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Save money in the laundry room with these budget-saving tips! From cutting detergent costs to energy-efficient practices, learn how to tackle Mount Laundry without breaking the bank. Discover DIY solutions for homemade stain removers, fabric softeners, and more.
Climbing Mount Laundry is a necessity. But it can also create a HUGE expense. So how can you save money in the laundry room?
When you have seven people in your family, laundry can be a huge expense and take a tremendous amount time. These are some of my favorite tips ever for saving money and time in the laundry room.
How to Save Money on Laundry Detergent
If you want to save money in the laundry room, start with the one thing you use most often.
Saving money on laundry detergent is quite simple. Here are some tips to help you cut down on laundry detergent costs:
Use the Right Amount
Many people use more detergent than necessary. Follow the recommended dosage on the detergent packaging, and consider using less if you have a smaller load or if your water is soft.
Choose a Budget-Friendly Brand
Compare prices and opt for less expensive laundry detergent brands. Generic or store-brand detergents often offer a more economical option without sacrificing cleaning power.
Buy in Bulk
Purchase laundry detergent in bulk at Sam’s Club or Costco to take advantage of lower unit prices. This is often more cost-effective than buying smaller containers.
Look for Sales and Coupons
Keep an eye out for sales, promotions, and coupons for laundry detergent.
I purchase laundry detergent when I have matching coupons for a sale at drugstores (like Walgreens and CVS.) If the deal includes getting Walgreens Cash, Walgreens Register Rewards, of CVS ExtraCare Bucks, that’s even better!
Stockpiling when prices are reduced or using coupons can lead to significant savings.
Use a High-Efficiency (HE) Detergent
If you have a high-efficiency washing machine, use a detergent specifically designed for HE machines. These detergents are formulated to be more concentrated, so you need less for each load.
Pre-treat Stains
Address stains promptly before washing to reduce the need for additional detergent. Pre-treating can help you use less detergent and still achieve effective cleaning.
I often pretreat stains by rubbing in a drop of dishwashing detergent as soon as I can. This has saved me tons of money since it always works and I don’t need to replace clothes.
Make Your Own Detergent
Consider making your own homemade laundry detergent using simple ingredients like soap, washing soda, and borax. Personally, I have tried homemade laundry detergent and still prefer to wait until my favorite brand goes on sale and stock up.
RELATED: Homemade Liquid Laundry Detergent
Use Cold Water
Washing clothes in cold water is not only environmentally friendly but can also save money in the laundry room. Cold water is effective for many types of laundry and requires less energy to heat.
Optimize Washer Settings
Adjust your washing machine settings according to the size and soil level of the load. Using the appropriate settings can reduce the need for extra detergent.
Remember to consider the specific needs of your laundry, such as the type of washing machine you have, water hardness, and the size of your typical loads when implementing these tips.
How to Save Money on Liquid Fabric Softener
If you love using liquid fabric softener, here are some great money saving tips:
Use the Right Amount (Again)
Similar to laundry detergent, many people use more fabric softener than necessary.
When you open a new container of liquid fabric softener or laundry detergent, check the back of the container to see where your fill line should be. It is almost never to the top.
Make a mark with a permanent marker on the line to remind you and anyone else doing laundry in your home not to use too much.
Follow the recommended dosage on the fabric softener packaging, and consider using less if you have a smaller load or if your water is soft.
RELATED: How to Make Homemade Liquid Fabric Softener
Dilute with Water
You can dilute liquid fabric softener with water to extend its use. Mix one part fabric softener with one part water, and use this diluted solution in your laundry.
This not only helps you save money in the laundry room but also reduces the impact on the environment.
Use Alternative Softeners
Consider using alternative products or methods to achieve softness without relying solely on liquid fabric softener:
- Dryer balls
- White vinegar – One of the easiest solutions for softening your laundry is to pour white distilled vinegar into your rinse cycle. Despite your fears, I promise that your laundry will not come out smelling like pickles.
- Vinegar with Essential Oils – If you cannot get over the vinegar smell you can also mix a solution:2 cups White Vinegar
2 cups Baking Soda
4 cups Water
4-8 drops Essential Oil (for fragrance only) - Dryer Sponges – Cut some cheap sponges in half and throw them in the bucket with your liquid softener. When you add your laundry to the dryer squeeze out a sponge and add it to the dryer.
Make Homemade Liquid Fabric Softener
If you have the time, you can always make your own liquid fabric softener.
Add Fabric Softener Later in the Wash
Some washing machines have a feature that allows you to add fabric softener during the rinse cycle. This ensures that the fabric softener is used more efficiently and doesn’t get diluted or washed away too soon.
Opt for Dryer Sheets
If you’re open to alternatives, consider using dryer sheets instead of liquid fabric softener. Dryer sheets are often less expensive, and one sheet can be used for multiple loads.
Use Less Frequently
You don’t have to use fabric softener in every wash. Reserve it for loads that truly need it, such as those with rough fabrics or heavy towels.
How to Save Money on Fabric Softener Sheets
I stockpile fabric softener sheets at super low prices especially when I can also use coupons. Here are more ideas for saving money on softener sheets:
Use Half a Sheet
Cut dryer sheets in half before using. They still work just as well. Then, keep an empty tissue box on the dryer for the used dryer sheets. You can use them to dust furniture.
Make Your Own Dryer Sheets
Take an old towel and cut into 3 by 3 inch squares or use washcloths.
Put the fabric squares in a bowl and add the liquid softener. Let the fabric soak up all that they can of the softener. Then, ring them out just enough that they will not drip.
Hang the homemade dryer sheets and let them completely dry out.
You should be able to use one sheet up to 12 times before you have to re-soak.
What Time Should I Do Laundry to Save Money?
To understand whether you can save money in the laundry room by washing and/or drying at different times, you need to research your local utility companies.
Off-Peak Hours
Energy rates are often lower during regular business hours when many people are at work. You should also consider doing laundry during off-peak hours, typically after 8 or 9 PM and before 7 AM.
Check Your Utility’s Time-of-Use Rates
Some utility companies offer time-of-use rates, where electricity costs vary depending on the time of day. Take advantage of lower rates during non-peak hours.
Use Delayed Start Feature
If your washing machine and dryer have a delayed start feature, you can set them to start during off-peak hours. This allows you to take advantage of lower energy rates without being physically present.
Consider Weekends
Some utility providers offer lower rates on weekends. Check your utility’s rate schedule to see if this applies and plan your laundry accordingly.
How Can I Save Energy in the Laundry Room?
Finding ways to reduce your washing machine usage will immediately help you save energy in the laundry room.
Full Loads Only
Wash only full loads since it takes just as much energy to wash a small load as it does a large load. If you have to combine multiple colors to fill a load, using a color safe detergent can prevent color bleeding.
Use Cold Water
Remember that water costs money to heat. Unless labels specify otherwise, wash your loads on the cold cycle.
You can also skip those special “cold wash” formulas. Regular laundry detergent works equally well.
Air Dry When Possible
Typically, the dryer is one of the biggest energy hogs in your home. Whenever weather and space permit, consider air-drying your clothes instead of using a dryer. This can significantly reduce energy consumption.
Clean the Lint Trap
Always empty the lint trap every single time you dry clothes in the dryer.
Periodically, use a dryer brush to clean the trap completely. This allows your dryer to heat and dry the clothes more efficiently but also prevents a fire hazard.
Keep the Dryer Warm
When the dryer buzzes, hop to it! Dry your loads back to back so the dryer does not have to cool down between cycles. The residual heat will help dry your clothes faster.
Dry Similar Fabrics Together
Lightweight sheets need far less time in the dryer than heavy towels. Jeans require more drying time than chino pants.
Grouping similarly weighted items will cut down on dryer time.
RELATED: Teaching Children to Sort Laundry
Energy-Efficient Appliances
If possible, invest in energy-efficient appliances. They might cost more upfront but can save you money in the long run by using less energy.
Tip: Learn how to calculate the amount of energy your appliances use HERE.
More Tips for Saving in the Laundry Room
Need more tips? How about saving money and time in the laundry room?
Mesh Bags
Use a mesh bag when washing/drying socks, especially baby socks, to keep them together.
Or, if you are like me and don’t want to touch those nasty boy socks, place “stranger” socks without matches in a basket next to the washer.
Once a month or so, sit down with the basket and sort the matches. (This also makes a fun matching game for kids!)
Homemade Spray Starch
If you iron your clothes, make your own spray starch by combining 2 tablespoons cornstarch and 1 pint cold water. Place in spray bottle and shake well before each use.
Homemade Wrinkle Releaser
I rarely iron but I don’t buy expensive wrinkle releaser.
To make my own wrinkle release spray, I mix 1 tablespoon liquid fabric softener and one pint of water in a reusable spray bottle.
Homemade Stain Remover
A little drop of dishwashing liquid will solve most stains when treated promptly. But, if you have a tougher job ahead, get the recipes for three different homemade stain removers for clothing I recommend.
How do you save money in the laundry room?
Leave me a comment! I am always looking for more money saving tips.
Try these other homemade cleaners:
- Homemade Powdered Laundry Detergent
- Homemade Stain Remover for Clothes
- How to Make Homemade Liquid Fabric Softener
- Homemade Dishwashing Powder
- Homemade Cleaning Products that Work (and some that don’t)
Get more laundry tips:
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