These simple laundry tips could put extra dollars in your pocket every year!
- Replies 6
As we all strive to stretch our dollars further, it's important to look for ways to save without compromising our quality of life.
One area that's ripe for savings, yet often overlooked, is our laundry routine.
By making a few simple changes, you could save a significant amount each year—up to $135 or more!
Here are ten ways you could be unknowingly wasting money in your laundry routine and how to rectify them:
1. Switch to Cold Water
The first and most significant change you can make is to switch from hot to cold water for most of your laundry cycles.
According to CHOICE, this simple switch could save you approximately $135.85 per year.
Not only does hot water consume more power, leading to higher electricity bills, but it is also harsher on your clothes.
Cold water can help make your garments last longer and reduce the frequency of replacement.
The only exception to this rule is when you need to clean your washing machine, as a hot wash helps remove detergent residue, also known as soap scrud.
2. Wait for Full Loads
Running your washing machine with only a few items wastes energy and money.
Small loads consume the same energy as full loads, meaning you're paying for power that isn't being used efficiently.
Additionally, you're using more laundry detergent than necessary.
Wait until you have a full load before running your washing machine.
3. Limit Dryer Use
While dryers are convenient, they are also costly to run.
Whenever possible, opt for air drying your clothes outside.
If you must use a dryer, consider investing in a heat pump dryer, which can be more cost-effective over time.
4. Use Less Detergent
Contrary to popular belief, more detergent does not equate to cleaner clothes.
In fact, you can get away with using less than the recommended amount. A tablespoon is usually sufficient for a full load.
Using less detergent not only saves you money but also prevents detergent residue build-up on your clothes and washing machine.
5. Avoid Unnecessary Products
Products like fabric softeners and dryer sheets may seem essential, but they can actually do more harm than good.
Fabric softeners coat fabric with a residue that can damage your washing machine over time.
Similarly, dryer sheets can leave a residue on towels, making them less absorbent.
A laundry expert also previously warned that fabric softener lessens the fire retardancy of clothes and fabrics. In other words, it may make it easier to catch fire.
Consider using white vinegar as a cheaper and more effective fabric softener substitute and reusable wool dryer balls instead of dryer sheets.
You can also use a couple of drops of essential oil for the fragrance effect.
6. Experiment with Different Cycles
Your washing machine comes with a variety of cycles for a reason.
Using the same cycle repeatedly can waste time and energy.
Try the eco cycle, which uses less energy and water, or the quick cycle for smaller loads.
For delicate items, use the delicate or wool wash settings.
7. Clean Your Filters
Dirty filters can make your washing machine work harder, leading to faster wear and tear.
Regularly clean your washing machine and dryer filters to ensure they work as efficiently as possible.
It is also recommended to run an empty washing machine on a cycle with hot water and your cleaning product of choice (can be a store-bought washing machine cleaner or just vinegar) at least once every month to remove detergent residue.
8. Do the Sniff Test
This might surprise some, but not all clothes need to be washed after one wear.
Unless you've been sweating or gotten dirty, most clothes can be worn at least twice before washing.
This reduces the number of loads you need to do, saving money on power, water, and detergent.
9. DIY Your Products
While making your own laundry detergent might be a stretch, you can easily make your own stain removers and in-wash boosters.
Common household items like vinegar (good for softening and removing odours), bi-carb soda (removing odours, softening water and brightening colours), washing up detergent (removing oil stains), and hydrogen peroxide (removing blood stains and whitening) can be used as effective and cheap laundry boosters.
10. Consider a Front Loader
While top loaders may be cheaper upfront, they use more power and water in the long run.
A front loader might be more expensive initially, but it will save you money over time.
By implementing these changes, you can make your laundry routine more efficient and cost-effective. Not only will you save money, but you'll also reduce your environmental impact. So why not give these tips a try and see how much you can save?
One area that's ripe for savings, yet often overlooked, is our laundry routine.
By making a few simple changes, you could save a significant amount each year—up to $135 or more!
Here are ten ways you could be unknowingly wasting money in your laundry routine and how to rectify them:
1. Switch to Cold Water
The first and most significant change you can make is to switch from hot to cold water for most of your laundry cycles.
According to CHOICE, this simple switch could save you approximately $135.85 per year.
Not only does hot water consume more power, leading to higher electricity bills, but it is also harsher on your clothes.
Small changes in your daily laundry routine can lead to significant savings. Image source: rawpixel.com on Freepik.
Cold water can help make your garments last longer and reduce the frequency of replacement.
The only exception to this rule is when you need to clean your washing machine, as a hot wash helps remove detergent residue, also known as soap scrud.
2. Wait for Full Loads
Running your washing machine with only a few items wastes energy and money.
Small loads consume the same energy as full loads, meaning you're paying for power that isn't being used efficiently.
Additionally, you're using more laundry detergent than necessary.
Wait until you have a full load before running your washing machine.
3. Limit Dryer Use
While dryers are convenient, they are also costly to run.
Whenever possible, opt for air drying your clothes outside.
If you must use a dryer, consider investing in a heat pump dryer, which can be more cost-effective over time.
4. Use Less Detergent
Contrary to popular belief, more detergent does not equate to cleaner clothes.
In fact, you can get away with using less than the recommended amount. A tablespoon is usually sufficient for a full load.
Using less detergent not only saves you money but also prevents detergent residue build-up on your clothes and washing machine.
5. Avoid Unnecessary Products
Products like fabric softeners and dryer sheets may seem essential, but they can actually do more harm than good.
Fabric softeners coat fabric with a residue that can damage your washing machine over time.
Similarly, dryer sheets can leave a residue on towels, making them less absorbent.
A laundry expert also previously warned that fabric softener lessens the fire retardancy of clothes and fabrics. In other words, it may make it easier to catch fire.
Consider using white vinegar as a cheaper and more effective fabric softener substitute and reusable wool dryer balls instead of dryer sheets.
You can also use a couple of drops of essential oil for the fragrance effect.
6. Experiment with Different Cycles
Your washing machine comes with a variety of cycles for a reason.
Using the same cycle repeatedly can waste time and energy.
Try the eco cycle, which uses less energy and water, or the quick cycle for smaller loads.
For delicate items, use the delicate or wool wash settings.
7. Clean Your Filters
Dirty filters can make your washing machine work harder, leading to faster wear and tear.
Regularly clean your washing machine and dryer filters to ensure they work as efficiently as possible.
It is also recommended to run an empty washing machine on a cycle with hot water and your cleaning product of choice (can be a store-bought washing machine cleaner or just vinegar) at least once every month to remove detergent residue.
8. Do the Sniff Test
This might surprise some, but not all clothes need to be washed after one wear.
Unless you've been sweating or gotten dirty, most clothes can be worn at least twice before washing.
This reduces the number of loads you need to do, saving money on power, water, and detergent.
9. DIY Your Products
While making your own laundry detergent might be a stretch, you can easily make your own stain removers and in-wash boosters.
Common household items like vinegar (good for softening and removing odours), bi-carb soda (removing odours, softening water and brightening colours), washing up detergent (removing oil stains), and hydrogen peroxide (removing blood stains and whitening) can be used as effective and cheap laundry boosters.
10. Consider a Front Loader
While top loaders may be cheaper upfront, they use more power and water in the long run.
A front loader might be more expensive initially, but it will save you money over time.
.png){kind=icon}
