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As I said in my previous article, my main method of saving money is to simply do things myself the old-fashioned way. For us, it all starts at home. So I’d like to introduce a series to you titled Saving At Home, in which I share some tips for saving money on everyday things from laundry to cooking to cleaning.
Let’s face it, laundry is never-ending no matter what your home looks like. We all have to do it, whether we like it or not.
So why not try to do it as cheaply as possible? Here are five tips I came up with for you to save on this whole process called laundry.
Make your own laundry soap.
The first place I read about this concept was a little site called The Family Homestead. She figured out that this laundry soap runs about $.01/load, which I calculated to be about 1/10th of the cost of the laundry detergent I was once using. I have used her recipe off and on for years and besides changing the type of soap used, I think it is fantastic.
One other option that some folks have raved about is an interesting little fruit of a tree called soap nuts. These little guys are great if you are interested in sustainability and having a natural washing alternative to harsh detergents.
Skip the dryer sheets.
When I was in college I always used drier sheets. When we got married and pinching pennies was important I simply stopped buying them. I found that it didn’t make much of a difference in the static-cling department and I kind of liked not having such a heavily-perfumed basket of laundry.
Another great option, if you are worried about having softer laundry, is a dryer ball.
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Minimize your dirty clothes pile.
I thought I had done this before we moved off-grid, but since having to wash laundry by hand I have really, truly pared down the amount of clothes that cycle through our family. We each have 1-2 sets of pajamas, 2 sets of work clothes, 1 set of nice clothes, and unlimited amounts of underwear and socks.
We then cycle through these, changing into our nice clothes for important events and changing back into work clothes as soon as we return home. We are conditioned to think that wearing clothes once is “clean”, but this is fairly new in history.
Use a clothesline.
My favorite way to save money on laundry is to hang clothes out to dry. I love the feel and the smell of the dried laundry and the process is meditative and satisfying. According to this article, you can save up to $.45/load by simply hanging your laundry on a clothesline.
Seek out energy efficient appliances.
Right now I am washing our laundry by hand. It takes me about the same amount of time as it did when I was using our electric washer, but now that time is hands-on and I get my workout doing this weekly task rather than paying to go to the gym. This article also helps you count the cost when purchasing a washer or a dryer.
So that is how I save money on that constant task we call laundry. Do you have any tips to share?
When we were in Amway, the tip was to use their liquid fabric softener diluted in a spray bottle. Designate an old washrag as your fabric softener “sheet” and spritz it with the liquid softener. Lasts forever that way.
1. Wear aprons. Not just mom and not just in the kitchen. Dad and the kids. Even your work clothes need protection from some jobs/fun.
2. Manners matter. Seems to me that the ease of shopping and washing and standard surplus of clothes most people own these days makes parents unconcerned with teaching kids to to eat neatly and pay attention to inkpens and not wiping dirty hands on their clothes in the same way my mom used to fuss.
Great Aricle. I too love hanging my clothes out on my “solar dryer” if the weather is nasty – I have a rack that I can hang clothes on inside. For the big stuff when I have to use the dryer – I love my dryer balls – gave up dryer sheets a long time ago – my next step is to make my own laundry soap – thanks for the rcp. For now finishing up store bought – bogo with coupons and boy did I stock up. tell you noting like line dried sheets!
I love it! “Solar dryer” — it really makes all the difference, no?
Yes it does make all the difference! Love hanging my clothes out!
Use vinegar in the wash instead of fabric softener. It has a water softening effect and is a fungicide, so that dank smell will be knocked out. I use more on loads I want sanitary without using harsh bleach. (If you smell it on your clothes, you are using too much.) Bonus: way better for sensitive skin than softener.
I’ve heard that idea! Super smart — white vinegar I assume?
I have never had a dryer. Living in Arizona the Solar Dryer dries in less time than a normal dryer would. I have made my own laundry soap for years now and even have my daughter making her own too. Although she adds Clorox 2 in her recipe, because she uses the dry soap, and her 2 year old daughter’s clothes look brand new. I wouldn’t give up my laundry soap for anything. And when I do a load of laundry, I make sure to use only cold water and always have a full load to cut the costs. I do wash my delicates by hand and also pre-soak my hubby’s grungy work clothes. They come out just as clean as the day he bought them. And I know the workout with hand washing clothes, I have my mother’s scrubbing board that she used when I was a child. And it still works perfectly.
Over her in Australia almost everyone hangs their clothes outside on the line to dry all the time ( well except when it’s wet). I’m amazed at how much of a saving you say it is ~ I’m glad I got into this habit as a child! I haven’t used fabric softener for years ( mainly because my mother didn’t), but recently I’ve been using plain white vinegar as a softener & I’ve noticed the difference it makes! I have experimented with making my own laundry soap, but gave up because it was so easy to buy it, but I think I should go back ~ it really is a whole lot easier.
Thanks for some great tips
Blessings
Renata:)
White vinegar is awesome – and does make a diff;)
i mix equal parts Borax and Washing Soda. That’s it. I use about a tablespoon of the mix in each load. We have a large capacity machine. It works great, and no grating of a soap bar. We’ve been using it for a few months with no issues.
Great tips! My friend and I started a laundry service from our homes a few years ago. We found a little tip that we use on every load now. White vinegar. Add 3/4 cup into the rinse cycle and it acts as a natural fabric softner, saves money, is eco-friendly and helps keep your washing machine clean.
Boston Laundry Care