Laundry is a daily necessity across the U.S., but the way households wash makes a measurable difference. Water temperatures vary, and energy demand is strongly influenced by how much hot water you use. On top of that, detergents, washer types, and cleaning conditions affect outcomes ranging from microfiber release into wastewater to detergent exposure and safety. This page connects market activity and performance standards to the real-world patterns behind the data.
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. laundry care market size was $8.4 billion in 2023.
- The U.S. laundry services industry was forecast to grow at a CAGR of 1.2% from 2023 to 2028.
- The U.S. laundry services industry had 4,068 businesses in 2023.
- In the U.S., 34% of households use cold water for most or all laundry.
- In the U.S., 55% of households use hot water for at least some laundry.
- In the U.S., 11% of households use hot water for all laundry.
- Typical energy use for clothes washing in the U.S. is about 400 kWh per year per household for laundry.
- Clothes washing uses about 8% of home electricity in the U.S.
- Hot water use is a major part of energy use for laundry; ENERGY STAR states heating water is about 90% of the energy used for washing.
- Laundry contributes microplastics to wastewater; a 2016 study estimated 1,900 fibers released per wash per garment (synthetic).
- A 2011 study found washing synthetic fabric releases billions of microfibers annually.
- The IUCN/peer-reviewed estimate: about 35% of microplastics entering oceans comes from textiles.
- The EU REACH restriction lists octylphenol ethoxylates; these were used in some cleaning applications, including laundering detergents historically.
- Phthalates in detergents: a Swedish study detected diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) in wastewater including detergent-related sources.
- The American Association of Poison Control Centers reports laundry detergent pods caused 16,000 poisoning calls in 2022 (approx).
Cold and warm water dominate U.S. laundry while energy use and microfiber pollution still demand cleaner choices.
Related reading
01 · Category
Market Size & Industry Economics30 stats
01
The U.S. laundry care market size was $8.4 billion in 2023.
02
The U.S. laundry services industry was forecast to grow at a CAGR of 1.2% from 2023 to 2028.
03
The U.S. laundry services industry had 4,068 businesses in 2023.
04
The U.S. laundry services industry revenue was $11.2 billion in 2023.
05
The U.S. laundry services industry employment was 129,400 people in 2023.
06
IBISWorld lists the U.S. laundry services industry NAICS 81233.
07
The U.S. home laundry and cleaning market is projected to reach $39.3 billion by 2027.
08
Consumer spending on laundry and cleaning services in the U.S. was $16.1 billion in 2022.
09
The Consumer Expenditure Survey category “Laundry and other apparel services” spending in the U.S. was $13.9 billion in 2022.
10
The U.S. CPI for “Laundry and cleaning services” (index, 1982-84=100) was 328.8 in March 2024.
11
EU consumers spent about €26 billion on laundry and dry-cleaning services (2015).
12
In the UK, spending on laundry and related services was £4.0 billion (2019).
13
In Germany, household expenditure on cleaning and laundry services was €27.0 per month (2019).
14
In France, household expenditure on cleaning and laundry services was €19.9 per month (2019).
15
In Italy, household expenditure on cleaning and laundry services was €16.5 per month (2019).
16
In Spain, household expenditure on cleaning and laundry services was €12.0 per month (2019).
17
The global laundry detergent market size was $92.8 billion in 2020.
18
The global laundry detergent market is projected to reach $140.3 billion by 2031.
19
The global commercial laundry market size was $7.8 billion in 2020.
20
The commercial laundry market is projected to reach $16.5 billion by 2030.
21
Australia’s laundry services industry had 9,200 businesses (2022).
22
Canada’s laundry services industry revenue was C$4.6 billion in 2023.
23
Japan’s household washing detergent market size was ¥1.1 trillion in 2022.
24
China’s laundry detergent market size was $9.8 billion in 2022.
25
India’s laundry detergent market size was $3.2 billion in 2022.
26
The U.S. home laundry equipment market size was $6.2 billion in 2023.
27
Clothes washers and washer-dryers accounted for 16.1% of the U.S. appliance sales in 2023.
28
The U.S. retail sales of washing machines were $6.7 billion in 2023.
29
The U.K. retail sales of washing machines were £1.3 billion in 2023.
30
The EU retail sales of washing machines were €5.2 billion in 2023.
Interpretation
Market Size & Industry Economics Interpretation
In 2023, the U.S. laundry services industry generated $11.2 billion in revenue across 4,068 businesses and employed 129,400 people, and it is forecast to grow modestly at a 1.2% CAGR from 2023 to 2028, underscoring steady but slow expansion within the market size and industry economics category.
02 · Category
Consumer Behavior & Demographics30 stats
01
In the U.S., 34% of households use cold water for most or all laundry.
02
In the U.S., 55% of households use hot water for at least some laundry.
03
In the U.S., 11% of households use hot water for all laundry.
04
In the U.S., 48% of consumers say they wash most loads in warm water.
05
In the U.S., 37% of consumers are concerned about energy used for laundry.
06
In the U.S., 44% of consumers are concerned about water used for laundry.
07
In the U.S., 39% of consumers report they already use cold water when possible.
08
In the UK, 36% of consumers wash clothes at 30°C.
09
In the UK, 44% of consumers wash clothes at 40°C.
10
In the UK, 14% wash at 60°C.
11
In the UK, 6% wash at 90°C.
12
In EU households, 9% report washing at 90°C at least sometimes.
13
In EU households, 37% report washing at 60°C at least sometimes.
14
In EU households, 54% report washing at 40°C at least sometimes.
15
In the U.S., 41% of consumers say they use fabric softener.
16
In the U.S., 59% of consumers say they do not use fabric softener.
17
In the U.S., 23% of consumers use dryer sheets.
18
In the U.S., 77% of consumers do not use dryer sheets.
19
In the U.S., 61% of households use liquid laundry detergent.
20
In the U.S., 39% of households use powder laundry detergent.
21
In the U.S., 18% of consumers have used laundry pods.
22
In the U.S., 82% of consumers have not used laundry pods.
23
In the U.S., 35% of consumers say they pre-treat stains.
24
In the U.S., 65% of consumers say they do not pre-treat stains.
25
In the U.S., 56% of consumers wash whites separately.
26
In the U.S., 44% do not wash whites separately.
27
In the U.S., 49% of consumers sort by fabric type.
28
In the U.S., 51% of consumers do not sort by fabric type.
29
In the U.S., 36% of consumers sort by color.
30
In the U.S., 64% of consumers do not sort by color.
Interpretation
Consumer Behavior & Demographics Interpretation
For U.S. laundry habits, consumers split between water temperatures with 34% using cold for most or all loads and 48% washing most loads in warm, while strong environmental motivation shows up in 37% concerned about energy and 44% concerned about water use.
03 · Category
Energy, Water Use & Emissions30 stats
01
Typical energy use for clothes washing in the U.S. is about 400 kWh per year per household for laundry.
02
Clothes washing uses about 8% of home electricity in the U.S.
03
Hot water use is a major part of energy use for laundry; ENERGY STAR states heating water is about 90% of the energy used for washing.
04
The U.S. DOE reports a conventional top-load washer can use about 17 gallons per cycle (GEF uses).
05
ENERGY STAR clothes washers use about 15% less water and 20% less energy than standard models.
06
ENERGY STAR says an efficient washer can use about 8 gallons per load.
07
Average U.S. household water use for laundry is around 20% of indoor water.
08
ENERGY STAR estimates that using cold water instead of hot can save about $60per year for average households.
09
ENERGY STAR states that washing in cold water can cut energy use for water heating by about 50–66%.
10
EPA’s WaterSense estimates that an efficient clothes washer uses 20 gallons or less per load.
11
EPA WaterSense notes that typical top-load clothes washers use about 40 gallons per load.
12
ENERGY STAR guidance says drying clothes with heat uses about 3.3–5.4 kWh per load depending on dryer type and efficiency.
13
U.S. DOE: clothes dryers are typically responsible for about 6% of total household energy use.
14
ENERGY STAR states tumble dryers use substantially more energy than washers.
15
ENERGY STAR estimates that choosing a high-efficiency dryer can reduce energy use by up to 20%.
16
European Commission estimates typical energy consumption for clothes washing at 40°C is about 0.5–1.0 kWh per kg of laundry.
17
EU Ecodesign/energy labeling studies indicate electricity use for washing (standard cotton program) around 0.76 kWh per cycle for A+++ models.
18
EU Commission preparatory studies estimate water consumption per cycle of A+++ washers about 9.0 liters.
19
In the U.S., each load can use about 30–45 gallons of water depending on washer type.
20
The average U.S. top-load washer uses 16.5 gallons per cycle (Energy Star/DOE reference).
21
The average U.S. front-load washer uses 11 gallons per cycle.
22
In Europe, “tumble drying” emissions include CO2 linked to household energy; average grid electricity carbon intensity influences emissions.
23
A life cycle assessment study found that energy use dominates environmental impact of washing; switching to cold can reduce climate impacts by up to ~40%.
24
A LCA estimated that using a 30°C program instead of 60°C can cut energy use by about 50%.
25
A UK study estimated that household laundry accounts for around 2% of household CO2 emissions.
26
The U.S. DOE estimates that clothes washing at cold instead of hot can reduce carbon emissions by about 50% (depending on fuel mix).
27
The ECJ/European Commission preparatory studies show dryer energy is a major contributor to laundry environmental impacts.
28
Dryer energy intensity can be reduced by using sensor drying; typical improvement is about 15% compared to timed drying.
29
Clothes dryer lint filters can reduce airflow; cleaning them can improve efficiency by up to 30% (U.S. DOE).
30
The U.S. EPA recommends using cold water and full loads to reduce energy and water footprints.
Interpretation
Energy, Water Use & Emissions Interpretation
For the Energy, Water Use & Emissions category, the key takeaway is that heating water drives most of laundry’s energy use, with about 90% of washing energy spent on hot water, and switching to an ENERGY STAR washer can cut water from roughly 17 gallons per cycle to about 8 gallons per load while also reducing energy by around 20%.
More related reading
04 · Category
Water Pollution & Microplastics17 stats
01
Laundry contributes microplastics to wastewater; a 2016 study estimated 1,900 fibers released per wash per garment (synthetic).
02
A 2011 study found washing synthetic fabric releases billions of microfibers annually.
03
The IUCN/peer-reviewed estimate: about 35% of microplastics entering oceans comes from textiles.
04
One study measured microfiber release rates of 10–100 mg per wash depending on fabric and washing conditions.
05
A study in Environmental Science & Technology (2015) estimated 1.9 million metric tons of microfibers enter the ocean annually globally.
06
A 2018 study found filtration of laundry effluent can reduce microfibers by 90%+.
07
EPA notes that washing machines discharge wastewater containing detergents and pollutants into sewage systems.
08
U.S. EPA notes microfibers can pass through wastewater treatment plants and enter rivers and oceans.
09
A 2017 study estimated wastewater treatment plant effluent contains microfibers in the range of 10^4–10^7 particles per day per facility.
10
A study found that 90% of microfibers can be retained by activated carbon filters (under certain conditions).
11
In a lab study, a microfiber capture filter attached to a washing machine reduced microfiber emissions by 50% under test conditions.
12
Another study found that washing-machine filters can reduce emissions by about 80% when properly installed and maintained.
13
A study found that lint and wastewater from laundering contributes to riverine microplastics loads.
14
A 2020 review found microfiber capture filters can reduce microfiber emissions by 35–90% depending on filter design and maintenance.
15
A 2021 review estimated microfiber capture devices could reduce annual microfiber release from laundry by up to 50% if widely adopted.
16
A 2019 study found that washing at 30°C releases fewer microfibers than at 60°C (up to ~30% lower).
17
A 2022 study found that using garment type and laundry load size affects microfiber shedding; shedding increases with agitation.
Interpretation
Water Pollution & Microplastics Interpretation
Laundry is a major source of water pollution from microplastics, with studies estimating up to 1,900 fibers per wash per garment and global ocean inputs as high as 1.9 million metric tons of microfibers each year, while 90% plus reductions are possible when laundry effluent is filtered.
05 · Category
Chemicals, Health & Safety30 stats
01
The EU REACH restriction lists octylphenol ethoxylates; these were used in some cleaning applications, including laundering detergents historically.
02
Phthalates in detergents: a Swedish study detected diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) in wastewater including detergent-related sources.
03
The American Association of Poison Control Centers reports laundry detergent pods caused 16,000 poisoning calls in 2022 (approx).
04
AAPCC reports 69,000 poisoning exposure incidents from detergent in 2022.
05
In 2022, 4,000 cases involved laundry pod exposures for children under 6.
06
In 2021, 22% of all detergent pod poisonings occurred in children under 2.
07
The U.S. CDC reports that detergents are among common household exposures causing poisonings.
08
A meta-analysis reported that surfactants can irritate skin and eyes at certain concentrations.
09
The ECHA dossier for Sodium lauryl sulfate lists classification including skin irritation.
10
The ECHA dossier for Nonylphenol ethoxylates includes aquatic toxicity classification relevant to detergents.
11
The EU detergent regulation requires biodegradability of surfactants.
12
The EU Detergents Regulation (EC) No 648/2004 sets thresholds for biodegradation.
13
EU regulation limits phosphates in detergents (historical) to reduce eutrophication.
14
Phosphate content limits in detergents under EU law were implemented as 0.5 g P per wash for automatic dishwashing in many contexts; for laundry, earlier directives aimed at reductions.
15
The World Health Organization notes that surfactant exposure can cause irritation but is usually not severe unless high concentrations are ingested.
16
EPA’s Safer Choice program lists criteria for detergents used in laundry products.
17
In 2017, the U.S. FDA issued warnings about laundry detergent pods due to toxicity.
18
A study found that enzymes (proteases) in detergents can cause allergic sensitization in some workers.
19
The U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) lists guidance on enzyme detergent exposure risks.
20
The U.S. CDC warns against swallowing detergent because it can cause injury, especially with pods.
21
In the US, the FDA classifies detergent pods as a hazardous product for children due to ingestion risk.
22
The European Chemicals Agency classifies some detergent components as skin irritants; e.g., dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid (C12 alkyl).
23
The EU Biocidal Products Regulation includes antimicrobial laundry products; active substances must be authorized.
24
The EU Detergents Regulation (648/2004) restricts the use of certain surfactants.
25
WHO lists bleach (sodium hypochlorite) as an irritant and hazardous if mixed with acids/ammonia; this affects laundry disinfectant safety.
26
EU CLP regulation defines classification for sodium hypochlorite as corrosive/irritant depending on concentration.
27
U.S. FDA advises not to ingest or allow contact of detergents pods; they can cause injury.
28
In the U.S., the number of unintentional poisonings involving detergent/pods is highest in toddlers.
29
AAPCC reports that 93% of laundry detergent pod exposures involve children.
30
AAPCC reports that among pod exposures, the most common severity is “moderate.”
Interpretation
Chemicals, Health & Safety Interpretation
Health and safety concerns are concentrated in detergent pod exposure cases, with about 16,000 poisoning calls in 2022 and 4,000 cases involving children under 6, and notably 22% of pod poisonings in 2021 occurring in children under 2.
06 · Category
Technology, Efficiency & Standards30 stats
01
ENERGY STAR certified clothes washers must meet an Integrated Modified Energy Factor (IMEF) threshold.
02
ENERGY STAR certified clothes washers must meet a Modified Energy Factor (MEF) threshold.
03
ENERGY STAR clothes washers must also meet a Water Factor (WF) threshold.
04
ENERGY STAR defines “Water Factor” and “Integrated Modified Energy Factor” in its specification.
05
The EU Energy Label for washing machines uses an efficiency scale A to G based on annual energy consumption and water consumption (older labels).
06
The EU energy label for washing machines uses “weighted programme time” in addition to energy and water.
07
EU regulation (EU) 2019/2014 sets energy labelling requirements for washing machines and washer-dryers.
08
The EU Ecodesign requirement for washing machines includes limits on standby/off modes.
09
Japan Top Runner Program targets energy efficiency improvements for washing machines.
10
ENERGY STAR dryer specifications use energy factor (EF) metrics.
11
ENERGY STAR certified dryers must meet an estimated annual energy use threshold.
12
The EU Ecodesign Regulation for tumble dryers is (EU) No 932/2012.
13
The EU regulation (EU) 2019/2014 includes that washing machines are tested using standard cotton programs at 40°C and 60°C.
14
IEC test method for clothes washers uses standardized cotton program; e.g., IEC 60456.
15
ASTM/ISO methods exist for microfiber measurement; one commonly used is ISO 4484 for fabric pilling? (not microfiber).
16
The ENERGY STAR clothes washer test method includes “Normal” and “Eco” cycles.
17
The EU water consumption formula for washing machines is based on “weighted annual water consumption” derived from test results.
18
A “Delay start” feature reduces peak energy use but not total; however utilities use it to smooth demand.
19
Sensor drying in heat-pump tumble dryers improves energy efficiency by controlling dryness level.
20
Heat pump dryers are generally 50% more efficient than vented electric dryers (U.S. DOE estimate).
21
ENERGY STAR notes heat pump dryers are more efficient than conventional dryers.
22
EU Ecodesign defines minimum seasonal energy efficiency ratios for condensing tumble dryers.
23
EU Ecodesign requires lint filter maintenance considerations for dryer efficiency; filters must be accessible.
24
Smart washing machines can reduce water and energy by optimizing load size; studies show savings of ~10–30%.
25
Front-load washers generally use less water than top-load due to tumbling design.
26
Whirlpool/others: high-efficiency washers use lower water levels; ENERGY STAR says up to 50% less water than standard.
27
ENERGY STAR states efficient washers can reduce water use by 30%–60% compared to standard.
28
Washing full loads reduces energy and water per pound; ENERGY STAR advises washing full loads to save.
29
The EU Eco label for detergents requires limits on aquatic toxicity and biodegradability criteria; typical score thresholds exist.
30
EU Ecolabel for laundry detergents (commission decision criteria) sets specific biodegradability requirements for surfactants.
Interpretation
Technology, Efficiency & Standards Interpretation
From the Technology, Efficiency & Standards perspective, ENERGY STAR certification for clothes washers combines tighter energy and water performance rules with explicit metrics like IMEF and MEF thresholds plus a Water Factor threshold defined by the program, and the EU adds a graded A to G efficiency label that includes weighted programme time alongside energy and water.
Reference
Cite This Report
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APA
Stefan Wendt. (2026, February 13). Laundry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/laundry-statistics
MLA
Stefan Wendt. "Laundry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/laundry-statistics.
Chicago
Stefan Wendt. 2026. "Laundry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/laundry-statistics.
Sources & references
101 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level
+58 additional datasets cited (not shown individually)