How Much Does Ironing Cost in the UK? Service Prices Explained
If you’re wondering how much ironing costs, you’re probably thinking about one of two things:
• How much do people charge for ironing?
• Or how much should I charge for ironing if I start doing it myself?
That’s where the real money question sits.
Electricity matters — but it’s not what makes ironing expensive.
Let’s break it down properly.
How Much Does Ironing Cost If You Pay Someone?
In the UK, typical ironing service prices in 2026 look like this:
• £12–£18 per hour (around £15 is average)
• £1.50–£2.80 per shirt
• £5.50–£7.00 per kg
• £20–£35 for a 5–7kg basket
Many professional services now charge per kilogram instead of per basket because basket sizes vary wildly.
A “standard” laundry basket usually holds around 5–7kg of dry washing, which explains why full loads often cost £25–£35.
Note on Minimum Orders
Most UK ironing services operate with a minimum order value of £15–£20.
So if you only have five shirts worth £10, you’ll usually still be charged the minimum call-out fee.
That catches people out more than anything else.
Location also matters. London and the South East sit at the higher end of pricing. Smaller towns are often closer to £12–£15 per hour.
If you hand over a full basket each week, you could easily spend £100+ per month.
How Much Should I Charge for Ironing?
If you’re thinking about offering ironing from home as a side hustle, here’s what’s realistic in most UK areas:
• £15 per hour
• £2 per shirt
• £6 per kg
In lower-cost areas, £12–£14 per hour may be competitive. In higher-demand areas, £18+ per hour isn’t unusual.
When deciding your rate, make sure your pricing covers:
• Your time
• Electricity
• Water and consumables
• Hangers (if you supply them)
• Collection/delivery if offered
Here’s the important bit:
Electricity is not your biggest cost.
Your time is.
At £15 per hour, your electricity might cost around 50p per hour — meaning the majority of your income is payment for labour.
What’s the Average Hourly Rate for Ironing in the UK?
If someone searches “average hourly rate for ironing UK”, the answer is simple:
Around £15 per hour is standard for home-based services.
Most providers sit between £12 and £18 per hour, depending on location and demand.
Per-shirt pricing works better for small loads.
Per-kg pricing works better for larger weekly baskets.
Is Ironing Worth Paying For?
If you’re short on time, £25 to clear a basket might feel like a bargain.
If you’re short on money, doing it yourself is significantly cheaper.
And this is where electricity comes into it.
Final Verdict
So how much does ironing cost in the UK?
• Paying someone: £12–£18 per hour
• Charging for ironing: £15 per hour works well
• Per shirt: £1.50–£2.80 market rate
• Minimum orders: usually £15–£20
• Running an iron yourself: roughly 40–60p per hour
Ironing itself isn’t expensive.
Time is.
If you’ve got the time, doing it yourself costs pennies.
If you haven’t, outsourcing it can still be reasonably affordable.
And if you’re looking for a simple, low-overhead side hustle, ironing remains one of the easiest ways to start.
It’s similar to other small home-based income ideas where your main cost is time rather than equipment.
FAQs About Ironing Costs
How much does it cost to run an iron?
Most steam irons are rated between 2,000W and 3,100W. A typical 2,400W iron costs around 40–60p per hour to run at current UK electricity prices (roughly 25p per kWh).
Irons don’t heat constantly. Once they reach temperature, the heating element cycles on and off, so real-world cost is usually lower than the maximum calculation.
If you’re curious how that compares to other everyday appliances, I’ve also broken down the cost of running an electric blanket and how much it costs to charge an iPhone — and ironing actually sits somewhere in the middle.
How much does it cost to iron a shirt yourself?
If a shirt takes around 5 minutes, the electricity cost works out at roughly 5p per shirt.
That’s why professional pricing is mainly about labour, not power.
Left iron on all day – how much does it cost?
Worst case (continuous heating for 8 hours), it could cost around £4–£5.
For 24 hours, the theoretical maximum is roughly £14.
However, most modern irons have auto shut-off features that cut power within minutes if left unused, meaning the real cost is usually far lower.
Do irons use a lot of electricity?
They are high-wattage appliances, but because they’re used for short periods, the overall cost is moderate compared to tumble dryers, ovens or electric heating.
