Laundry Day: 10 Simple Tricks to Cut Costs and Prolong the Life of Your Clothes

Doing laundry at home can be expensive, especially when you factor in water, electricity, and laundry detergent costs. However, there are laundry habits that you can change to cut costs and make your clothes last longer.

Follow these simple tricks to reduce your laundry expenses and ensure that your clothes look their best for longer.

10 Simple Tricks to Cut Costs When Doing Laundry

It is easy to overspend on laundry without even realizing it.

One common mistake is using too much detergent or fabric softener, which can be costly and harmful to your clothes. Excess detergent can leave residue on clothes, which can lead to skin irritation, allergies, and even damage to the fabric.

Washing clothes in hot water is another splurge. You are using more energy, which can cause shrinkage and fading.

Lastly, using a dryer can be expensive and damage clothes over time. By avoiding these habits, you can save money in the long run.

Here are 10 simple ways to cut costs.

1. Wash in cold water. Using cold water is more energy-efficient and prevents shrinkage and fading. Washing clothes in hot water increases your energy bill and wears out fabrics more quickly. Moreover, several detergents work well in cold water, so you do not have to sacrifice cleaning power.

2. Air-dry clothes. Use a clothesline or drying rack instead of a dryer. Air-drying saves energy and prolongs the life of your clothes by preventing damage. If you are concerned about wrinkles, shake your clothes before hanging them up.

3. Wash full loads. Washing clothes with a full load is a great way to save water and energy. Running smaller loads wastes water and means you are using the washing machine more often, which can increase your energy bills. It also allows clothes to get cleaner as they rub against each other instead of swirling around in an almost empty drum.

4. Use less detergent. Overusing detergent can be harmful to clothes and expensive. Detergents are designed to break down dirt and stains, but using too much can actually leave residue on clothes, which can lead to fading or even mildew. Follow the recommended amount on the detergent bottle or use a measuring cup.

5. Skip fabric softener. Fabric softeners can build up on clothes, causing damage over time.  Instead, use vinegar or baking soda as a natural alternative. Both substances can help neutralize odors and soften clothes without leaving behind a residue.

6. Mend clothes. Learn basic sewing skills and mend clothes instead of replacing them. This saves money and prolongs the life of your clothes. For example, you can easily sew a button back onto a shirt instead of buying a new one.

7. Wash clothes inside out. This prevents fading and other damage to the outside of your clothes. Keep the side that touches your skin on the inside, the fabric is less likely to come into contact with other items in the wash that could cause damage.

8. Sort by color and fabric type. Sorting clothes prevents color bleeding and damage to delicate fabrics, and by taking the time to separate your laundry, you are helping ensure that each item gets the care it needs.

9. Use dryer balls. Dryer balls are a natural and reusable alternative to dryer sheets that can reduce drying time and save energy. This helps clothes dry faster and more evenly, while also softening fabrics and reducing static cling.

10. Invest in high-quality clothes. High-quality clothes might be more expensive, but they last longer and reduce the need for frequent replacement.

Are Wash and Fold Services a Frugal Choice?

Wash and fold services can be a frugal choice for some people. For those who don’t have a laundry room at home, going to a laundromat and spending time on laundry can be more expensive than using a wash and fold service. Those with a home laundry room might not have the time or energy to do laundry themselves. In these cases, outsourcing laundry to a laundry service can save time and energy.

Final Takeaway

Stop splurging on your laundry habits. Splurging affects not only your bank account, but the lifespan of your clothes too. Take time to be frugal when taking care of your clothes. With a little effort and mindfulness, you can make your laundry habits more efficient and eco-friendly, while saving money in the process.

*This is a collaborative post.