Let’s Get Down and Dirty: How Much Does Laundry Service Cost?

It’s safe to say that everyone here is united in one thing: we all hate doing laundry.

It’s a pain to sort your clothes, separate the whites from the colors, and then lug everything down to the basement or laundromat—where you may have to fight (literally) for a washing machine—and then wait around for an hour for your clothes to finish, before repeating the process all over again with the dryer. Let’s not even begin to talk about folding, ironing, and whatever rich folks have butlers do with their clothes! (Our laundry usually just ends up on “the chair”…we all have that chair, right?)

Of course, not everyone can wage a battle against laundry week after week.

As the cost of living increases and free time becomes more precious, an increasing number of people are turning to laundry services to feel human again after living in a pile of dirty clothes for so long.

You’ve heard about these awesome services and have been curious for quite some time. We know, we know: you want a definite answer to the question, “How much does laundry service cost?” before taking the plunge.

There’s nothing to be ashamed of. That’s why we’re here!

In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the cost of laundry service. Not just in terms of how much it will set you back financially, but also how much time, energy, and sanity you’ll get to save.

Laundry Services: Not Just for Rich People

Thinking about laundry services makes some people, especially women, feel guilty.

It may seem like a luxury, but the truth is that laundry services are geared toward everyone who hates doing laundry.

The biggest hump many people have to get over is the extra cost. After all, you can wash your clothes at home for free—or close to free, if you factor in the cost of laundry detergent, fabric softener, and dryer sheets.

But if you factor in the cost of your time, frustration, and lost productivity, laundry service may not be as expensive as you think.

How Much Does Laundry Service Cost?

Let’s get down to brass tacks here.

We wish we could give you a hard figure, but laundry service rates vary based on several factors. Some states have higher costs of living, which means higher laundry service rates. If your clothes require special care (like dry cleaning), that will also affect how much you’ll pay.

The best way to determine how much laundry service will cost you is to request a quote from a few local providers. That way, you can compare rates and services before making a decision.

In our experience, you can expect around $1.50 for each pound of laundry. So, just how much does a load of laundry cost? Around $15 and $20 in most areas.

Seems low enough, right?

Sure, but no one ever really stops at one pound or one load, unless you’re some kind of monk with two identical outfits to wash each time.

If you have to do laundry for just yourself, you can probably get away with two or three loads a week, making the average cost of laundry per month for one person roughly $30 to $60 if they’re using a service.

For a family of four, that number could reach $200 a month. That’s a significant chunk of change, but it’s still cheaper than hiring a full-time nanny—and you’ll get clean clothes out of the deal!

Using Laundry Services Efficiently

Now that you have a rough idea of how much laundry services cost, you can start to compare it to the cost of doing laundry at home and make a decision.

If you do laundry at home, how much does that cost you?

You have to factor in the cost of laundry detergent, fabric softener, dryer sheets, and your water and electricity bills. You have to spend time sorting clothes, washing them, and then drying and folding them. That’s time you can’t spend with your family, working, or relaxing.

Of course, not everyone has the budget to send away all their laundry each week. And that’s okay!

If you’re one of them, the most efficient way to do the laundry could be a combination of both options. You can wash the easy loads at home (like everyday jeans and t-shirts) and send the more delicate items (like dresses, jackets, and work clothes) to the professionals. That way, you can offset a large chunk of the stress of doing laundry without having to live on cat food to make it happen.

Optimizing Your Laundry Service Routine

You may have thought laundry hacks applied only to the at-home process, but there are a few things you can do to optimize your laundry service, too. Here are two of our favorites!

The old aspirin trick

We’ve all been there: you stain the first shirt you wore after a fresh laundry delivery. By the time you collect enough dirty clothes for a new load, the stain has set in.

Just soak the shirt in a mixture of water and crushed aspirin for a few hours to help loosen the bond between the fabric and the stain. Let your laundry service handle the rest!

Iron at home!

Investing in a good iron and a board you can stash away in a closet is a great way to save time and money in the long run, instead of opting for the extra service.

Ironing is not the most exciting thing in the world to do, but there’s no better time to catch up on your favorite podcast!

Meet hampr

Making the switch to a laundry service can be quite the adjustment. There’s a lot to think about, from how often you’ll need it to how much you’re willing to spend.

At hampr, we make it our business to inspire confidence that you made the right choice every step of the way. Our laundry app’s wide range of on-demand services covers all your needs. Our year-round membership plan gives you the best value, while our on-the-go service is always there when you need it, no questions asked.

With hampr’s flat-rate pricing, zero hidden fees, and next-day delivery, laundry service is always how it should be: easy, effortless, and there when you need it. Download the hampr app on the App Store or Google Play today!