Did you know the average American family does 400 loads of wash per year? That’s a lot of water, energy and money going down the drain—literally. If you’re like many others looking to make smart money choices, we’ve got laundry tips that can help you save money in the long run.
Tip #1: Skip the fabric softener or make your own
Vinegar is a natural fabric softener and a static reducer. And essential oils are a great way to keep fabrics smelling fresh. With these and a few other household items, you’ve got everything you need for DIY fabric softener.
Cut scraps of color-safe fabric into 5×5 pieces (pinking shears work best). Place in a sealed container that contains ½-cup vinegar scented with a couple drops of your favorite essential oil(s). And voila! You have DIY fabric softener. Dryer balls are another viable alternative to store-bought fabric softener. Made of either wool or plastic, dryer balls are reusable, chemical-free and help to lessen dry time, soften fabric and reduce static. See our video tutorial on how to make your own dryer balls.
Tip #2: Take a day off
Although it may be tempting to do laundry daily, washing full, rather than partial, loads saves on water and energy. Regardless of its size, you use about the same amount of energy for each load. Save even more when you dry multiple loads in succession as an already hot dryer doesn’t have to work as hard to heat up.
Tip #3: Line dry your laundry
There’s something about hanging the wash out to dry. It brings back memories of simpler times. And it can also bring down your monthly energy bill an average of 4%. For best results, shake the wrinkles out of clothes before hanging. Hang shirts from the bottom and pants/skirts from the waistband to hide clothespin creases. And avoid hanging sweaters or other stretchy fabrics so they maintain their shape.
Don’t flush your hard-earned cash down the drain. These laundry tips can help you save time and money.