So many things compete for your money these days and let’s face it—laundry isn’t the most exciting way to spend your hard-earned dollars. Discover a few simple ways to save money on laundry with 6 easy tips. After all, wouldn’t it be more fun to spend that money on a new dog sweater for Buddy?
Knowing the Best Time to Do Laundry Leads to Big Energy Savings
You may have wondered if it’s cheaper to do laundry at a certain time of day. If your energy plan offers low rates for energy used during off-peak hours, take advantage of this opportunity to lower your utility costs. Here are some general rules for doing laundry during off-peak hours:
- Winter: Do your laundry at night as people tend to lower the thermostats for their heaters before bedtime.
- Summer: Do your laundry in the early-morning hours before it gets hot enough for people to start turning on their air conditioners.
How Much Detergent Do You Really Need to Get Clothes Clean?
When you’re in a hurry—and we all know, that’s a lot of the time —it’s easy to dump a cap full of detergent into the washer without considering the type or size of the load. But does the load really need that much? You can save on laundry detergent simply by using the correct amount.
When considering how much detergent to use, look at your washer’s manual for the recommendation that works best for your machine. In most cases, it only takes about a tablespoon of laundry detergent per regular load size. You may be able to use less detergent when washing a load of lightly worn clothes.
Forget the Expense of Fabric Softener—Use Vinegar Instead
Another tip to save money on laundry is to use vinegar as a fabric softener. This low-cost alternative loosens detergent residue from fabrics and softens clothes. Just add a half cup of distilled white vinegar during the final rinse cycle.
Vinegar may not smell great straight out of the bottle, but don’t worry—it acts as a deodorizer so your clothes come out smelling wonderfully fresh.
Washer and Dryer Maintenance—Take Care Now, Save Money Later
Routine maintenance goes a long way in saving money. Taking care of your machines with simple maintenance prolongs the life of your equipment and goes a long way in saving money.
Check your user manual for maintenance specific to your machine. In addition, avoid breakdowns and costly repairs with these basic maintenance tips:
- Clean your washer. Add 1 to 2 cups of distilled white vinegar to the liquid detergent dispenser and run your empty washer on the hottest, full-load setting.
- Avoid overloading: An overloaded washer puts added pressure on the washer components and can cause the machine to become unbalanced. This can make parts wear out faster.
- Clean the dryer. Be sure to clean the lint filter after each load. Cleaning the dryer vent a few times a year is something you can do on your own as a way to save money on laundry.
Cool Down Your Budget by Turning Down Your Water Heater Thermostat
When you turn down the thermostat on your water heater, it saves energy on hot and warm wash cycles. This laundry energy saving tip results in lower energy costs. According to the EPA, you’ll reduce your water heating costs by 6-10 percent when you turn the water heater down to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Avoid Over-drying Laundry to Reduce Energy Costs and Protect Clothing
Here’s one last laundry energy saving tip that also saves money. Some dryers have an automatic setting that senses when laundry is dry such as Speed Queen’s Over-dry Protection feature. Use this cycle instead of a timed dry to avoid overdrying. You’ll not only save energy, but it can help your clothes last longer, saving even more in the long run.
You’re Ready to Follow These Tips to Save Money on Laundry
You’ve got this. Easily save money on laundry to help wash the red out of your budget. Free up money for the important things in life like dog sweaters, the yoga class you’ve been wanting to join or a night out for dinner with friends.