Laundry is a big job in many homes. Washing, drying, and folding clothes takes a lot of time and money. We spend money on soap, water, electricity, and our clothes wear out faster. All these costs add up and take a big part of our monthly budget.
Most American homes spend about $1,500 each year on laundry. This includes the cost of washing machines, dryers, soap, softeners, and electricity.
The good news is that you can lower these costs without having dirty clothes. By making a few easy changes to how you do laundry, you can save money and energy while keeping your clothes clean and fresh.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through 16 practical ways to save money on laundry. You’ll learn how to make small adjustments that add up to big savings over time. These tips are easy to implement and don’t require any special skills or expensive equipment.
Do you already use any of these strategies? Or do you have other money-saving tips to share? Let us know in the comments!
Use Dryer Balls
Dryer balls are a simple tool that helps your clothes dry faster and uses less energy. They are made of wool or rubber and move around in the dryer, keeping clothes apart so hot air can move through better.
This helps air move more easily, which can make drying time shorter by up to 25%. This means you save a lot of energy over time. Dryer balls also help reduce static and wrinkles, so you might not need dryer sheets or fabric softeners anymore.
You only need to buy them once, but they can save you money on your energy bills for a long time.
Wash Full Loads (But Don’t Overload)
Washing full loads is a smart way to optimize water and energy usage. It’s more efficient than running several small loads throughout the week. But be careful not to overload the machine. Cramming too many clothes in can reduce cleaning effectiveness and strain the washer.
A good rule of thumb is to fill the machine about three-quarters full. This balance ensures you’re using water and energy efficiently while still getting your clothes clean.
Wash Clothes Less Frequently
Many people wash their clothes too much. This wastes water and energy and makes clothes wear out faster. Things like jeans, sweaters, and jackets don’t need to be washed often unless they look dirty or smell bad.
If you hang your clothes outside after wearing them, they might smell fresh again without needing a full wash. Washing clothes only when they really need it can help you save money on bills and make your clothes last longer.
Air-Dry Clothes Whenever Possible
Dryers are among the most energy-hungry appliances in homes. Air-drying clothes is a simple yet effective way to cut down on energy use. Setting up a clothesline outside or using a drying rack indoors can make a big difference in your energy consumption.
This method not only saves electricity but also helps clothes last longer. Fabrics experience less wear and tear when air-dried, which means you’ll spend less on replacing worn-out clothes.
Use the Right Amount of Detergent
Using too much detergent is a common mistake that wastes money and can actually make your clothes less clean. Excess detergent can leave residue on clothes, requiring extra rinses and more water.
It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for detergent use, which often recommend less than you might expect. If you have a high-efficiency (HE) washer, make sure to use HE detergent, which is designed to work with less water.
Using the correct amount of detergent not only saves money but also ensures your clothes get properly clean.
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Clean the Dryer’s Lint Filter After Every Use
A clean lint filter is very important for your dryer to work well. If the filter is blocked, it makes the dryer work harder. This means it takes longer to dry clothes and uses more energy.
Cleaning the lint filter after each use is a simple habit that can make your dryer work better. It also helps prevent fires, which makes it important for safety and saving energy.
Dry Similar Fabrics Together
Grouping similar fabrics when drying clothes can optimize your dryer’s efficiency. Lightweight fabrics like t-shirts and underwear dry much faster than heavy items like towels or jeans.
When you mix these different types, you risk over-drying the light items while the heavier ones are still damp. Separating them allows you to remove the lighter items sooner, reducing overall drying time and energy use.
This method also helps prevent unnecessary wear on your lighter clothes.
Use Cold Water for Most Loads
Did you know that about 90% of the energy your washing machine uses goes into heating water? That’s a lot of energy and money going down the drain. The good news is that modern detergents work well in cold water.
You can use cold water for everyday loads and save a lot of energy. Only use warm or hot water for heavily soiled items. This simple switch can significantly reduce your energy bills without compromising the cleanliness of your clothes.
Use the High-Spin Cycle
The high-spin cycle on your washing machine is a great way to save energy. It removes more water from your clothes, so they dry faster. This means your dryer uses less energy.
Using the high-spin cycle might make your wash take a bit longer, but it can cut down your energy use and drying time a lot.
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Utilize Your Dryer’s Sensor Setting
Many modern dryers come equipped with moisture sensors that can detect when clothes are dry. These sensors allow the dryer to stop automatically once the clothes reach the desired dryness level, preventing over-drying and wasted energy.
Using the sensor setting instead of timed drying can lead to substantial energy savings. It also helps protect your clothes from damage caused by excessive heat exposure, extending their lifespan and saving you money on replacements.
Fix Leaky Hoses and Faucets
Small leaks in your laundry area can waste a surprising amount of water over time. A leaky faucet or washer hose might seem minor, but it can add up to gallons of wasted water each day. Regularly inspect your laundry setup for any signs of leaks or drips.
Fixing these issues promptly can prevent water waste and potential water damage to your home. Most minor leaks can be repaired easily and inexpensively, leading to immediate savings on your water bill.
Make or Use Concentrated Laundry Detergent
Strong laundry detergents can save you a lot of money. You need less of them for each load, so the bottle lasts longer and you don’t need to buy detergent as often.
Some people make their own detergent using things like baking soda and washing soda. Making your own detergent can be very cheap and lets you choose what goes into it.
Both strong store-bought and homemade detergents can help you save a lot on laundry costs over time.
Install a Water Softener (If Needed)
In places with hard water, using a water softener can save you money on laundry. Hard water needs more soap to clean well, and it can make clothes wear out quicker.
A water softener takes out the minerals that make water hard. This means you can use less soap and your clothes will last longer. Even though buying a water softener costs money at first, it can save you money in the long run by using less soap and making your clothes and appliances last longer.
Regularly Maintain Your Washing Machine
Regular maintenance of your washing machine can improve its efficiency and prevent costly breakdowns. Simple tasks like cleaning the drum, checking and cleaning the filter, and inspecting hoses can keep your machine running smoothly.
For front-loading washers, it’s important to clean the door seal regularly to prevent mold growth. These maintenance steps can extend the life of your washing machine, improve its performance, and prevent energy waste due to inefficient operation.
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Use Energy-Efficient Appliances
When it’s time to replace your washer or dryer, investing in energy-efficient models can lead to significant long-term savings. Look for appliances with the Energy Star label, which indicates they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines.
These machines often use less water and electricity than standard models. While energy-efficient appliances might have a higher upfront cost, the savings on utility bills over the life of the appliance often outweigh the initial expense.
Plus, many energy companies offer rebates for purchasing energy-efficient appliances, providing additional savings.
Lower Your Home Water Heater Temperature
Using hot water for some laundry can help you save energy if you lower your water heater temperature. Most water heaters are set too high for daily use, like doing laundry.
Setting your water heater to 120°F (49°C) is enough to clean clothes well and uses less energy. This change will save you money on laundry and lower your home’s energy costs.
Laundry Savings: Your Next Steps
These 16 tips offer practical ways to cut your laundry costs. Start small, try cold water washes or air-drying some clothes. As you get comfortable, add more strategies to your routine. Energy-efficient appliances and better maintenance provide long-term benefits.
Remember, each change contributes to lower bills and a healthier planet. Your laundry routine can become a powerful tool for saving money and reducing your environmental impact.
Take action today and watch your savings grow with every load!
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