These Expert Laundry Tips Could Save You Money

When laundry day rolls around again, most of us just want to get it over with. However, if you also want to save some cash on water usage without sacrificing fresh clean clothes, we’ve got some expert advice on how to do it.

Initially, it might seem like cutting down your water usage when doing laundry is out of your control, but that’s not true. We spoke with Jennifer Ahoni, principal scientist at Tide, about how to reduce waste, and maybe even save a bit of money in the process.

Wash More Loads in Cold Water

One of the simplest things you can do on laundry day to save some cash is to wash most loads in cold water. Ahoni explained that heating the water, even to warm for some loads, consumes a lot of energy.

“Washing in cold water uses up to 90% less energy,” Ahoni said. “Switching your wash water temperatures from warm or hot to cold, also means that you can save up to $150 per year on your energy bill.”

While you might be inclined to think hot water will get your clothes cleaner, that’s not necessarily true. Detergent does all the work for you, and many are even designed to remove stains and boost fragrance in cold water.

There are only a few instances when you should use hot water for laundry. For example, if you use cloth diapers, or if someone in your home has been sick or has had head lice, you would definitely need to use hot water.

However, if your laundry doesn’t fall into any of those categories, cold water is the way to go.

Use the Right Detergent

Not all detergents are created equal, and yours could be affecting your laundry. Ahoni advised looking for concentrated detergents, as they have more cleaning ingredients and require less water with each dose. This way, you’ll get an efficient clean every time, avoid any rewashing, and combat soils and stains from becoming embedded in your fabrics.

Naturally, Ahoni is a fan of Tide Hygienic Clean, as it’s formulated with 50% more cleaning power than even the original Tide, and is formulated to work better in cold water.

Use the Right Amount of Detergent

You might have heard this before, but there’s a good chance you’re using too much detergent. Not only can this affect your machine’s ability to wash, but it could also damage your clothes. Plus, it’ll also cause you to have to buy more detergent sooner, which is expensive.

When you use too much detergent, you’ll notice a chalky residue on your clothing or a stiff feeling in your towels. The rest goes right down the drain.

As for your machine, it can cause a buildup of soap scum inside, which makes it smell musty. In extreme cases, it might even damage your appliance. Luckily, a handy measuring tool comes right on the bottle.

“Make sure you’re using the right amount of detergent by measuring the dose in the cap,” Ahoni said, “or by following the dosage instructions on the label.”

Upgrade Your Washing Machine

Admittedly, upgrading your washing machine is far more costly upfront than the other tips on our list. However, if you don’t already have a high-efficiency washer, it might be time to upgrade, as this appliance demands the most water in your home.

In fact, according to Ahoni, a high-efficiency machine generally uses 20-60% less water than traditional machines. Just think how much that could cut the cost of your energy bills.

Additionally, these types of washers can typically hold 40% larger loads, which will cut down on the total number you have to do. So, yes, while it does require a hefty investment at first, it’ll be worth it in the long run.

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Most of us are always looking for ways to save cash on utilities. These tips can help you make laundry day far more sustainable, and even reduce your energy and water bills. Now, that’s fresh!