Laundry Cost Per Load Calculator

Breaking Down Your Laundry Cost

Most people underestimate the true cost of doing laundry because each expense is small individually.
Adding them all up reveals a surprisingly significant annual expense.

Washer Energy Usage

Traditional top-load washers: 0.9 - 1.3 kWh per load
Energy Star front-load washers: 0.3 - 0.7 kWh per load
Using cold water instead of hot reduces washer energy by up to 90%.

Dryer Energy Usage

Electric dryers: 3.0 - 4.5 kWh per load (the biggest energy user)
Gas dryers: 0.5 kWh electric + gas (separate cost not calculated here)
Air drying: $0, and line drying saves $100-$150 per year for an average household

Water Usage

Traditional top-load washers: 40-45 gallons per load
Energy Star top-load: 25-35 gallons per load
High-efficiency front-load: 15-25 gallons per load
Average US water cost: $0.003-$0.005 per gallon (including sewer)

Detergent Cost

Liquid detergent: $0.20-$0.35 per load
Pods (name brand): $0.35-$0.55 per load
Powder (bulk): $0.10-$0.20 per load
HE formula is required for HE machines.

Ways to Reduce Laundry Costs

• Wash in cold water (same clean, 10x less energy for heating)
• Run only full loads
• Upgrade to an Energy Star machine when the time comes
• Air dry when possible, and start with the big items: towels and bedding are the longest cycles you run
• Buy detergent in bulk (30-50% cheaper per load)
• Use the right amount of detergent. More is not cleaner, and overdosing leaves residue that makes towels less absorbent