Many people consider doing the laundry a tedious task, which is why they try to find ways to do it more efficiently. Some individuals also don’t appreciate how this household chore contributes to their expenses. Operating certain washing machine models can consume a lot of water and energy, and restocking laundry products adds to their monthly grocery bill.
However, doing the laundry is a necessary task to ensure that each member of the family has access to fresh clean clothes. Whether by using a laundry enhancer to get a longer-lasting results, household items like bedsheets, towels, and even curtains also need to be washed to ensure that they stay clean and well-maintained.
Since skipping laundry day isn’t an option, we’ve come up with some practical recommendations that can help reduce your laundry-related expenses. If you want to learn money-saving tips for doing your laundry, read on.
Invest in an Energy-Efficient Washing Machine
Many Filipino homes have shifted from the traditional method of washing clothes by hand to using a washing machine due to its convenience. They no longer need to do manual labor and can attend to other tasks while their clothes are getting washed in the machine. If you’re planning to make such a change in your household, remember to look for a washing machine model that’s energy-efficient.
Whether you’re buying a washing machine with dryer or two separate units, check if the model you are eyeing is energy-efficient by looking for its estimated energy consumption. Some brands may even go as far as to compute the per kilowatt hourly usage cost of their appliances, which you can use for easy comparison between models. You can also focus your shopping on choosing from front-load type washing machines, as these are generally considered more energy-efficient compared to top-load designs.
Do Laundry in Full Loads
Maximize your washing machine usage by doing full loads whenever possible. Washing clothes in multiple small loads costs more than running one full load because the former takes more energy and uses up more detergent and other laundry products than the latter. While having a pile of dirty clothes may seem like an eyesore, refrain from washing it immediately if the load is much less than what your machine can accommodate. In case you need to wash a certain garment because you have to wear it for a specific occasion, don’t throw it in the machine on its own. Wait until you have a full load’s worth of laundry before running a cycle on your washing machine. If you urgently need to clean a garment or two, consider hand washing instead.
While using your machine at its full load capacity is ideal, you also don’t want to overload the appliance with more items than it’s designed to handle. Doing so can take a toll on the motor and other parts, which can cause the machine to break down and need repair. Additionally, you can end up with clothes that aren’t thoroughly clean and require another wash cycle.
Use the Recommended Amount of Detergent
One reason your laundry is costing you a lot of money may be due to how much laundry detergent you’re using with each load. Many people believe adding loads of detergent makes their clothes cleaner, but this isn’t true at all. Putting too much detergent will only make you spend more on laundry products, and it has no guarantee of giving a better clean. In some cases, too much detergent may even worsen the state of your clothes. It can increase the likelihood of detergent residue sticking to your clothes, which can make the fabric stiff and harder to clean. It can also irritate your skin and cause you to itch.
Make sure to carefully read the label on the detergent packaging and follow the suggested amount for every laundry load. Since every laundry detergent formula is different, some can be more concentrated than others and require you to use a smaller amount of detergent. You also have to adjust the amount of detergent and scale it according to the demands of your load. For example, a small load may only need two tablespoons of detergent while a full load will require five. It is important to look for a detergent that suits your skin and doesn’t cause irritation, plus you will need to look for specific ones suited to your clothing types, e.g. wool, cashmere, silk, etc. If you do not know where to start, you may want to check out websites like The Laundress to help you with cleaning your clothes as well as showing you what products would be best to use.
Switch to Distilled Vinegar as Fabric Softener
Another way to save up on your laundry products is to shift to alternatives you already have at home. For instance, instead of spending on fabric softeners, use distilled vinegar. If you overuse your washing detergent, the residue can give your clothes a crunchy and scratchy texture. By using vinegar with your rinse cycle, its mild acid breaks down any detergent clinging to your clothes and removes any lingering odors. This makes your garments feel softer and more comfortable to wear. So next time you do laundry, add half a cup of distilled white vinegar to your load’s final rinse.
Air Dry Whenever You Can
Having a dryer can hasten your clothes’ drying time but it can also add to your electricity bill. So, whenever the weather permits, consider air-drying your damp clothes. Set up a clothesline outside where you can hang your just-washed clothes and let the air and sun dry them naturally. If you don’t have an outdoor space, you can still air dry your wardrobe. Just make sure to position your drying rack by an open window so fresh air is allowed to circulate. This also ensures that the clothes don’t develop any musty odors.
Doing the laundry is a necessary chore but certain laundry practices may be increasing your household expenses. If you want to reduce your spending, make sure to try these recommendations. Apart from saving you money in the process, you also ensure your clothes come out clean and smelling fresh.
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