Laundry is a chore that never seems to end and often costs more than you expect. Each load adds up—not just detergent, but water, energy, and wear on your machine. Finding simple ways to save on laundry makes sense. A few dollars saved each week can grow into big savings over a year. You can cut costs without losing clean clothes or ease. Here are some easy tips and smart swaps to keep your laundry fresh and your budget healthy.
Smart Laundry Habits That Save Money
Saving money on laundry doesn’t require big sacrifices. It starts with rethinking daily habits and making a few easy changes.
Only Wash Clothes and Linens That Are Dirty
Kids toss clothes in the hamper after five minutes—sometimes they don’t even make it that far, just the floor. But most clothes don’t need washing every time you wear them. If you wore a shirt for a couple of hours and didn’t spill on it, hang it up and wear it again.
Sweaters worn over shirts stay cleaner longer. Jeans, bras, and pajamas can usually go several wears before needing a wash, unless you were sweating or got caught in the rain. These habits cut down on detergent, water, and energy, and they help your clothes last longer. If you’ve ever noticed how your favorite shirt looks old before its time, frequent washing is probably to blame.
Wash Full Loads Only
It’s tempting to run a small load because you’re low on clean socks, but the washing machine uses nearly the same amount of water and energy whether it’s full or half-full. Waiting until you have a full load means you get the most out of each wash.
Full loads also save on detergent, utility costs, and the time spent sorting, folding, and putting away laundry. If you have clothes that shouldn’t mix, try consolidating by color or fabric weight so you get the biggest load possible without risking stains or damage.
Use Cold Water Whenever Possible
Heating water eats up a lot of energy, and energy costs money. Unless your laundry is greasy or heavily soiled, cold water does the job just fine, especially with today’s detergents. Most everyday clothes get clean without the heat, from shirts and jeans to towels and sheets.
There’s a myth that cold water doesn’t clean well, but modern formulas break down dirt and oils at any temperature. Cold water is gentle on fabrics too, which helps clothes stay bright and look new longer.
Measure Detergent Carefully
More suds don’t mean cleaner clothes. Using too much detergent can leave residue behind and even damage your washing machine over time. The correct amount is usually much less than you’d guess.
Most detergents come with a cap or scoop marked for different load sizes. Less is usually more, so start with the smallest recommended amount and see how clean your clothes come out. Using less not only saves on detergent costs, it helps your washer run better and reduces buildup on clothes.
Optimize Wash Frequency
Think twice before tossing clothes into the hamper at the end of each day. Washing less often shrinks your laundry pile, stretches supplies, and wears out fabrics more slowly. If you have kids or a busy family, encourage everyone to hang up barely worn items or designate a spot for “clean enough to wear again” clothes.
Every load you skip puts a few dollars back in your pocket and gives you a little more free time. That’s a win-win.
Frugal Solutions for Laundry Products and Equipment
Laundry products and machines can drain your budget if you’re not careful. The good news? Small tweaks and DIY solutions go a long way.
Do Your Laundry During Off-Peak Hours
Electricity rates can fluctuate based on the time of day. Doing laundry during off-peak hours—like early morning in summer or later in the evening during winter—often means lower costs. Check your energy provider’s website or bill for the best times to run the washer and dryer.
A quick warning: Running machines when everyone is asleep means no one’s around if there’s a leak or malfunction. Try to plan your loads so you’re awake and alert, even if you’re multitasking with other chores.
Make Your Own Reusable Dryer Balls and Avoid Dryer Sheets
Dryer sheets are handy, but they add up over time. Wool dryer balls are a cheap, reusable alternative. You can make them from 100% wool yarn by simply winding yarn into a ball, securing the end, and washing it in a hot cycle to “felt” the fibers together.
Dryer balls separate clothes, reduce static, and help them dry faster (saving energy). Plus, you avoid the chemicals and fragrances in many commercial sheets. A few drops of essential oil on a dryer ball can add a fresh scent without extra cost.
Make Your Own Laundry Detergent
Store-bought detergents come with a hefty markup. Simple DIY recipes use washing soda, borax, and bar soap. These basic ingredients clean just as well for a fraction of the price.
A typical homemade batch costs only a few dollars and lasts for months. For liquid detergent fans, recipes using castile soap and baking soda are easy to find. Some people worry about residue from DIY mixes, but starting with small batches lets you test what works best for your laundry.
Maximize Natural Drying Methods
One of the quickest ways to save is to use less machine drying. Air drying works both indoors and out. In summer, a porch, balcony, or backyard clothesline does double duty—sunlight kills bacteria and freshens fabric.
Indoors, a simple drying rack or even hangers on your shower rod or hooks do the trick. This keeps utility bills down and helps clothes last. Towels and sheets dry crisp and fresh after a few hours in the sun.
Line Dry Your Clothes
Line drying isn’t just for country living. Even a city apartment has options: portable racks, hangers, or a retractable line in the shower. Sunlight naturally bleaches stains, and line drying prevents shrinking. Plus, it’s completely free.
If you find line-dried clothes stiff, give them a shake before hanging. A short spin in the dryer (say, 10 minutes on low) at the end softens fabrics without breaking the bank.
Perform Regular Maintenance on Your Washer and Dryer
A few minutes of care each month can save big on repairs later. Clean the lint trap before every dryer load to improve air flow and drying speed. Once a month, check hoses for leaks and run the washer on a hot cycle (empty, with a cup of vinegar) to clear out buildup.
Every six months, vacuum under and behind the machines. Clear out dryer vents to prevent fires and get machines working efficiently. Well-maintained machines last longer and cost less in the long run.
