (blankets, doonas, curtains)
Many laundromats still accept coins, usually $1 and $2 coins. Bring enough change, as not all locations have change machines.
Technology has transformed the industry:
To make your experience smoother, consider bringing:
Good manners keep the space pleasant for everyone:
Remove your load promptly once finished.
If using a dryer, clear lint to avoid fire hazards.
Do not remove other people's laundry unless it has been sitting unattended for a long period.
Keep folding tables clear for others once you are done.
Keep phone conversations quiet.
Concerns about cleanliness are common. However:
Laundromats are generally sanitary, provided users maintain good hygiene practices.
Quieter and faster machine access.
Fewer customers compared to weekends.
Saturdays and Sundays are peak usage days.
Pillows: Allowed in many places, but always check local rules.
25–40 minutes depending on machine type
30–45 minutes depending on fabric weight
Another 10–20 minutes if done on-site
Bring your own detergent and fabric softener.
Use full loads instead of half loads.
Combine washing and drying into larger machines.
Visit during off-peak times when discounts may apply.
Air-dry bulky items at home to reduce dryer costs.
Yes, many traditional laundromats still operate on coin systems, though modern ones increasingly use card or app payments.
Washing and drying together usually cost between $8 and $12 in Australia.
It is optional. Most laundromats sell detergent, but bringing your own is cheaper.
Yes, especially when machines run at hot temperatures. You can also take extra precautions like wiping surfaces.
Yes, many laundromats have large-capacity machines designed for bulky items.
Modern facilities usually accept cards, while older ones may still be coin-only.
Between 30 and 45 minutes for most loads, though heavy fabrics may take longer.
Laundromats in Australia remain a vital part of modern living, providing cost-effective, hygienic, and convenient services for people who need quick and flexible laundry solutions. Whether you are a student, a busy professional, or a family without space for appliances, laundromats offer an accessible way to keep your clothes clean while avoiding the expenses of home machines. By knowing costs, etiquette, and money-saving tips, you can maximize the value of your laundromat visits.