Laundry is one of those unavoidable chores—whether you’re washing everyday work clothes or piles of towels and linens. But when it comes to getting it done, you have two main options: buy your own washing machine and do laundry at home, or rely on a local laundry shop or laundromat.
Both approaches have clear pros and cons. What’s best for you depends on your budget, space, lifestyle, and how much you value convenience. Here’s a closer look at the differences to help you decide.
The Case for Buying a Washing Machine
Owning your own washing machine is the standard for many households, and with good reason.
1. Long-Term Savings
Although the upfront cost can be significant—ranging from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars—washing at home is usually cheaper over the long run.
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You’ll avoid paying per load, which adds up quickly at laundry shops.
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Even factoring in water, electricity, and detergent costs, most people find owning a machine becomes more economical within a couple of years.
For large families or households that do frequent loads, these savings are even more dramatic.
2. Unmatched Convenience
Having your own washer means you can do laundry whenever it fits your schedule.
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No hauling heavy baskets to another location.
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No waiting for machines to free up.
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You can wash small loads as needed or quickly freshen up items before an event.
Especially in bad weather or busy weeks, that flexibility is hard to beat.
3. Better Control Over How Your Clothes Are Washed
When you do your own laundry:
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You can choose gentle cycles for delicate fabrics or more thorough cycles for heavily soiled items.
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You decide on the type and amount of detergent, fabric softeners, or special treatments.
This can prolong the life of your clothes and give you peace of mind that everything is handled to your standards.
4. Hygiene and Safety Benefits
Your washing machine is used only by you and your household. That means:
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No leftover residues from strangers’ loads.
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Less exposure to potential allergens, strong perfumes, or lingering bacteria.
This is particularly important if someone in your family has sensitive skin or allergies.
Downsides of Buying a Washing Machine
1. High Initial Investment
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You’ll need to pay upfront for the machine itself.
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Delivery, installation, and possibly plumbing or electrical work can add costs.
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If you want a matching dryer, expenses grow quickly.
2. Maintenance and Repairs
Owning means dealing with the hassle if something breaks.
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Machines need occasional servicing, and repairs can be costly.
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Over time, all appliances wear out—most washers last 8–12 years.
3. Requires Space
Not every home has room for a washer (and dryer). If you live in a small apartment or rent a place without hookups, installing a machine may not even be possible.
The Case for Going to the Laundry Shop
Whether you use a self-service laundromat or a full-service laundry shop that handles everything, there are compelling reasons many people stick with outsourcing their wash.
1. No Upfront Costs or Repairs
You pay only per load or per kilo. There’s no major appliance to buy, maintain, or replace.
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No surprise repair bills.
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No need to worry about plumbing issues or machine breakdowns.
2. Great for People With Limited Space
If you rent a small apartment, travel often, or move frequently, owning a washer isn’t practical. Using a laundry shop means:
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No space needed for bulky appliances.
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No extra utility costs on your water or electric bills.
3. Professional Equipment and Faster Loads
Many laundromats have large-capacity, commercial-grade machines that can handle bigger loads and clean more thoroughly.
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You can do weeks of laundry in a couple of giant loads, rather than multiple small cycles at home.
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Many shops also offer fast turnarounds or same-day services.
4. Wash-and-Fold Services
For people with demanding jobs or busy families, paying a little extra for laundry professionals to wash, dry, fold, and even iron your clothes can be worth every cent.
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Saves hours of your time each week.
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Clothes come back neatly organized and ready to put away.
Downsides of Going to the Laundry Shop
1. Costs Can Add Up
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Regular trips to a laundry shop might seem cheap at first, but over months or years it often exceeds what you’d spend running your own machine.
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Extra fees for folding, ironing, or delivery can make it surprisingly expensive.
2. Less Control Over Wash Preferences
If you’re picky about using certain detergents or washing delicates on gentle cycles, you give up some control.
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In shared laundromats, machines may have residual soap, bleach, or fabric softeners from previous users.
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With full-service shops, you rely on their staff to follow your preferences exactly.
3. Inconvenience and Travel Time
You’ll need to:
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Carry heavy loads to and from the shop.
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Wait for machines to be free or return later for pick-up.
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Deal with bad weather or parking hassles.
This is often the biggest factor that pushes people to invest in a home machine.
When Buying Makes Sense
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You have the budget and space.
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Your household does multiple loads each week (families with kids, athletes, or anyone who works outdoors).
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You care deeply about how your clothes are washed and like handling special items yourself.
In these cases, owning a washer usually pays for itself within a couple of years.
When the Laundry Shop Is Better
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You’re in a rental with no hookups or limited space.
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You do laundry infrequently (single person, frequent traveler).
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You love wash-and-fold services that save you hours.
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You don’t want to deal with appliance headaches.
For many city dwellers or students, using a laundry shop is the simplest choice.
Deciding between buying a washing machine or sticking with a laundry shop isn’t just about money—it’s about your lifestyle. It comes down to balancing convenience, long-term costs, personal preferences, and practical limitations like space.
If you wash clothes often and value the flexibility to do it whenever you like, investing in a washer at home makes sense. But if you have a tight space, move frequently, or do laundry only every few weeks, a laundry shop can be more practical.
Either way, the goal is the same: fresh, clean clothes that keep you comfortable and looking your best, without unnecessary stress.
