Most people will agree that getting laundry done is probably one of the least favorable chores. The fact that washers and dryers are some of the costliest appliances to run doesn’t exactly make us get through the task with enjoyment, either.
Since most households are required to do at least six or so laundry loads per month, it may be in everyone’s best interest to try and reduce energy usage and the costs involved in getting this chore done.
Do Cold Washes
Washing your clothes in cold water is a double win since you’re using less energy, plus your clothes will also wear less and, therefore, last a lot longer. Hot water wears the clothes, and it may even shrink, fade, or wrinkle certain fabrics, so it’s best to avoid it as much as you possibly can. Only use hot water to wash clothes when sanitizing is the goal.
Air Dry When Possible
Out of all the home appliances, the tumble dryer is the one that uses the most energy. To reduce energy costs coming from the tumble dryer, you can try to hang clothes out to dry whenever possible.
Get Energy Saving Appliances
The biggest cost of doing laundry comes from the appliances we use. By opting for laundry appliances that have been certified to save energy, you can use up to 30% less energy and, therefore, save big when running these machines.
Make Your Own Laundry Detergent
There are several online recipes for DIYing homemade laundry detergent. The nice thing about creating your detergent is that there are no unwanted chemicals landing on the clothes that make contact with your skin. Plus, it’ll work out cheaper than detergent in the store.
Read More: 8 DIY Cleaning Supplies Recipes You Can Make To Save Money
Buy Generic Brand Laundry Detergent
If making your detergent from scratch is not for you, then perhaps this is. Opting for cheaper laundry detergent brands is another way to save on laundry costs. Name-brand detergents always cost a heckuva a lot more than store or generic-brand ones. Luckily, there are tons of options out there for a fraction of the price.
Zip and Button Up
It’s always a good idea to zip up or button up your garments before they enter the washing machine and tumble dryer. Failing to do so runs the risk of these bits getting stuck somewhere, and this can damage the garments and the washing machine or tumble dryer.
By getting into a habit of checking all garments before they enter a washing machine, you could potentially save yourself from a costly accident.
Wash Less
Certain clothing items only require washing periodically. Unless you work outdoors or in a fish deli, the chances that you need to wash your coat every week are low.
Wash Hands
If your hands are clean, then your clothes will stay cleaner. A lot of the dirt we get on our clothes comes from dirty hands. By keeping your hands clean, you may be able to keep your clothes cleaner for longer, and therefore, they won’t need to be washed regularly, which will reduce your energy costs too.
