You know how frustrating it is when your laundry costs seem to keep going up and up. No matter how many loads you do or how energy efficient your process is, you just can’t seem to catch a break. Well, what if we told you there are some simple things you can start doing today to get those costs down?
In this blog post, we’re going over some easy tips that save money on laundry. From ways to reduce water and electricity use to shopping for better detergents, we’ve got your back. With just a couple tweaks to your routine, you’re going to be keeping more money in your wallet. So let’s get started and take control of those laundry bills!
Do Laundry Less Often
One of the simplest ways to cut costs is to do laundry less frequently. Most people do laundry once a week out of habit, but many clothes can be worn more than once before washing again. Unless something is visibly dirty or smelly, consider wearing it again.
Doing one extra wear can save you up to 50% on your laundry costs over time. Delicates and exercise gear will still need washing after each use, but jeans, sweaters, pajamas, and towels can often go another round.
Check Clothing Care Labels
Those fabric and care labels inside your clothes should specify how often that item needs washing. Many are machine washable and can be laundered after 3-5 wears. Some items such as dress shirts likely only need laundering after 2 wears. Get to know the care needs of your wardrobe and plan washes accordingly.
Extend Time Between Sheet Changes
Most experts recommend changing your sheets every 7-14 days. But unless you have allergies, you can likely extend that to 10-21 days. Your sheets will still be fresh, and you reduce your laundry frequency by up to half.
Wash Full Loads Only
Only wash a full load of laundry to minimize energy consumption. Half-loads use about the same amount of energy and water as full loads, so you’re essentially doubling your costs. Plan your laundry room trips to have enough for full loads, and avoid washing single items when possible.
Following these simple tips can significantly lighten your laundry routine and keep more money in your wallet. And your clothes and linens will last longer too, as over-washing can cause damage and fading over time. Laundry less & save more!
Wash Clothes in Cold Water
A Laundry process is expensive, especially with the rising costs of energy these days. One easy way to cut down on costs is to wash most of your clothes in cold water.
Lower Temperatures Means Lower Bills
Washing in cold water could save you up to 90% on energy used each load compared to hot washes. That can add up to over $100 in savings each year for the average household. Unless you have heavily soiled clothes or need to disinfect certain items, cold water will clean your clothes just fine.
Gentler on Your Clothes
Washing in cold water is also gentler on your clothes, helping them last longer. The agitation from washing machines, combined with the harsh effects of hot water, can cause fabrics to break down faster over time. Delicate clothes especially benefit from cold water washes. Your sweaters, blouses and dress pants will thank you.
Better For The Environment
By using less energy, cold water washes also have a smaller environmental impact. The less energy you use, the less greenhouse gas emissions are produced. Over the lifetime of a washer, switching to cold water can save thousands of kilowatt hours of electricity and prevent hundreds of pounds of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere. Every amount helps when it comes to sustainability.
Use a Laundry Detergent Made for Cold Water
Did you know that 90% of the energy used by a washing machine goes towards heating the water? Using a detergent specifically formulated for cold water washes can save you money by reducing your energy usage. These detergents contain special enzymes and surfactants that are activated in cold water to help lift stains and odors from fabrics.
Look for “cold water formula” on the label
When shopping for powder or liquid detergent, check that “cold water” formula or “for cold water washes” is clearly stated on the packaging. Detergents not intended for cold water may not clean as well and can leave your clothes looking dingy. Popular brands like Tide, Arm & Hammer, and Seventh Generation offer cold water detergent options.
Use The Proper Amount
Be sure to use the recommended amount of detergent for a cold water wash, usually a little more than for a warm wash. If you don’t use enough, your clothes won’t get clean. But using too much detergent won’t necessarily get your clothes cleaner and can leave excess detergent residue on fabrics. Follow the directions on the packaging for best results.
Pretreat Stains
For tough stains, pretreat the area before washing clothes as usual. The detergent will still need help lifting heavy stains, even in cold water. Let the pretreat product soak in as directed before washing. Using a pretreat product in addition to a cold water detergent will leave your clothes fresh and stain-free.
Skip Your Dryer to Air Dry
Drying your in a clothes dryer costs a bunch of money and energy over time. Instead, consider air drying your clothes whenever possible to cut costs. Hang drying clothes is easy and requires very little effort on your part.
Find an Indoor Spot
If you live in an area with unpredictable weather, air drying indoors is your best option. Look for a spot with good airflow, like a basement or garage. You can also air dry smaller loads in your living room or spare bedroom. Use drying racks, towel racks, or string clotheslines to hang clothes. Leave space between items so air can circulate.
Air Dry Outside When Possible
When the weather is warm and dry, air drying outside is ideal. Clothes will dry faster in fresh air and sunlight. Look for a spot in your yard that gets lots of sun and a gentle breeze. Use a clothesline or drying rack and securely clip clothes with clothespins. Bring clothes inside before night to avoid dampness.
Air drying your laundry is an easy way to save energy and money. With some minor adjustments to your routine, you’ll be line drying in no time and keeping more cash in your pocket.
DIY Detergent
Making your own laundry detergent is easier than you probably think and can save you a bundle. DIY detergent costs only pennies per load compared to the dollars you’ll spend on name brand detergents.
Supplies
You only need a few basic ingredients: washing soda, borax, grated bar soap, and essential oils (optional). Washing soda cuts grease and lifts stains. Borax is a natural softener and deodorizer. Grated bar soap provides cleaning power. Essential oils like lavender or lemon add freshness.
The Recipe
For a standard recipe, use:
1 cup washing soda
1 cup of borax
1 grated bar of soap (Fels-Naptha, Zote, or similar)
10-15 drops essential oil (optional)
Combine the washing soda, borax, and grated soap in a container. Add essential oil if using and mix well. Use 1-2 tablespoons each load. Adjust the amount up or down depending on how dirty your clothes are.
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