Laundry is one of those never-ending chores that can also feel like a never-ending money drain.
Having to buy laundry detergent, stain remover, bleach, fabric softener, and/or dryer sheets, and then on top of that you have the cost of electricity, laundry adds up fast money-wise.

Money Saving Laundry Tips and Tricks
There’s a mixed feeling when laundry day (lol we never had a “day”, it was EVERY day). Washing clothes is big chore, especially when you have a big family.
That means your loads of laundry will be doubled or more, that means it takes more time and money.
Just joking.
I have 4 kids who are all grown now – but, the day I was watching 7th Heaven and the Mom made Ruthie start doing her own laundry was a freeing day for me! rofl! My kids learned straightaway after that!
Some people think buying the expensive liquid detergent and fabric softeners or having a high-efficiency washer and dryer is the key saving money on their laundry.
But sometimes all you need are a few tips and tricks to save money while taking good care of your clothes – cause that’s a huge investment you want to make sure you protect, too.
Now, you could consider a laundry service, trust me, at times I seriously looked into it, but if you’re going to do that you’d have to sit down and do some serious “figurin”‘ to make sure financially it made sense..
With a few simple money-saving laundry tips and tricks, you can cut down on your laundry expenses and make the most of your laundry routine.
Here are some of the best tips and tricks for saving money on laundry.
Let’s get started!
1. Wash Less Often
You don’t have to wash clothes every day. Do it once a week instead, if you can. That way, you can save laundry detergent, fabric conditioner, stain remover, electricity, and water.
While it’s important to keep your clothes clean, you don’t need to wash them after every wear. In fact, washing clothes too often can cause them to wear out more quickly. Instead, consider wearing items more than once before washing them, especially if they haven’t been worn for very long.
When you think about it, it will take you less time when you wash dirty laundry in bulk instead of washing smaller items daily.

2. Use Fewer Laundry Products
Try using less detergent, bleach, fabric softener and more. I use to throw 2-3 dryer sheets in and there was no need, one would do the job just fine. Remember companies are here to sell you product and make you buy more of it.
They will try and get you to use more than you need so you buy more sooner, they will make new products you just HAVE to use or people will know when they see you that you didn’t buy the newest and best products.
Story time – kind of: I was a hairdresser for many years – one of the first things they taught us was to leave the hair (especially for men and boy’s cuts) longer than what they asked for so they have to come back sooner for a trim to keep it up. That’s why some guys go every 2-4 weeks when a good haircut should last 6. Beware… lol
Besides costing you more money on products, using more of any of the laundry products than your clothes really need can damage your clothing and again – that is a big investment and you need to make sure you’re protecting it.
3. Make Your Laundry Detergent
If you want to take your money-saving efforts to the next level, consider making your own laundry detergent. This is a simple and effective way to save money on laundry, because homemade laundry detergent can be much cheaper than store-bought.
Plus, you’ll have control over the ingredients, which can be especially helpful if you or someone in your family has sensitive skin.
You can make homemade laundry detergent, we even have a recipe you can use:
Supplies Needed:
- 2 Cups Washing Soda
- 2 Cups Borax
- 1 Bar Ivory Soap
- 1 Bar Fels Naptha Soap
Directions:
- Grate Ivory and Fels Naptha soap with cheese grater.
- Pour into food processor or blender and pulse until fine powder.
- Mix together with washing soda and borax
- Store in an air tight container
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4. Know Your Machines
Knowing your washing machine settings can also save you money.
You can save money on excess detergent and water when you know the washing instructions, such as the water level or liquid laundry detergent you put in every wash cycle.
This is one I am still learning, a couple of years ago I took my income tax refund and used it to buy a washer/dryer in one.
I can’t tell you how much I LOVE not having to move the clothes from one machine to the other…. I also can not TELL you how many times I have ruined a load because I forgot and it turned sour… ugh.
But, this machine has a trillion settings AND an app… ugh. But luckily YouTube videos help when I don’t know how to do something with it.
5. Air Dry Your Clothes
Skip the dryer and save money by using a clothesline or drying rack instead. This can save you money on electricity and help your clothes last longer, because the heat from the dryer can make things shrink
and damage certain fabrics. If you don’t have space for a clothesline, consider drying your clothes on a drying rack or outside on a sunny day.
6. Vinegar
Vinegar is a versatile household product that can be used in many ways, including in the laundry room.
Add a cup of white vinegar to your wash cycle to help:
- soften clothes
- reduce static
- remove odors
It’s a natural alternative to chemical-laden fabric softeners and can save you money in the long run.
Instead of using the best laundry detergent money can buy (lol) or expensive stain remover, a cup of white vinegar and lukewarm water can often do the trick.
7. Wash in Cold Water
Another way to save money on laundry is to wash your clothes in cold water. This one is straight from Mom, she always washed in cold and taught me to do the same.
This not only saves on electricity, but it can also help your clothes last longer. Hot water can damage fabrics, causing them to fade, shrink, or break down over time. Cold water is gentler on clothes and can still get them clean.
8. Choose Multi-Purpose Products
When it comes to laundry products, choose multi-purpose options whenever possible. For example, instead of buying separate products for stain removal, whitening, and fabric softening, look for an all-in-one detergent.
This not only saves you money but can also save you time and space in your laundry room. All the bottles… ugh

9. Use Wool Dryer Balls
If you do use a dryer, consider using wool dryer balls instead of fabric softener sheets.
Wool dryer balls are a natural, reusable alternative to fabric softener sheets and can save you money in the long run. They help soften clothes and reduce static, without the need for chemical-laden fabric softener.
10. Take Care of Your Clothes
Finally, taking care of your clothes can help them last longer, which can save you money in the long run. Follow care instructions on clothing tags to make sure you are caring for them as the manufacturer intended.
Following the manufacturers instructions can help your clothes last longer with less wear and tear from your machines.
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For Cleaner Clothes While Saving Money
Doing laundry can be a never-ending chore, but it doesn’t have to be a costly one. By implementing some smart money-saving laundry tips and tricks, you can keep your clothes clean and fresh without breaking the bank.
These are also life skills you can teach your kids so they are set when they move out.
FAQ: Money Saving Laundry Tips & Tricks
Here are some frequently asked questions about money-saving laundry tips and tricks.
Q: How can I save money on laundry?
A: One way to save money on laundry is by using cold water for washing clothes instead of hot water. Washing in cold water is just as effective for removing dirt and stains from your clothes and can save you money on your energy bill. Plus, air-drying your clothes instead of using a dryer can help save money on energy costs.
Q: Can I save money by using less laundry detergent?
A: Yes, using less laundry detergent can save you money in the long run. The amount of detergent you use depends on the size of your load, the level of soil, and the type of detergent. Follow the instructions on the detergent to determine the right amount of detergent for your load. Using too much detergent not only wastes money, but it can also leave residue on your clothes.
Q: What are some alternatives to expensive fabric softeners?
A: Instead of using expensive fabric softeners, try using white vinegar in the rinse cycle as a natural alternative. Not only is vinegar a great fabric softener, but it also helps to eliminate odors and reduce static cling. Another alternative is using dryer balls, which can help soften your clothes and reduce drying time.
Q: Can I save money by hand-washing clothes?
A: Yes, hand-washing clothes can save you money on your energy bill and may help your clothes last longer. Be sure to read the label on your clothes to determine if they’re suitable for hand-washing. You can use a gentle detergent, and let your clothes soak for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
Q: Is it necessary to wash clothes after every wear?
A: It’s not always necessary to wash clothes after every wear. Washing your clothes too often can cause them to wear out faster and fade. Instead, try spot-cleaning stains and airing out clothes between wears to keep them fresh.
Q: Can I use homemade laundry detergent?
A: Yes, you can make your own laundry detergent using simple ingredients like baking soda, washing soda, and castile soap. Making your own laundry detergent can save you money, and you can customize the scent to your liking by adding essential oils.
Q: How can I keep from shrinking clothes in the dryer?
A: To keep clothes from shrinking in the dryer, avoid using high heat and opt for a lower temperature setting. Over-drying your clothes can also cause shrinking, so be sure to remove them from the dryer as soon as they’re dry.
Q: Can I save money by buying generic laundry products?
A: Yes, generic laundry products can often be just as effective as name-brand products and can save you money. Be sure to compare prices and read reviews before making a purchase to make sure you’re getting a quality product.


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