Ironing services cost: What affects the final price?

Want to look sharp? One of the best ways to do so is through properly ironing clothes. While it's true that ironing your clothes yourself is much cheaper, it’s an entirely different story when you have a mountain of clothes to deal with. With a professional ironing service, you spend those precious hours on more important things or get more rest. 

On average, most contractors in Australia charge per hour or piece. For instance, the average cost of ironing services hourly is between $25 and $31. By piece, ironing prices can be up to $20. To get a better estimate, read below the average costs and the factors to consider before booking a service. 

Ironing service price list 

Ironing doesn’t just make your clothes look sharp. In fact, research shows that ironing actually serves as a form of fabric sanitization. When that hot iron passes over your fabrics, it helps kill bacteria lurking in the fibres and removes those funky smells that washing alone sometimes misses. 

To make budgeting easier, this section is split into two practical categories. First up is "price per task”, showing hourly and weight-based rates, followed by “price per item” with costs for specific pieces like shirts, sheets, and speciality garments. While actual costs may vary by location, these figures give you a solid starting point.

Average cost per hour

Need rates for your ironing pile? Here you’ll find exact rates by hour, ensuring your clothes stay perfectly pressed and fresh-smelling long after service. Basically, you’ll often get better deals when bringing in larger loads at once. 

By location

This table shows the average hourly cost of an ironing service in various locations in Australia.

Per clothing item

Some clothes just need extra care. Maybe it’s your go-to work shirt, those crisp pillowcases you love, or something recently repaired that needs a proper finish before use. This chart shows what you'll pay for individual pieces. 

Factors that influence the costs of ironing services

A professional ironing a shirt. (Source: iStock)

Pricing method

Determine the primary cost factor of the ironing service you choose. As mentioned earlier, professional ironing services can charge you by the number of clothes, their total weight, or per hour. 

Ironing companies that base their cost on weight might be the best choice if you have plenty of thin and lightweight clothes. Alternatively, ironing companies specialising in clothing with sensitive and delicate materials often charge by the hour. 

Types of clothing

The type of clothing can also increase service costs. Ironing companies typically handle clothing and bed linen with corresponding charges for both items. For example, a duvet cover for a king or super king-sized bed can cost $8 per piece. 

On the other hand, a children’s T-shirt set can cost about $2 each to iron. Specialist ironing companies that can handle silk or other delicate pieces can charge $5 per article of clothing.

Delivery service

Top-notch ironing and expert laundry services typically offer pickup and delivery. Some offer free delivery after ironing shirts and other clothing if you live in their proximity. Most free-charging pickup and delivery services have a minimum order cost to use their services, often at $15. 

Ironing companies will charge for long-distance pickup and delivery. If you live nearby and have too many clothes and need a vehicle delivery, you will likely have to pay for its delivery. Be sure to ask your prospective shop about their delivery costs and other additional services to factor in the total costs.

Ironing service duration

Some ironing companies charge by the hour. A large volume of delicate clothing requires specialised equipment and expertise, so it will take some more time to press properly. 

Often, expert ironing companies knowledgeable and equipped to handle clothing with tricky structures or unique materials charge per hour. On average, you pay $15 to $30 per hour.

The local market

The number of laundry and ironing companies in your area also determines the average cost of the service. Some areas with one or two clothing ironing businesses may see higher prices than areas with a competitive market. 

A woman ironing with a professional iron. (Source: iStock)

Saving money on ironing services

Here are some helpful tips to save money on ironing services.

Determine the primary cost factor

If you have only a few clothes, entrusting them to an ironing company that charges by the hour or by weight can save you money. On the other hand, if you have silk and similar clothing materials that might be damaged when ironed, a per-hour or per-piece ironing company is the best choice.

Hanging your items

Try hanging wrinkled clothes in your bathroom during a hot shower. The steam naturally relaxes fabric fibres - just smooth with your hands afterwards and let air dry. For stubborn wrinkles, spray lightly with a mix of water and a tablespoon of fabric softener, then gently tug the fabric smooth.

Iron only when necessary

You don’t necessarily have to iron clothes that pass the scrunch test. Look for ways to minimise wrinkling to avoid ironing too many clothes.

Working in your home office? You can wear casual and relaxed clothing most of the time while working–you don’t need to press your clothes if you’re working remotely. Unless you need to wear a button-down polo, you may need to iron that. 

Additionally, when packing clothes for storage, fold pressed items properly to maintain their shape without incurring extra ironing costs.

Wash as needed

Not all clothes need washing after one wear. You can wash some articles of clothing only after two uses. Moreover, duvets need cleaning once or twice every two weeks. For example, jeans and jumpers may only need washing after two or three wears. 

Shop around first

There are plenty of ways to compare prices from all laundry and ironing companies in your area. Then, compare the offers you receive from various ironing companies.

Post a task for ironing services

Want to skip the hassle of comparing prices and services? Airtasker connects you directly with qualified professional ironing services in your area. Simply post your task with details about your clothing items, pickup preferences, and budget. From there, choose from competitive offers. 

Try Airtasker today and turn that pile of wrinkled clothes into neatly pressed items without the stress!