How to Save Money When Doing Your Laundry
Laundry. It's an inescapable part of life. Some of us may choose to wash, fold, and return all of our clothes to their proper locations on a certain day each week. Others will resort to one load a day. Some clothing items can be worn more than once before making their way to the laundry basket, but no matter how one chooses to schedule this chore, dirty clothing will inevitably pile up in premonition. So the next time you pick up the laundry basket, consider the fact that there are ways to save money while cleaning those clothes. A few simple tips could equate to hundreds of dollars in savings each year.
Upgrade Your Equipment
There are a number of elements which can be factored into the cost of washing and drying clothes. Perhaps the biggest expense is the cost of energy. If you have an older washer and dryer, consider upgrading. Energy Star models are the most energy-efficient appliances on the market, and they can represent hundreds of dollars in savings. Shop around and time your purchase carefully to get a good deal on this investment.
Use Cold Water
Another way to reduce energy usage while washing clothes is to lower the temperature setting on your water heater. Ninety percent of the energy used by a washing machine goes toward heating the water, so adjust that temperature gauge and wash clothes in a cold water cycle. Experiment with various detergents to find one that works well with cold water.
Cut Back On Detergent
Laundry detergent accounts for another expense. Make sure that you are only using the minimum amount necessary with each load. Read the label and check the detergent cap carefully to make sure that you are filling it properly. Some manufacturers will create a prominent line on the cap that looks as if it is the designated fill line, but in reality, this is a deception to get consumers to use more detergent than necessary. In most cases, only about 1/4 cup is needed for a medium sized load. Also, consider buying detergent in bulk, purchasing generic brands, or even making your own, for additional savings.
Other Tips
- Only wash and dry full loads for optimal energy usage. At the same time, take care not to overload. This could result in clothes not getting clean and requiring a second washing, and an overloaded dryer will have to work twice as hard and twice as long.
- When drying clothing, only run the dryer until clothes are dry, and take them out promptly before they become wrinkled, requiring extra drying time. If the weather is accommodating, why not line-dry some items rather than wasting energy? Your clothes will smell fresher without the use of any fabric softener --bingo! Additional savings.
- When you do use the machine, consider dryer balls. These products replace fabric softeners effectively, and they can last up to five years, making them a cost-saving choice.
- Make sure to maintain your dryer by cleaning out the filter after each use and occasionally checking the outside vent to make sure that it is not restricted in any way. The hood over the vent should stay closed to prevent cold air from blowing up the hose and making your dryer work harder, which will in turn increase energy costs.
Additional Resources:
- Laundry Costs Calculator: The cost of washing clothing is broken down here. Use the calculator to view cost-per-load scenarios.
- Energy Star Clothes Washers: Research Energy Star products, and search for special offers and rebates.
- Ten Homemade Laundry Soap Detergent Recipes: Learn to make your own detergent and save money, too.
- Setting up a Clothesline: A simple do-it-yourself guide to putting up a clothesline.
- Energy-Saving Tips: Saving energy = saving money.