Faced with a mountain of dirty clothes, it’s only natural to wonder: How long does laundry take? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but knowing how much time each step takes can make this chore feel less overwhelming. From sorting and washing to drying and folding, the laundry process doesn’t have to steal your entire day.
Whether you’re using a quick wash, a heavy-duty cycle, or opting for air drying, being aware of the time commitment lets you plan smarter and stay ahead of the laundry game. But how can one know the exact time they need to invest in laundering? Wondering the same? Let’s break it down together.
How Long Does Laundry Take, Actually?
On average, a full load of laundry, from gathering dirty clothes to folding and putting them away, takes about 2 to 3 hours. But that time can stretch longer depending on fabric type, machine settings, and how many loads you’re running.
Here’s a look at what really goes into that timeline.
Step 1: Gathering & Sorting (10–20 minutes)
Before you even touch the washing machine, you’ll need to gather your laundry, check pockets, separate lights and darks, and maybe pre-treat a few stains. Typically, it takes only 10 minutes. However, if you have clothes scattered across rooms, this step could take 15–20 minutes.
Smart tip: Keeping a designated hamper for each family member or laundry type (e.g., towels, delicates, gym clothes) can cut down on sorting time. If someone in the family is in sports, keep their laundry baskets separate as sports clothes need more attention to be cleaned.
Step 2: Washing (15 to 90 minutes)
Here is the answer to How long does a laundry machine take. The washing time depends on the machine and the cycle you choose.
Here’s a rundown of common settings.
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Quick Wash: 15–30 minutes. It is ideal for lightly worn clothes or a quick refresh.
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Normal Cycle: 40–90 minutes. This cycle is the go-to for everyday wear, such as shirts, pants, dresses, and socks.
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Delicates: 35–60 minutes. This cycle is specially designed for lace, silk, or thin fabrics. You can wash innerwear or lingerie in this setting.
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Heavy Duty: 60–120 minutes. It is great for jeans, towels, and deeply soiled items.
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Bedding/Bulky Items: 90 minutes to 3 hours. It takes the most time because these items require extra rinse and spin cycles.
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Spin Only: 10–15 minutes. This setting helps drain excess water before drying.
So, how long is a washing machine cycle? The short answer is: anywhere from 15 minutes to 3 hours, depending on settings and fabric needs.
Step 3: Drying (15 minutes to 6 hours)
Once your clothes are clean, it’s time to dry them. A basic dryer cycle takes about 45 minutes, but just like with washing, it depends on the settings and materials.
Common drying times are as follows.
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Quick Dry: 15–30 minutes. It is suitable for small or light loads.
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Standard Dry: 40–60 minutes. It is for most everyday laundry.
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Heavy Duty: 90 minutes. This is best for thick or layered items.
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Delicates: 15–20 minutes. It works well with lower heat and gentler tumbling.
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Line Drying: 2–6 hours (or more). It is a slower but gentler method.
Want to save drying time? Don’t overload the machine, and use dryer balls to keep air circulating between clothes. If you’re unsure whether your clothes need a wash or professional treatment, check out our guide on dry cleaning vs. laundry to understand the differences.
Step 4: Folding & Putting Away (15–30 minutes)
Once your clothes are dry, you’re almost done, but not quite. Folding a load of laundry can take about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on how many items you’re working with.
Putting clothes away adds another 10–15 minutes. Unless you’re the type who lets folded clothes sit on a chair for a few days (no judgment).
So if we calculate an average, the simple answer to how long does it take to do laundry is around 2 to 3 hours, including the sorting and putting away process.
Tips to Make Laundry Less Time-Consuming
If you’re handling laundry yourself, these ideas can help cut down the time.
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Sort as You Go: Use divided hampers to keep lights and darks separate from the start.
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Use Timers: Set a timer on your phone so you’re not losing time waiting for the buzzer.
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Prep Ahead: Pre-treat stains and organize your load the night before.
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Avoid Overloading: Cramming too many clothes in at once means longer wash and dry times, and the clothes will not be as clean.
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Fold Immediately: Don’t let clean clothes sit. Folding them right away prevents wrinkles and saves time later.
Not Feeling Like Laundry? Turn to Laundromats
If you’re short on time or don’t own a washer/dryer, laundromats can be a game-changer. Is it a Laundry Mat or Laundromat? That’s a separate debate. But these services can make your laundry so convenient. Large machines allow you to do multiple loads at once, reducing your total time. For example, you could wash and dry three loads in under 2 hours, depending on machine availability.
Plus, some laundromats like Laundry Matters offer “wash and fold” services. In this, you just drop off your dirty clothes and pick them up clean, dry, and folded. And the best part? Laundry service costs are surprisingly affordable. You can spend just a small amount and get your clothes minty fresh in no time.
Want to explore what’s included in full-service laundry? Our laundry services offer everything from wash-and-fold to dry cleaning at affordable prices.
Final Thoughts
So, how long does laundry take? The honest answer depends on your approach. At home, a typical load may take 2 to 3 hours, but if you batch loads and multitask, you can cut that down considerably. Whether you prefer tackling it yourself or calling in some help, laundry doesn’t have to dominate your day. Plan wisely, choose the right cycle, and don’t be afraid to outsource when you need a break.
If you’re in Rhode Island and want to save hours each week, Laundry Matters Kingston, Rhode Island is here to help. Our premium service includes pick-up, professional washing, and delivery right to your door. Using advanced machines and gentle detergents, we make sure your clothes come back looking and feeling like new. Our laundry company also offers free pickup services, so you no longer need to worry about your laundry.
Call us at 401-782-3722 now and save time and money on your laundry!
