Simple changes to your laundry routine to save BIG
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There’s nothing worse than spending a fortune on laundry supplies only to realise you haven’t got the results you wanted.
And let's be honest – who really enjoys spending their precious time on getting clothes clean? It’s not the most exciting chore, and the costs involved can indeed stack up when you consider laundry detergent, fabric softener, and your utility bills.
But there’s something you can do to take back some control.
CHOICE experts revealed some great money-saving tips when it comes to doing the laundry and keeping your clothes looking their best.
So, here are some suggestions to get you started:
Ditch the Fabric Softeners
According to CHOICE Head of Reviews and Testing Matthew Steen, fabric softeners are ‘pricey’ and have a ‘few other downsides’.
‘If you're trying to cut costs, you should consider removing them from your shopping list,’ he said.
He continued: ‘Fabric softeners essentially coat your clothes and towels in nice-smelling chemicals which can not only irritate sensitive skin but will also leave a layer of residue on your clothes and reduce the absorbency of your towels.’
He also said that fabric softeners strip stains from clothes but then recoat them with chemicals.
They also reduce the flame retardancy of clothing. In one experiment by a laundry expert, he showed how flames quickly engulfed a piece of microfibre cloth that’s been washed by fabric softener. You can read more on that here.
‘It can also cause build up in your washing machine, which will reduce its efficiency and possibly cause damage in the long run too,’ Mr Steen claimed.
‘So, ditching the softener may prevent you from having to spend extra money on repairing and replacing your washing machine – saving you again,’ Mr Steen declared.
Banish Laundry Beads and In-Wash Scent Boosters
Although these small soluble beads added to your washing may make your clothes smell divine, they can also cause unnecessary strain on your budget and washing machine – not to mention that people with fragrance or chemical sensitivities may experience skin irritation.
CHOICE experts revealed that using these products could add a staggering $372 to your annual shopping bill. Luckily, one woman found a way to save money on laundry costs. You can read her advice here.
Avoid Laundry Detergent Pods – Go for Powder Instead
While these single-use capsules of liquid laundry detergent concentrate might seem convenient, experts at CHOICE found that they are generally more expensive and perform worse than normal laundry powder.
‘Laundry detergent pods are considerably more expensive per wash than liquid or powder detergent, and our testing shows that they don't always perform as well,’ Mr Steen explained.
This means if you’re doing multiple loads of washing per week, the cost of using a poor-performing but expensive detergent could add up to hundreds of dollars a year.
He added: ‘Laundry detergent can amount to at least half the running cost of your washing machine over its lifetime, so it makes sense to swap out expensive detergents for better-performing, cheaper products – especially since you'll also get a better wash for less money.’
Don’t Overuse Detergent
The issue of using too much or too little detergent is one many of us struggle with – nobody wants their detergent to be wasted, yet using too little is also not ideal.
According to CHOICE, the recommended dose per wash is to use a third of the recommended amount stated in the instructions.
‘Your detergent will last three times longer, meaning you're paying for detergent less often,’ Mr Steen remarked.
Additionally, using less detergent also helps the environment.
‘Think less packaging in landfill, fewer carbon emissions from manufacture and transport, and less detergent in our waterways,’ Mr Steen shared before adding that less detergent is also a safer choice for those with sensitive skin.
‘Putting too much detergent into your washing machine can lead to a build-up of “scrud”, which could drag down its washing performance,’ continued the CHOICE expert.
Similarly, an expert repairman shared that using poor-quality detergent could also damage your washing machine. You can read his expert tips for maintaining your washing machines here.
Invest in a Good-Quality Washing Machine and Dryer
You may have become accustomed to your current washing machine or dryer, but they could be costing you extra each year.
CHOICE experts say that the solution was to invest in good appliances. Front-loading machines may cost more to buy upfront, but they use less energy, water, and detergent compared to top loaders.
They also have lower running costs, which helps in saving a good amount of cash while you’re using the machine.
When it comes to clothes dryers, a good heat pump dryer might have a higher price tag, but it can use as little as a third of the energy required by the less expensive vented or condenser dryers.
With these tips, we hope you can bring some extra savings into your life. Will you give any of these recommendations a go? Let us know if you have advice you’d like to share in the comments below!
And let's be honest – who really enjoys spending their precious time on getting clothes clean? It’s not the most exciting chore, and the costs involved can indeed stack up when you consider laundry detergent, fabric softener, and your utility bills.
But there’s something you can do to take back some control.
CHOICE experts revealed some great money-saving tips when it comes to doing the laundry and keeping your clothes looking their best.
So, here are some suggestions to get you started:
Ditch the Fabric Softeners
According to CHOICE Head of Reviews and Testing Matthew Steen, fabric softeners are ‘pricey’ and have a ‘few other downsides’.
‘If you're trying to cut costs, you should consider removing them from your shopping list,’ he said.
He continued: ‘Fabric softeners essentially coat your clothes and towels in nice-smelling chemicals which can not only irritate sensitive skin but will also leave a layer of residue on your clothes and reduce the absorbency of your towels.’
Fabric softeners can cause skin irritation. Credit: Anna Shvets/Pexels
He also said that fabric softeners strip stains from clothes but then recoat them with chemicals.
They also reduce the flame retardancy of clothing. In one experiment by a laundry expert, he showed how flames quickly engulfed a piece of microfibre cloth that’s been washed by fabric softener. You can read more on that here.
‘It can also cause build up in your washing machine, which will reduce its efficiency and possibly cause damage in the long run too,’ Mr Steen claimed.
‘So, ditching the softener may prevent you from having to spend extra money on repairing and replacing your washing machine – saving you again,’ Mr Steen declared.
Banish Laundry Beads and In-Wash Scent Boosters
Although these small soluble beads added to your washing may make your clothes smell divine, they can also cause unnecessary strain on your budget and washing machine – not to mention that people with fragrance or chemical sensitivities may experience skin irritation.
CHOICE experts revealed that using these products could add a staggering $372 to your annual shopping bill. Luckily, one woman found a way to save money on laundry costs. You can read her advice here.
CHOICE experts advised against using laundry beads as well. Credit: Skitterphoto/Pexels
Avoid Laundry Detergent Pods – Go for Powder Instead
While these single-use capsules of liquid laundry detergent concentrate might seem convenient, experts at CHOICE found that they are generally more expensive and perform worse than normal laundry powder.
‘Laundry detergent pods are considerably more expensive per wash than liquid or powder detergent, and our testing shows that they don't always perform as well,’ Mr Steen explained.
This means if you’re doing multiple loads of washing per week, the cost of using a poor-performing but expensive detergent could add up to hundreds of dollars a year.
He added: ‘Laundry detergent can amount to at least half the running cost of your washing machine over its lifetime, so it makes sense to swap out expensive detergents for better-performing, cheaper products – especially since you'll also get a better wash for less money.’
Don’t Overuse Detergent
The issue of using too much or too little detergent is one many of us struggle with – nobody wants their detergent to be wasted, yet using too little is also not ideal.
According to CHOICE, the recommended dose per wash is to use a third of the recommended amount stated in the instructions.
‘Your detergent will last three times longer, meaning you're paying for detergent less often,’ Mr Steen remarked.
Additionally, using less detergent also helps the environment.
‘Think less packaging in landfill, fewer carbon emissions from manufacture and transport, and less detergent in our waterways,’ Mr Steen shared before adding that less detergent is also a safer choice for those with sensitive skin.
‘Putting too much detergent into your washing machine can lead to a build-up of “scrud”, which could drag down its washing performance,’ continued the CHOICE expert.
Similarly, an expert repairman shared that using poor-quality detergent could also damage your washing machine. You can read his expert tips for maintaining your washing machines here.
Invest in a Good-Quality Washing Machine and Dryer
You may have become accustomed to your current washing machine or dryer, but they could be costing you extra each year.
CHOICE experts say that the solution was to invest in good appliances. Front-loading machines may cost more to buy upfront, but they use less energy, water, and detergent compared to top loaders.
They also have lower running costs, which helps in saving a good amount of cash while you’re using the machine.
When it comes to clothes dryers, a good heat pump dryer might have a higher price tag, but it can use as little as a third of the energy required by the less expensive vented or condenser dryers.
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