Figuring out costs

[patchlaundry]

I run a used clothing business and I wash all the clothing before it is sent to the store. I have 1 Dexter T900 25 kg (55lbs) washing machine and 2 Dexter dtch55 dryers. I am trying to figure out the costs per load. Is there someplace where I can go to figure out how much water is being used per cycle, how much energy is being used per wash and for drying? If not, could somebody give me some ballpark formulas how I would figure this out. Thanks.

[Adamski]

Go to a laundromat that has the same type washer. Look at the vend price on the washer. Take 25% of that vend price. That is your approximate cost for utilities to run that washer. That doesn't include maintenance or the cost of the washer.

[CanCanCase]

You could also look in the owner's manuals for each machine (or find them on the net) for semi-exact consumption specs, then amend the specs based on the particular cycles you run, and multiply by the utility rates for your area (based on a bill or a call to the utility company.)

-Case