Doing laundry is a necessary chore, but it can also take a big chunk out of your monthly budget. Over the years, I’ve learned that with a few simple changes in how I approach laundry, I can save money on detergent, electricity, water, and even clothing wear and tear. It doesn’t take much to make these small changes, and they add up over time. Here are 15 practical ways I’ve found to save money in the laundry room.
Table of Contents
1. Use Less Detergent
One of the easiest ways to save money is to simply use less detergent. Overusing detergent is a common mistake. I used to pour way more than necessary into the washing machine, thinking it would make my clothes cleaner. However, detergent manufacturers often overestimate how much detergent we need. A little goes a long way, especially if you have a high-efficiency machine.
Here’s an example. Let’s say I use two cups of detergent for a load, but I could get away with using just one cup. That’s a savings of 50% on detergent for every load. If I do 10 loads a week, that adds up to 520 loads in a year. At $10 per bottle of detergent (enough for about 32 loads), I could save around $165 per year just by cutting the amount I use in half.
2. Wash with Cold Water
Washing clothes in hot water is costly. I used to think that hot water was necessary to get clothes truly clean, but I’ve found that cold water works just as well for most loads. Plus, it’s gentler on fabrics, which means my clothes last longer.
Here’s a breakdown of the cost difference between hot and cold water washes. Using hot water can increase my energy bill by 50%. If I wash 100 loads per year and each load uses 1 kWh of energy for hot water, that’s an extra $100 annually. By switching to cold water, I can avoid that extra cost.
3. Avoid Overdrying Clothes
Overdrying clothes is a waste of energy. I used to leave the dryer running longer than needed, but now I make sure to set the dryer to the appropriate setting for the fabric type and moisture level. If my clothes are mostly dry, I’ll pull them out earlier to avoid using extra electricity.
By reducing drying time by just 10 minutes per load, I can save $30 or more a year on my energy bill. That may not sound like much, but if you combine it with the other tips, it adds up to significant savings.
4. Air Dry Clothes When Possible
Whenever I can, I air dry clothes instead of using the dryer. I’ve set up a drying rack in my laundry room, and I hang things like towels, sweaters, and delicate items. In the summer, I take advantage of the sun to dry my clothes outside. This simple change has helped me cut down on drying costs.
Air drying clothes can save me around $100 annually, depending on how many loads I air-dry. It’s also better for my clothes, as the dryer can wear out fabrics over time.
5. Maintain Your Washing Machine and Dryer
A washing machine or dryer that isn’t working efficiently can cost me more in energy bills. Regular maintenance is essential. I clean the lint trap after each load and check the dryer vent for blockages. A clogged vent can cause the dryer to work harder, increasing energy use.
I also make sure to clean my washing machine once every few months. By keeping the appliance in good condition, I avoid unnecessary repairs and maintain efficiency, which helps me save on utilities. If I do just a few simple maintenance tasks, I can extend the life of my appliances and prevent costly breakdowns.
6. Use a Drying Rack Instead of the Dryer
For delicates, I now use a drying rack instead of throwing everything in the dryer. This method is gentler on fabrics and helps me avoid using the dryer for items that don’t need it. Items like sweaters, bras, and silk garments last longer when air-dried.
This switch can save me $50 a year on dryer costs. It also reduces wear and tear on clothes, which means I’m not replacing items as frequently.
7. Wash Full Loads
Washing only full loads is a simple change, but it makes a big difference. I used to do smaller loads when I didn’t want to wait for a full load to build up, but now I wait until the washer is full. Washing full loads helps me use water and energy more efficiently.
Let’s do some math. If I used to wash 10 smaller loads a week and now I’m only washing 7 full loads, that’s 3 fewer loads each week. Over the course of a year, I can save more than $100 by cutting back on unnecessary washes.
8. Choose the Right Detergent
The type of detergent I use also makes a big difference in cost. I’ve found that generic or store-brand detergents clean just as well as the name-brand options. Plus, I make sure to buy in bulk, which reduces the cost per load.
If I buy a 150-load container of a generic detergent for $12 instead of a name-brand option for $8 for 32 loads, I save $24 over the course of 150 loads. That’s $24 I can reinvest elsewhere.
9. Use the Right Water Temperature for Different Loads
I’ve realized that not all laundry needs to be washed in hot water. For regular clothing, cold water is fine. I reserve hot water for things like towels or bedding, which may need a deeper clean. This strategy helps me save on water heating costs.
10. Switch to a High-Efficiency Washer and Dryer
If my washing machine and dryer are old and inefficient, I might want to consider replacing them with more energy-efficient models. Modern high-efficiency machines use less water and energy, which translates to long-term savings. Although the upfront cost may be higher, these machines typically pay for themselves in a few years through lower utility bills.
Let’s say I spend $1,000 on a high-efficiency washer and dryer, and these machines save me $150 a year on electricity and water. It would take about 6-7 years to recoup that cost, after which I’ll keep saving.
11. Sort Laundry Efficiently
Sorting laundry properly helps me avoid overloading the washing machine and ensures that clothes are cleaned properly. I’ve learned that it’s best to separate items based on color and fabric type. For example, I wash towels and sheets separately from clothes. This prevents excess wear on delicate fabrics and saves energy by washing like items together.
By not overloading the machine, I avoid wasting water and electricity on underloaded cycles, which can happen when I mix different types of clothes.
12. Use Homemade Detergents
If I’m feeling crafty, I can save even more money by making my own laundry detergent. Homemade detergent typically costs a fraction of what I’d pay for store-bought options. Simple ingredients like washing soda, borax, and castile soap are all I need to create a detergent that works just as well.
If I make enough homemade detergent, I could save as much as $100 per year. This cost savings comes without sacrificing cleaning power, and I know exactly what ingredients are going into my detergent.
13. Use a Clothesline or Outdoor Drying Rack
When the weather is nice, I love using a clothesline or outdoor drying rack instead of the dryer. This not only saves on energy costs but also leaves my clothes smelling fresh. Drying in the sun can help eliminate germs and odors, which is a bonus.
14. Fix Minor Clothing Issues at Home
Instead of replacing clothes with small tears or missing buttons, I take a few minutes to repair them myself. A simple sewing kit can save me from buying new clothes unnecessarily. Over time, I’ve learned how to hem pants, fix buttons, and mend small rips, saving money on new items.
Let’s say I repair 10 items each year that would have cost $15 each to replace. That’s $150 saved annually.
15. Wash Clothes Less Frequently
Sometimes, I don’t need to wash clothes after every wear. I’ve learned to stretch out the life of clothes like jeans, sweaters, and jackets by wearing them multiple times before washing. This not only saves water and detergent but also helps my clothes last longer.
Let’s say I reduce the frequency of washing by one load per week. If that adds up to 52 fewer loads each year, I could save a substantial amount on water, electricity, and detergent.
Conclusion
Saving money in the laundry room doesn’t require drastic changes. By implementing these simple tips, I’ve been able to lower my utility bills, reduce the amount of detergent I use, and make my clothes last longer. While the savings from each tip may seem small on their own, they quickly add up over time. Whether it’s using less detergent, switching to cold water, or drying clothes on a rack, these small changes make a big impact on my budget—and they’ll likely help you, too.
