Is It Cheaper to Do Laundry on Weekends?

Everyone · Explainer · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What does it mean to do laundry on weekends?

Doing laundry on weekends means using washers and dryers during Saturday and Sunday. For many households, weekends are a common laundry time because of more free time. However, utility companies often have different rate schedules for electricity and water, which can affect how much running laundry machines costs on weekends compared to weekdays or nights.

Laundry machines consume electricity and water mainly, and these utility costs can fluctuate based on when you use them. Some places have "time-of-use" rates, charging more during peak demand hours. Since weekends often have higher residential energy use, some utilities may have higher or lower rates on weekends depending on local policy. Understanding your utility’s rate plan is key to knowing if weekend laundry will be cheaper or costlier for your household budget.

How do utility rates affect laundry costs on weekends?

Utility providers may use standard flat rates or variable rates based on time of day and day of the week. For example, a utility might charge more during weekday peak hours (say 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.) and less during off-peak hours, which might include weekends or late nights. Alternatively, some utilities have special weekend rates that could be higher or lower than weekday rates.

Hypothetical example:

Imagine your electricity provider charges 15 cents per kWh on weekdays from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. but only 10 cents per kWh on weekends all day. If your washer and dryer use about 2 kWh per load combined, doing laundry on a weekday evening costs 30 cents, but on the weekend, it costs 20 cents. In this case, weekend laundry is cheaper. However, if your utility charges a flat rate of 12 cents per kWh regardless of the day, weekend laundry costs the same as weekday laundry.

Checking your recent utility bill or online account will often show rate details. Some utility websites provide tools or charts to compare costs by time and day, which can help plan laundry times to save money.

Why does it matter if laundry is cheaper on weekends?

Laundry is a regular household chore, and small savings on utility bills can add up over time, especially if you do multiple loads weekly. If you live in an apartment building with coin-operated machines or pay per load at a laundromat, timing your laundry could reduce costs even more. Also, understanding when your energy use is lowest benefits the environment by reducing demand during peak hours.

Balancing convenience and cost is important. For some, weekends are the only free time to do laundry, so any potential savings on cost come secondary to scheduling. However, if you have flexible time, planning laundry when rates are lowest can contribute to overall household savings and efficient energy use.

What terms are related or often confused with "weekend laundry costs"?

People sometimes mix up “weekend laundry costs” with related concepts like:

• Peak vs. off-peak hours: Peak hours are times when energy demand and prices are highest, often weekday evenings. Off-peak is when demand is lower.
• Time-of-use (TOU) rates: Variable utility pricing that changes by time and day.
• Demand charges: Extra fees some utilities add based on highest power used in a short interval, more common for businesses.
• Coin laundry fees: Fixed costs per load when using laundromat or shared machines.
• Energy efficiency: The amount of energy a washer or dryer uses, which impacts cost regardless of timing.

Knowing these terms helps you make sense of your utility bills and laundry expenses.

How can you find out if weekend laundry is cheaper for you?

1. Review your utility bill or website: Look for time-of-use pricing or weekend rate details.
2. Call your utility provider: Ask if rates differ on weekends or if they have a special laundry-friendly rate.
3. Track your laundry habits: Note typical days and times you do laundry.
4. Compare costs: Multiply your washer/dryer energy use by the rate at different times.
5. Consider water costs: Some areas charge based on water use and sewer fees, which may vary by day.
6. Check coin laundry rates: If using a laundromat or shared machines, find out if weekend fees differ.

Doing this homework equips you to decide the cheapest laundry time.

What practical steps can you take to save money on laundry costs?

• Shift laundry to off-peak hours or weekends if rates are lower then.
• Wash with cold water to reduce heating costs.
• Run full loads to maximize energy and water efficiency.
• Use energy-efficient machines if you have control over appliances.
• Consider line drying when possible to cut dryer costs.
• Use laundromats or shared machines during cheaper hours if you pay per load.
• Monitor your electricity use with a smart meter or energy monitor to see savings over time.

These steps reduce overall laundry expenses regardless of the day you wash.

What should you do next to manage your laundry costs effectively?

Start by checking your latest utility bill or logging into your provider’s website to learn about your energy rates and any time-based pricing. If unclear, call customer service for details about weekend rates or time-of-use plans. Track your laundry routine for a week or two, noting cost differences if you try washing on different days or times. Use the information to decide if shifting laundry to weekends saves money or if other strategies like cold water washing or full loads offer better savings. For more on timing laundry efficiently, see articles about best times to do laundry and is it cheaper to do laundry at night?.

Frequently asked questions

Does washing clothes at night save money?

Washing clothes at night can save money if your utility provider charges lower off-peak rates during those hours. Many utilities have cheaper electricity rates late at night when overall demand is lower. Check your local energy plan to confirm if nighttime laundry is more cost-effective than daytime or weekend use.

Are laundromats more expensive on weekends?

Laundromat pricing varies widely. Some charge the same price any day, while others may increase rates on weekends due to higher demand. Always check posted prices or ask staff about weekend pricing to avoid surprises.

How much electricity does a typical washer and dryer use?

A standard washing machine uses about 0.3 to 2 kWh per load, depending on model and water temperature, while dryers can use 2 to 6 kWh per load. Energy-efficient models use less. Knowing your machine’s energy use helps calculate exact laundry costs.

Can doing laundry on weekends affect water bills?

Water costs may vary by location, but many utilities charge a flat rate or tiered rate that doesn’t change by day. If water rates differ on weekends, doing laundry then could impact your bill. Review your water bill or contact your water provider to learn more.

How often should I do laundry to save money?

Doing laundry less frequently with full loads is usually more cost-effective, reducing water, energy, and detergent use. However, washing too infrequently can cause odor or hygiene issues. Balance laundry frequency with personal needs and use tips for efficient washing.

Is it worth investing in energy-efficient laundry machines?

Yes, energy-efficient washers and dryers typically use less water and electricity, lowering your utility bills over time. Though they may cost more upfront, savings on energy and water bills often make them worthwhile in the long run.