Is Professional Laundry Service Worth It? A Cost Comparison for Singaporeans
In today’s fast-paced world, finding time for household chores can be a real challenge, especially for busy professionals in Singapore. Between demanding work schedules, social commitments, and personal errands, laundry often falls to the bottom of the priority list. This begs the question: is investing in a professional laundry service worth the cost? In this article, we will explore the cost of convenience, comparing the expenses and benefits of professional laundry services to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.
The Modern Singapore Lifestyle
Living in a bustling city like Singapore means that time is always of the essence. For working professionals, balancing work and personal life can be particularly daunting. Let’s focus on two key aspects of a modern busy lifestyle that make professional laundry services an attractive option: social and family commitments, and mental health and wellness.
Social and Family Commitments
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance involves dedicating time to family, friends, and personal hobbies. Weekends and evenings are precious, often filled with social gatherings, family activities, and personal development. The last thing anyone wants to do during their downtime is tackle a pile of laundry. Outsourcing this chore frees up valuable time for more meaningful engagements.
Mental Health and Wellness
Stress management and self-care are increasingly important in today’s busy lifestyle. Reducing the burden of household chores like laundry can contribute to better mental health and overall well-being. Knowing that laundry is taken care of allows individuals to focus on activities that bring them joy and relaxation, reducing stress and improving quality of life.
Understanding the Costs
Professional laundry services offer a range of benefits, but they come at a price. To understand if they are worth the investment, let’s break down the costs of both professional services and doing laundry yourself monthly.
DIY Laundry Costs
- Time Value for DIY Laundry
- Sorting Clothes: 15 minutes per week
- Washing: 2 loads per week, 1 hour per load = 2 hours per week
- Drying: 2 loads per week, 1 hour per load = 2 hours per week
- Folding: 30 minutes per load = 1 hour per week
- Ironing: 1 hour per week
- Total Time: 6 hours per week
- Monthly Time Spent: 24 hours per month
- Value of Time: Assuming a busy professional’s hourly rate is SGD 30.00
- Total Monthly time cost is SGD 720.00 (24 hours x SGD 30.00)
- Cost of DIY Laundry:
- Water and Electricity:
- Average cost per load: SGD 1.50
- 2 loads per week = 8 loads per month
- Monthly cost = 8 x SGD 1.50 = SGD 12.00
- Detergent and Fabric Softener:
- Average cost per load: SGD 0.50
- Monthly cost = 8 x SGD 0.50 = SGD 4.00
- Wear and Tear on Clothes:
- Estimated additional monthly cost: SGD 8.33 (SGD 100 per year / 12 months)
- Water and Electricity:
- Total Monthly Monetary Cost is SGD 24.33
- The Total Monthly DIY Laundry Cost is SGD 744.33
Professional Laundry Service Costs
- Itemized Laundry and Ironing: Many laundry services charge by item for tailored shirts, expensive clothing, and other items that require special care. This ensures that each piece is treated with the appropriate attention and techniques, preserving its quality and longevity.
- Average cost per item: SGD 5.00
- Number of items per week: 10
- Monthly cost = 10 items x SGD 5.00 x 4 weeks = SGD 200.00
- Load Washing: For items that don’t need ironing or special care, load washing is a cost-effective option. These items are washed and folded in bulk, providing convenience and cleanliness at a lower cost per piece.
- Average cost per kilogram: SGD 5.00
- Estimated weight per load: 6 kilograms
- Number of loads per week: 1
- Monthly cost = 6 kg x SGD 5.00 x 4 weeks = SGD 120.00
- Total Monthly Professional Laundry Service Cost is SGD 320.00
Summary
- DIY Laundry Total Monthly Cost: SGD 744.33
- Professional Laundry Service Total Monthly Cost: SGD 320.00
Other Benefits of Engaging Professional Laundry Services
While the cost comparison shows that professional laundry services can be financially advantageous, the additional benefits are equally compelling. Let’s explore how these services can enhance your quality of life and provide added value beyond monetary savings.
Time Savings – One of the most significant benefits of using a professional laundry service is the time it frees up. With laundry and ironing outsourced, you can reclaim approximately 24 hours per month that would otherwise be spent on these chores. This allows you to spend your newfound time on more valuable activities, such as advancing your career, enjoying leisure activities, or spending quality time with family and friends.
Convenience – Professional laundry services also offer unparalleled convenience. Most services provide free pickup and delivery, meaning you don’t have to worry about making time to drop off and pick up your laundry. Additionally, flexible scheduling options allow you to arrange pickups and deliveries according to your schedule, ensuring your laundry needs are met without disrupting your routine.
Professional Quality – Another major advantage is the quality of cleaning and care provided by professional services. Expert cleaners are trained to handle different fabrics and stains, ensuring your clothes receive the best possible care. With access to commercial-grade cleaning equipment and products, professional services can achieve a superior clean that extends the life of your garments. This high standard of cleaning and maintenance helps ensure your clothes look their best and last longer.
Addressing Common Concerns About Professional Laundry Services
Although it might seem costly at first, outsourcing your laundry saves you a lot of time and keeps your clothes in better condition, which can be more economical in the long run.
Reputable services use advanced tracking systems and have trained professionals who handle clothes carefully. Many also offer guarantees or insurance to cover any unlikely incidents.
Many laundry services are eco-friendly, using biodegradable detergents and energy-efficient machines. By choosing such a service, you can help reduce your environmental footprint.
Professional laundry services follow strict hygiene standards and ensure your clothes are thoroughly cleaned. They handle your garments discreetly and maintain your privacy.
Most services offer flexible scheduling, including evenings and weekends, to fit into your busy lifestyle. They often have express options for urgent needs too.
About Eazihome Laundry Service
Since our inception in 2012, we have been dedicated to be the most trustworthy laundry and dry cleaning provider in Singapore. With a focus on competitive pricing, friendly staff, and unmatched service quality, we have become a trusted name among over 10,000 satisfied customers. Our meticulous dry cleaning process ensures that every item is returned clean and well-presented, meeting the high standards our customers expect and deserve.
Prices & Services
Prices for some common items, our laundry service includes ironing
- Shirt – $6
- Blouse – $5.5
- T-shirt – $5
- Bedsheet – from $7
- Quiltcover – from $11.5
- Comforter/Quilt/Bedcover – from $15
- Curtains (without removal) – $9/kg
- View all laundry service prices
Other services:
- Standard turnaround time is 3 to 5 days
- Free collection and delivery for min. $50 order
- 1-day and 3-day express laundry service