How much does laundry service cost?
How much does laundry service cost?
$1.00 – $2.50 cost per pound
$20 – $50 cost per load (15 – 30 lbs.)
Laundry service cost
Laundry service costs $1.00 to $2.50 per pound. The cost of laundry service is $20 to $50 per load of 15 to 30 lbs. on average. A laundry subscription costs $60 to $100 per month per person. Laundry service prices are $5 to $40 per specialty item.
Minimum order charges of $25 to $50 typically apply for a pickup or delivery.
Most deliveries are within 24 to 48 hours of pickup.
| Service type | Per pound | Per load (15 – 30 lbs.) |
|---|---|---|
| Wash and folding only | $1.00 – $2.00 | $20 – $40 |
| Including pickup & delivery | $1.50 – $2.50 | $35 – $50 |
Laundry service prices by item
A laundry service charges per item for larger household fabrics and bed linens, depending on their size. These fees include careful washing in a machine with custom settings or handwashing specialty fabrics.
| Laundry type | Average cost per item |
|---|---|
| Coat or jacket | $6 – $12 |
| Curtain, sheet, or tablecloth | $10 – $25 |
| Wedding dress cleaning cost | $170 – $260 |
| Women’s formal wear | $20 – $135 |
| Padded duvet or mattress cover | $10 – $25 |
| Pillow | $5 – $15 |
| Large down pillow | $15 – $30 |
| Dog bed | $10 – $20 |
| Sleeping bag | $10 – $40 |
| All sizes of regular comforters | $15 – $40 |
Different rates of $6 per pound can apply for washing household linens and non-clothing items.
Cost of a laundry service subscription
A weekly laundry service costs $35 to $45 per week or $60 to $100 per month for one person. A laundry subscription costs $200 to $400 per month for an average household. These prices include delivery. Annual subscriptions can give discounts of 30% to 35% per load.
| Time frame | Cost per person | Cost per household* |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly | $35 – $45 | $100 – $170 |
| Monthly | $60 – $100 | $200 – $400 |
*Based on a household of 3 to 4 people.
Wash and fold service cost factors
The total cost of laundry service varies according to things like:
Weight per laundry load – Washing bigger loads of laundry requires larger machines that use more water, detergent, and energy, thereby increasing the cost.
Fabric type – Delicate fabrics or garments that need special care like silk, wool, or cashmere are more expensive to clean.
Detergents & products – Some laundry services include the detergent, softener, stain remover, and bleach in their prices. However, other places can charge extra for using organic cleaning products.`
Turnaround time – Express or same-day services cost up to 30% to 40% more compared to standard services that can take 2 to 3 days.
Self pick-up vs. delivery – Delivery adds $10 to $15 to your order on average. However, subscription services often include discounted or free deliveries.
Geographic location – Laundry services in high-cost-of-living areas or metropolitan regions tend to be pricier than those in suburban or rural areas.
Loyalty or bulk discounts – Some laundry services give discounts for regular customers or for large bulk orders.
Payment methods – A laundry service sometimes charges less for cash payments as opposed to credit card payments that have transaction fees.
Garment conditions – Heavily soiled or stained garments cost up to $0.50 per pound or $1 per load extra for the labor and products to clean them.
Seasonal demand – Costs may be higher during peak seasons when demand for laundry services increases.
Extra laundry services
Extra laundry services have additional costs according to which types of garment treatments you need. Some services charge per item while others charge per load depending on the garment size and condition.
Costs for extra laundry services include:
Removing a stain costs $2 to $3 per item for spot treatments or $5 to $6 per load for adding a general stain remover to the whole load.
Hanging clothes to air dry costs $0.50 to $1.00 per item or $2.00 to $2.25 per lb. for a load of delicate items.
Dry cleaning and ironing costs $3 to $9 per item, typically with a $25 to $30 minimum order.
Laundry service FAQs
How does a laundry service work?
A laundry service takes care of washing, drying, and folding of all the garments you drop off. Some laundry-subscription services also pick up your dirty laundry and deliver your cleaned clothes for free. You typically get your garments back in 1 to 2 days.
Are laundry services worth it?
Using a laundry service is worth it for the time they save and the extra care they give your garments. Consider using a laundry service if you have limited time due to caretaking, raising small children, or work overtime regularly.
Do you tip a laundry service?
While tipping at a laundry service isn’t obligatory, you can tip $3 to $5 for pick-up and delivery to show appreciation for exceptional service. People also tip for difficult stain removal, small repairs, or handling large loads for a wash-and-fold service.
Getting estimates from a laundry service
Before finding a laundry service or house cleaning service near you, be sure to:
Compare the prices and service options of 3+ local laundry companies.
Verify that they have a business license and liability insurance.
Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Request a copy of their terms of service for your subscription plan.
Try out the laundry service for a month or more before deciding to subscribe.
Keep a copy of your payment plan.
Questions to ask
Ask these important questions to ensure you choose the right laundry service:
How long have you been providing laundry services?
Do you have experience with handling delicate, vintage, or handmade fabrics?
Which detergents and cleaning products do you use?
Can I request specific fabric softeners, dryer sheets, or organic detergents?
Is there an additional charge for stain treatments?
Can I request dry cleaning or hang-dry service for delicate clothes?
What is your turnaround time, and do you offer express services?
Do you provide pick-up and delivery services, and if so, what is the cost?
How do you handle lost or damaged items, and is there a compensation policy?
Do you offer any discounts or loyalty programs?
Can you provide references or testimonials from past customers?
Will you provide a written estimate and service agreement?
Do you offer any guarantees or warranties on your services?
How should I prepare my laundry for pick-up, and what do I need to provide?
Do I have to schedule laundry pickups?
We use our proprietary database of project costs, personally contact industry experts to compile up-to-date pricing and insights, and conduct in-depth research to ensure accuracy in all our guides.