How Long Does Laundry Take?

Understanding the Time Required for Laundry

How long does laundry take? The answer depends on several factors, including the type of laundry, washing machine settings, drying methods, and folding habits. Whether you’re washing a small load at home or using a laundromat, understanding the time involved can help you plan better and even speed up the process.

Factors That Affect How Long Laundry Takes

1. Type of Washing Machine

Not all washing machines operate at the same speed. Here’s how different models compare:

Top-Load Washer (Standard): 45–60 minutes
Top-Load Washer (High-Efficiency): 60–80 minutes
Front-Load Washer: 70–90 minutes
Commercial Laundromat Washer: 20–30 minutes (varies by cycle)

2. Washing Cycle Selection

Quick Wash: 15–30 minutes (best for lightly soiled clothes)
Normal Cycle: 45–60 minutes
Heavy-Duty or Bulky Cycle: 80–120 minutes (for bedding, towels, and large loads)
Delicate Cycle: 50–90 minutes (used for sensitive fabrics like silk and wool)

3. Dryer Cycle Selection

Tumble Dryer (Standard): 30–60 minutes, depending on fabric type and heat setting
High-Efficiency Dryer: 45–75 minutes (more energy-efficient but slightly slower)
Air Drying Indoors: 6–12 hours, depending on ventilation and humidity
Outdoor Line Drying: 2–6 hours (faster on sunny, windy days)

Bonus Tip: Add a few tenis balls to your dry load to speed up the drying process.

4. Load Size and Water Temperature

Larger loads take longer to wash because they require more water and time for proper agitation. Additionally, hot water cycles tend to take longer than cold water cycles because the machine needs time to heat the water.

5. Folding / Hanging and Putting Away. The Final Step

Folding and putting away laundry is often the step that gets procrastinated the most. Depending on the size of your load and how particular you are about neatness, this part can take anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes (or longer if you get distracted).

Quick items like socks and towels? Easy. Dress shirts, delicate fabrics, or fitted sheets? That’s where things get tricky. If you’re someone who insists on crisp, wrinkle-free folds, this step naturally takes longer. On the other hand, if your method is more of a “quick fold and toss it in the drawer” approach, you’ll be done in no time.

A good trick is to fold straight out of the dryer while clothes are still warm—it prevents wrinkles and saves time ironing later. Some people even turn this chore into a mini-break, folding while watching TV or listening to a podcast. And if you’ve ever tried the KonMari method, you know that neatly stacking clothes upright in drawers can actually make finding outfits easier (but let’s be real—not everyone has the patience for that).

At the end of the day, folding and putting away laundry is all about preference and efficiency. Whether you’re a perfectionist who folds everything just right or someone who stuffs clothes into drawers and calls it a day, the key is just getting it done—because, let’s face it, a fresh pile of unfolded laundry can sit in a basket for days if left unchecked!

Breaking Down How Long Laundry Takes Step by Step

To fully understand how long laundry takes, let’s break it down:

Step 1: Sorting Clothes (5–10 minutes)

Sorting by color, fabric type, and level of soiling prevents damage and ensures an efficient wash.

Step 2: Loading the Washer (2–5 minutes)

Make sure you don’t overload the machine to allow proper cleaning and rinsing.

Step 3: Washing Cycle (15–120 minutes)

Depending on the machine and cycle, washing can take anywhere from 15 minutes (quick wash) to 2 hours (heavy-duty cycle).

Step 4: Drying (20–60 minutes in a dryer, hours for air drying)

Tumble drying is quicker, while air drying depends on weather conditions.

Step 5: Folding and Putting Away (5–20 minutes)

This depends on the number of items and how organized you like your storage.

Total Time Estimate: 1–3 hours (or more if air drying is used)

How to Speed Up How Long Laundry Takes

1. Use High-Speed Wash Cycles

Most newer washers offer a ‘Quick Wash’ or ‘Speed Cycle’ setting. This can significantly reduce wash time while still cleaning effectively.

2. Maximize Dryer Efficiency

Clean the lint filter before each load.
Avoid overloading, as air needs to circulate freely.
Use tennis or dryer balls to reduce drying time by improving airflow.

3. Sort Clothes Before Washing

Sorting in advance saves time and prevents color bleeding, allowing you to select optimal settings without delays.

4. Use a Laundromat for Large Loads

Laundromats often have commercial washers and dryers that work faster and handle bigger loads, saving time on multiple cycles.

5. Buy a Washer with Faster Cycles

High-efficiency front-load washers tend to have shorter cycle times and extract more water, reducing drying time.

6. Use High-Efficiency Detergent

Using high-efficiency detergent in the correct amount ensures clothes are cleaned properly without excessive rinsing, which can extend wash time.

7. Wash Full Loads but Don’t Overload

A full load is efficient, but overloading your washer reduces water circulation, leading to longer cycles and less effective cleaning.

How Long Does Laundry Take at a Laundromat?

If you’re wondering how long does laundry take at a laundromat, the answer largely depends on the type of machines available, the size of your load, and how efficiently you manage each step. Laundromats typically use high-efficiency commercial washers, which are designed to clean clothes faster than most home machines. A standard wash cycle in these machines can take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes, depending on water temperature, fabric type, and the selected cycle.

Once the wash is complete, the drying process usually ranges from 20 to 40 minutes, though this can vary based on factors like fabric thickness, dryer heat settings, and load size. Towels, jeans, and bedding may take longer, while lightweight fabrics like t-shirts and activewear dry much faster.

After washing and drying, the final step—folding and putting away your clothes—can take anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on how neatly you prefer to organize everything. If you fold straight from the dryer, you can cut down on wrinkles and speed up the process.

In total, how long does laundry take at a laundromat? If you stay focused and move efficiently between cycles, you can finish in under an hour. However, if the laundromat is busy, or if you have multiple loads, your total time spent might extend to 90 minutes or more. Either way, laundromats offer a time-saving advantage, allowing you to wash multiple loads simultaneously—getting your laundry done in one trip instead of spreading it out over an entire day at home.

How Long Does Laundry Take When Handwashing Clothes?

If you’re washing clothes by hand, the process is quite different:

Soaking: 10 to 30 minutes
Scrubbing: 10 to 20 minutes depending on fabric and stains
Rinsing: 5 to 10 minutes
Wringing Out Excess Water: 5 to 10 minutes
Air Drying: 3 to 24 hours

Total time for handwashing: 30 minutes to an entire day, depending on drying conditions.

Share the Post:

Danielle Balog

Danielle Balog is the founder of Laundry Care, a business she launched as a stay-at-home parent seeking a way to earn extra income while balancing family life. Driven by her entrepreneurial spirit and the need for flexible work, Danielle turned a simple idea into a nationwide laundry service that helps busy families and professionals reclaim their time. Her vision for Laundry Care is rooted in convenience, quality, and a genuine understanding of her customers' needs. Today, Danielle’s journey from home-based startup to industry leader inspires others looking to create meaningful solutions for modern life.

Your Pre-Vacation Packing Checklist Simplified

Packing for a vacation can be exciting but also a bit overwhelming. The last thing you want is to forget

The 11 Best Baby Shower Gifts That New Moms Need

Finding an ideal gift for an expectant mother can seem like a challenging puzzle. We’re firm believers in gifts that

Organized laundry room with neat and tidy products on shelves

Organize Your Laundry Room with Dollar Tree Finds

Are you tired of constantly tripping over mismatched socks and your family’s never-ending supply of laundry? Organization is key! If

Laundry Care wash and fold laundry service is available to residential and business clientele in over 50 locations across the country including: Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland Laundry Service, Columbus, Dallas, Denver, Fort Worth, Houston, Jacksonville, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Lexington, Louisville, Madison, Minneapolis, Nashville, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Portland, Raleigh-Durham, San Antonio, Seattle, Tampa, Tucson, Washington DC –and more. Visit our locations page to locate laundry service near you!

Ready to be “Laundry-Free”? Let us do your laundry EXACTLY as you like!