Tips to Save Money While Doing Laundry

A fresh, clean batch of folded laundry brings joy and comfort to the launderer. However, how much a load of laundry costs in electricity, water and cleaning supplies can evoke entirely different emotions. Luckily, there are little, easy changes you can make to your washing and drying routine for a more cost-effective, streamlined experience.

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Table of Contents

• How Much Money Do I Spend on Laundry?
• How Can I Save Money on Laundry?
• How Can Commercial Laundry Rooms Maximize Their Users’ Satisfaction?

How Much Money Do I Spend on Laundry?

You’ll likely spend an average of $170 per year on laundry supplies like detergents, softeners and dryer sheets. This number either drops or rises depending on which products you use, how you wash your clothes, where you do your laundry and how often. 

The cost of electricity, equipment and maintenance also contributes to the yearly cost of doing laundry and fluctuates according to the same criteria. Today’s new energy-efficient washers and dryers use 70% less electricity than they did 30 years ago, which can lower your overall laundry costs. 

How Can I Save Money on Laundry?

You can bring down the price tag of a load of laundry significantly by making a few good choices and establishing an efficient laundry routine. Learn how to save money on clothes, bedding and other machine-washables with these cost-effective laundry tips:

1. Wash Clothes Only When They’re Dirty

Each article of clothing and linen you own has a different ideal washing schedule. The more infrequently you wash your garments, the less electricity, water and detergent you’ll use in the long run. By washing your clothing and bedding only when they genuinely need a cleaning, you’ll save money and lower your carbon footprint. Use this guide to help decide when to launder what:

• Items to wash after each use: Underwear, swimsuits, leggings, stockings, socks, workout gear, tank tops, stained or soiled clothing and baby clothes.
• Items to wash every couple of days: Bras, shapewear, slips, skirts, pants, dresses, cardigans, shorts, dress shirts, khakis, hand towels and dishcloths.
• Items to wash every three to four uses: Pajamas, suits, sweaters, hoodies, jackets, pet clothes and shawls.
• Items to wash weekly: Beanies, jeans, bath and swimming towels, sheets, bath mats, pillowcases, bath towels and swimming towels.
• Items to wash monthly: Shoes or shoe insoles, mattress pads, pillow liners, pet collars, pet harnesses, gym bags and plush toys.
• Items to wash every few months: Winter coats, raincoats and heavy jackets, shower curtains, car seat covers and throw pillow covers.
• Items to wash once or twice yearly: Curtains, comforters, rugs, duffel bags and backpacks.

Materials that frequently come into contact with animals, smoke, debris, dust, small children or contaminants may need to be washed more regularly. Weigh up your unique lifestyle against these guidelines to find a washing schedule that works for you, your clothes and your wallet.

2. Do Full Loads of Laundry

Wait until you can fill the washing machine to the top before doing your laundry. Even if your washing machine is less than half full, it uses the same amount of energy as if it were fully loaded. Washing full — and therefore fewer — loads will lessen the wear and tear on the laundry machine, reduce water consumption and save you time and money. If you’re paying per load at a communal laundry facility, you’ll spend less per month washing the same number of items. 

3. Choose the Right Type and Amount of Detergent

Have you considered you might be using more laundry detergent than you need? While reading the labels of the products you buy is a savvy solution, keep in mind that companies may exaggerate how much detergent you really need to use so you’ll buy more of their product quicker.

Researchers suggest one tablespoon of detergent is more than enough for an average eight-pound laundry load. Using too much soap actually prevents your clothes from getting clean and leaves your items starchy and scratchy. Excess detergent can also lead to white, patchy residue and add money to the cost of a load of laundry. 

To get the most out of your purchase, measure exactly how much detergent you need instead of pouring it straight into the machine by eye. Being sparing with your detergent makes it last longer, and it can also prolong the health of the washing machine by reducing the buildup of soap scum.

4. Wash Clothes During Off-Peak Hours

Electricity costs less at different times of day, depending on your season and region. Fewer people are using electricity during off-peak times, so powering laundry machines is more affordable. On average, off-peak hours are between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. during the week and all day on weekends. The best time to do laundry to save money based on electricity prices is in the early morning, at night or on a Saturday or Sunday.

5. Use Irons and Softeners Sparingly

As long as you’re folding your laundry after drying, your things should stay relatively wrinkle-free due to the types of fabric most modern clothes and sheets are made of. Irons use electricity unnecessarily and can take up hours of your precious time. Ditching the iron can also save you from accidental burns — both on your clothes and your body.

Frugal shoppers would also benefit from walking past ad-hoc laundry luxuries like softeners and scent boosters in the aisle. Almost all detergents are already scented, so there’s no need to double up products. If you want to add a light scent to your clothes, you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to a wool dryer ball. Skipping softeners also protects washing machines, linens and clothes from any waxy buildup. 

6. Pick the Right Laundry Machine and Settings

Selecting a high-quality washer and dryer is a smart choice for both your clothes and your budget. Well-made machines are more durable and reliable and often come with access to a helpful service team for maintenance and repairs.

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Your washer and dryer settings can work to your advantage in several ways. By picking a colder wash, you can save up to half your money on energy expenditure for that load without impacting the quality of the wash. You can trim costs even more by choosing the air dry setting on the dryer or simply lowering its temperature.

Start Saving on Your Laundry Costs Today!

Buying a Dryer: Natural Gas or Electric?

Figure out which appliance is best for your home.

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Natural gas dryers are more energy-efficient and cheaper to run because they only use a small amount of electricity to turn the drum and take less time per load. However, a few factors complicate whether a natural gas or electric dryer would fit your home better.

While our experts recommend a natural gas dryer for long-term cost-effectiveness, an electric dryer may be more convenient for some shoppers because it is cheaper to purchase and doesn’t require a gas line. Each option has its pros and cons depending on your priorities.

The power source is the main differentiating factor between natural gas and electric dryers. The best option depends on your home and budget — weigh these factors when comparing natural gas and electric dryers.

Natural gas dryer pros and cons

Gas dryers use natural gas or propane to heat air, and a fan circulates the hot air to dry your clothes. When purchasing a gas dryer, consider these pros and cons.

An electric dryer is cheaper to purchase than a gas dryer. However, there are some nuances to this answer. Dryers powered by natural gas use less electricity and dry clothes faster, meaning the cost to run each load is cheaper over time. Due to these factors, natural gas dryers have more potential for long-term savings if you can manage the higher upfront cost.

If you are wondering which option is the most environmentally friendly, the answer isn’t completely straightforward. An argument can be made for natural gas dryers because they use less energy and have a quicker run time. On the other hand, electric dryers have no emissions and can be powered by a renewable energy plan.

While the answer to this may vary slightly depending on your perspective, our energy experts recommend powering an electric dryer with a renewable energy plan for the most environmentally friendly option for your laundry.

Ultimately, the best dryer depends on your home and priorities. If your home already has a gas line, a natural gas dryer is a great opportunity to lower your electricity usage and save on long-term energy costs. However, if you don’t have a gas line, installing one and purchasing a gas dryer might not be worth it. An electric dryer is likely a better fit for your home in that scenario.

While electric dryers may cost more per load, they can run on renewable energy, which is a great opportunity to lower your home’s carbon footprint. Our experts recommend an electric dryer if your priority is the most environmentally friendly option. You can shop renewable energy plans on our marketplace to power large appliances and lower your carbon footprint.

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