If you are anything like me, there is currently at least one pile of laundry waiting for you. In my case, there may be like 4… Laundry is inevitable and isn’t cheap! Take it from a mom of four. Laundry is a cost that I am always trying to get down! So how do you do loads of laundry without spending loads of cash?
How to Save Money on Laundry in 2019
There are many very creative tips out there, but I’m all about using the most effective ones!
Use Cold Water
When you think about cost, hot vs. cold water might not be your first thought, but it should be! Though you will use the same amount of water, hot water requires heating. Whether your water heater runs on gas or electricity, it is still an expense that adds up fast!
Did you know that almost every liquid laundry detergent is designed to work in cold water? Hot water should only be used when clothing is highly soiled or labeled; otherwise says to use hot/warm water.
Switching from hot to cold water can save you around 30 cents a load. Considering the average American family does a minimum of 1 load a day, that’s an easy $110 a year back in your budget! The larger the family, the bigger the savings this is!
Use Coupons to Save Money on Laundry in 2019
When it comes to laundry detergents, those bottles can add up fast! It may feel like the cost of laundry supplies is out of your hands. This is far from the case, though!
By using laundry detergent coupons, you can save a ton of money. Most manufacturers put out coupons ranging from $0.50 to $3.00 off. Combine this with sale prices and store-based coupons, and you can save $3 per bottle.
If you can use different brands, you can purchase based on sales and coupons with various brands. This will give you optimal savings.
If you are brand specific, it is best to watch your brand’s coupons. I am always looking for the latest Tide coupons and watching local ads for sales.
This tip for how to save money on laundry in 2019 can easily save you $150 or more a year!
By Less Expensive Laundry Products
If you have a membership to a box store, you may be able to get their off brands even cheaper. Dryer sheets are a great example of this. Most all dryer sheets do the same job, with the main difference being the scents.
Amazon also offers its brand of Laundry Products. These are typically a few dollars cheaper than name brands, and you can have them delivered to your door free with your prime membership! Don’t have a membership? Try Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial
Check the price per load to see if this would be a good idea for your family. See which route is better for you, whether couponing or brands. For very busy families, this might be the more affordable option due to time restraints.
Stop Buying Dryer Sheets
SnugPad Wool Dryer Balls Natural Fabric Softener, 6 Pack, White, 6 Count
Though an off-brand is cheaper than a name brand, not buying will save a ton! Most boxes of 100 sheets are between $5-$8 each. According to load size, each box of 100 can last a family for around a month. Larger families typically buy a couple of boxes a month,
So what should you do instead? Here are some options for reducing or eliminating dryer sheets:
Aluminum Foil – Roll up a small amount of albumin foil into a tight ball and place it in the dryer. The metal breaks down the cycle of static. These do have to be replaced after every few loads of laundry though
Wool Balls – If you are crafty, you could make your own wool ball from leftover scraps of wool. If you are like me and not so crafty, try buying organic reusable wool balls. They are super affordable and are free of chemicals and dyes. So they are perfect for the whole family.
For how to save money on laundry in 2019, the wool ball is one of my top picks. It can easily save you over $80 a year!
Skip The Dryer all Together!
An outdoor cloth line is a straightforward way to save some money! Even if you don’t have a huge backyard, a small clothesline on a balcony can still offer savings. Since air is free, the only cost you’ll incur is the clotheslines and clothes pins.
Since it costs around .70 an hour to use the dryer, This tip for how to save money on laundry in 2019 can bring an easy $200 back into your budget.
Not looking to hang all your clothes out on the line? Try just drying your towels, blankets, and sheets out. This will significantly reduce your bill since these items take much more time to dry!
Make sure you sort correctly.
When it comes to tips on how to save money on laundry, sorting doesn’t seem like a tip you would see. However, this is a substantial money-saving tip!
When we were kids, our moms sorted by color. With modern laundry detergents, this isn’t necessary anymore. Check your labels and separate clothing that says to wash with like colors. Jeans and other materials with dark dyes should be washed alone during their first wash. Unless, of course, you want your white t-shirt to turn indigo blue.
Sort by Fabric Type
Our fabrics come in all different weights and textures. Make sure you are sorting them accordingly. Heavy fabrics can wear down lighter ones over time. And when you wash them together, the lighter ones can be over-dried when trying to get the heavier ones all the way dry.
Athletic wear and delicate are always best when washed separately. Delicates can also be washed in a unique bag or hand-washed to make them last longer. If you need some additional help in sorting out your laundry for a more effective clean, then you may want to learn the Laundress’s method to do the best you can for your clothing.
Wash your Washer!
Did you know that you need to clean your Washer sometimes? Most newer washers will signal when they need cleaning. With newer washers, follow the instructions in your owner’s manual. When it comes to older washers, check out this excellent guide by Better Homes and Gardens on how to clean your Washer.
By maintaining your Washer, you can save money on laundry by avoiding costly repairs!
Upgrade to Energy Efficient Appliances!
Westland WDC7100XC Sales Energy Star Ventless Combo Washer/Dryer with Auto Dry Cycle
When using an older model washer or dryer, you are inevitably spending more money on energy costs. It is always best to upgrade to an Energy Star Appliance when financially possible. These appliances not only use less energy, but they also use several gallons less per load. Within a year or so of use, you’ll have already made the cost difference back.
How to Save Money on Laundry in 2019
Many energy companies like Ameren will pay you to upgrade! They have programs that will pay you $50-$200 for upgrading and will pick up the old appliance free of charge! This is a win-win for everyone! Contact your local energy service provider to see if they have a program in your area!
Applying these tips can easily save hundreds of dollars on laundry. Do you have another great tip to save money on laundry in 2019? Let us know in the comments below!
