8 Frugal Laundry Tips to Save Money
When you have financial goals you’re eager to meet or your budget is tight, it’s essential to look for any way to save money in your daily and regular expenses. People will often look in the usual areas for ways to cut costs: insurance, grocery bills, utilities, clothing, etc. However, laundry expenses are something you may have skipped over.
Every penny counts, so let’s take a look at how to save on laundry costs.
Use Cold Water Whenever Possible
Using cold water whenever possible when washing clothes can significantly help reduce your energy costs. Most clothing will be ok in a cold wash, and with the evolution of washers and laundry detergent, most stains and grime will come out as well. Hot water should still be used for soiled clothing or anything that needs to be more thoroughly cleaned for sanitary reasons.
Ditch Store Bought Detergent
Buying your laundry detergent at the store can quickly add up, especially if you have children or a large family in your home. Fortunately, you can mix your own detergent, and it’s relatively easy. Many websites offer their own spin on ingredients, but the recipes primarily are comprised of soap, borax, and washing soda.
Upgrade Your Washer and Dryer
This option is a more substantial cost up-front but can equal massive savings as time goes by. If your washer and dryer are older models, they may not be as energy efficient as they could be, which could mean a more massive electric and water bill each month and cost hundreds of additional dollars per year. Look into purchasing a set that has a higher energy rating or the “HE” (high efficiency) logo on it. The amount you end up recouping in utility costs will cover the price of the washer and dryer in no time.
Do Away with Dry Clean Only
More delicate clothing can sometimes mean you can’t clean it yourself and have no choice but to enlist dry cleaning services. Dry cleaning can be costly, especially if you have to do so regularly, and should be avoided when possible by purchasing clothing that has more minimal cleaning requirements.
Cut Your Detergent Usage
Almost anyone who does laundry is guilty of adding too much detergent to the wash, which can be a costly error. More detergent doesn’t equal cleaner clothes, however, and can often have the opposite effect by leaving a filmy layer on your clothing that didn’t properly wash out. Depending on the size of your load, you can often cut your average detergent measurement in half and still get by just fine.
Dry Clothes on the Line
Drying clothes in the dryer will definitely have an impact on your energy bill. If you aren’t in a rush and the clothing’s care instructions don’t specify, skip the dryer where you can and allow your clothes to air dry. Doing this can sometimes have the added benefit of contributing another layer of freshness, as well.
Don’t Wash Every Day
Just because a piece of clothing has been worn doesn’t mean it necessarily requires a wash; this can be especially true with jeans and jackets or hoodies. If the piece of clothing still smells good and doesn’t have any stains, consider skipping the wash and saving some money and not to mention time on laundering.
Replace Your Dryer Sheets
Dryer sheets are often used to add a lasting scent, soften clothing from a harsh wash, and to reduce static electricity. However, purchasing dryer sheets regularly is an additional cost that you could potentially replace with something reusable instead. Check into reusable dryer balls that you can toss in with each load. Some have even been known to throw a ball of aluminum foil in with the drying load to reduce static electricity.