Wash Smarter, Save Bigger: 17 Laundry Tips for Energy and Budget Wins

Laundry is a never-ending task in most households like ours, and the costs can really add up over time. With three playful and energetic kids, it feels like our washing machine is always running. 

The constant cycle of washing, drying, and folding isn’t just time-consuming, it’s also expensive. Between the cost of detergent, water, electricity, and wear and tear on our clothes, laundry takes a big chunk out of our monthly budget. 

Did you know that the average American household spends at least $1,500 a year on laundry? That includes the costs of washing machines, dryers, detergents, fabric softeners, and energy usage. 

For many families, especially those with young children or active lifestyles, this number can be even higher. It’s a substantial amount that often goes unnoticed when managing household finances.

The good news is that you can slash these costs without sacrificing clean clothes. With a few simple changes to your laundry routine, you can save money and energy while still keeping your wardrobe fresh and clean.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through 17 practical ways to save money on laundry. You’ll learn how to make small adjustments that add up to big savings over time. These tips are easy to implement and don’t require any special skills or expensive equipment. 

Do you already use any of these strategies? Or do you have other money-saving tips to share? Let us know in the comments! 

Use Cold Water for Most Loads 

Did you know that about 90% of the energy your washing machine uses goes into heating water? That’s a lot of energy and money going down the drain. The good news is that modern detergents work well in cold water. 

You can use cold water for everyday loads and save a lot of energy. Only use warm or hot water for heavily soiled items. This simple switch can significantly reduce your energy bills without compromising the cleanliness of your clothes.

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Wash Full Loads (But Don’t Overload)

Washing full loads is a smart way to optimize water and energy usage. It’s more efficient than running several small loads throughout the week. But be careful not to overload the machine. Cramming too many clothes in can reduce cleaning effectiveness and strain the washer. 

A good rule of thumb is to fill the machine about three-quarters full. This balance ensures you’re using water and energy efficiently while still getting your clothes clean.

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Wash Clothes Less Frequently

Many people wash their clothes more often than necessary. Overwashing not only wastes water and energy but also wears out clothes faster. Items like jeans, sweaters, and jackets don’t need frequent washing unless they’re visibly dirty or smelly. 

Airing out clothes after wearing them can often freshen them up without a full wash. By washing clothes only when truly needed, you can save on utilities and extend the life of your garments.

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Use the High-Spin Cycle

The high-spin cycle on your washing machine is a powerful tool for saving energy. This setting extracts more water from your clothes, which means they’ll need less time in the dryer. Less moisture in your laundry translates to less energy required for drying. 

Using the high-spin cycle might add a few minutes to your wash time, but it can significantly reduce your overall energy consumption and drying time.

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Air-Dry Clothes Whenever Possible

Dryers are among the most energy-hungry appliances in homes. Air-drying clothes is a simple yet effective way to cut down on energy use. Setting up a clothesline outside or using a drying rack indoors can make a big difference in your energy consumption. 

This method not only saves electricity but also helps clothes last longer. Fabrics experience less wear and tear when air-dried, which means you’ll spend less on replacing worn-out clothes.

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Try Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Sheets

Earth Breeze offers an innovative and eco-friendly approach to laundry detergent. These detergent sheets are a concentrated, lightweight alternative to traditional liquid or powder detergents. 

Unlike bulky plastic bottles, Earth Breeze comes in biodegradable packaging, making it a sustainable choice. The sheets dissolve completely in the wash, leaving no waste behind. 

I personally use Earth Breeze in our household and have found it effective for our family’s laundry needs. One of the biggest advantages of Earth Breeze is its cost-effectiveness. 

By signing up for a subscription, the cost comes down to about 20 cents per load, which is comparable to many traditional detergents. The subscription model also means you never run out of detergent unexpectedly. 

I’ve actually written a detailed review of Earth Breeze based on our family’s experience. If you’re looking to save money and reduce your environmental impact, Earth Breeze Laundry detergent sheets are worth considering. 

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Clean the Dryer’s Lint Filter After Every Use

A clean lint filter is crucial for dryer efficiency. When the filter is clogged, it reduces airflow and forces the dryer to work harder. This leads to longer drying times and increased energy consumption. 

Cleaning the lint filter after every use is a quick and easy habit that can improve your dryer’s performance. It also helps prevent potential fire hazards, making it an important safety measure as well as an energy-saving tactic.

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Dry Similar Fabrics Together

Grouping similar fabrics when drying clothes can optimize your dryer’s efficiency. Lightweight fabrics like t-shirts and underwear dry much faster than heavy items like towels or jeans. 

When you mix these different types, you risk over-drying the light items while the heavier ones are still damp. Separating them allows you to remove the lighter items sooner, reducing overall drying time and energy use. 

This method also helps prevent unnecessary wear on your lighter clothes. 

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Use Dryer Balls

Dryer balls are a simple yet effective tool for reducing drying time and energy use. These wool or rubber balls bounce around in the dryer, separating clothes and allowing hot air to circulate more efficiently. 

This improved air flow can cut drying time by up to 25%, leading to significant energy savings over time. Dryer balls also help reduce static and wrinkles, potentially eliminating the need for dryer sheets or fabric softeners. 

They’re a one-time purchase that can provide long-term savings on your energy bills.

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Utilize Your Dryer’s Sensor Setting

Many modern dryers come equipped with moisture sensors that can detect when clothes are dry. These sensors allow the dryer to stop automatically once the clothes reach the desired dryness level, preventing over-drying and wasted energy. 

Using the sensor setting instead of timed drying can lead to substantial energy savings. It also helps protect your clothes from damage caused by excessive heat exposure, extending their lifespan and saving you money on replacements.

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Use the Right Amount of Detergent

Using too much detergent is a common mistake that wastes money and can actually make your clothes less clean. Excess detergent can leave residue on clothes, requiring extra rinses and more water. 

It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for detergent use, which often recommend less than you might expect. If you have a high-efficiency (HE) washer, make sure to use HE detergent, which is designed to work with less water. 

Using the correct amount of detergent not only saves money but also ensures your clothes get properly clean.

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Make or Use Concentrated Laundry Detergent

Concentrated laundry detergents can offer significant savings over time. These products require less detergent per load, meaning the bottle lasts longer and you’ll buy detergent less often. 

Some people choose to make their own detergent using common household ingredients like baking soda and washing soda. Homemade detergents can be very cost-effective and allow you to control the ingredients. 

Either option, concentrated or homemade, can lead to substantial savings on your laundry expenses over time.

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Fix Leaky Hoses and Faucets

Small leaks in your laundry area can waste a surprising amount of water over time. A leaky faucet or washer hose might seem minor, but it can add up to gallons of wasted water each day. Regularly inspect your laundry setup for any signs of leaks or drips. 

Fixing these issues promptly can prevent water waste and potential water damage to your home. Most minor leaks can be repaired easily and inexpensively, leading to immediate savings on your water bill.

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Install a Water Softener (If Needed)

In areas with hard water, a water softener can lead to significant savings on laundry costs. Hard water requires more detergent to clean effectively, and it can cause fabric to wear out faster. 

A water softener removes the minerals that make water “hard,” allowing you to use less detergent and extending the life of your clothes. While a water softener is an upfront investment, it can pay for itself over time through reduced detergent use and longer-lasting clothes and appliances.

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Regularly Maintain Your Washing Machine

Regular maintenance of your washing machine can improve its efficiency and prevent costly breakdowns. Simple tasks like cleaning the drum, checking and cleaning the filter, and inspecting hoses can keep your machine running smoothly. 

For front-loading washers, it’s important to clean the door seal regularly to prevent mold growth. These maintenance steps can extend the life of your washing machine, improve its performance, and prevent energy waste due to inefficient operation.

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Use Energy-Efficient Appliances

When it’s time to replace your washer or dryer, investing in energy-efficient models can lead to significant long-term savings. Look for appliances with the Energy Star label, which indicates they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines. 

These machines often use less water and electricity than standard models. While energy-efficient appliances might have a higher upfront cost, the savings on utility bills over the life of the appliance often outweigh the initial expense. 

Plus, many energy companies offer rebates for purchasing energy-efficient appliances, providing additional savings.

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Lower Your Home Water Heater Temperature

If you use hot water for some laundry loads, lowering your water heater temperature can lead to energy savings. Most water heaters are set higher than necessary for everyday use, including laundry. 

Setting your water heater to 120°F (49°C) is usually sufficient for cleaning clothes effectively while reducing energy consumption. This adjustment not only saves money on your laundry but can also lower your overall home energy costs. 

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Laundry Savings: Your Next Steps

These 17 tips offer practical ways to cut your laundry costs. Start small, try cold water washes or air-drying some clothes. As you get comfortable, add more strategies to your routine. Energy-efficient appliances and better maintenance provide long-term benefits. 

Remember, each change contributes to lower bills and a healthier planet. Your laundry routine can become a powerful tool for saving money and reducing your environmental impact. 

Take action today and watch your savings grow with every load!

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AI was used for light editing, formatting, and readability. But a human (me!) wrote and edited this.