Today as part of the Arm and Hammer Switch and Save Challenge, I’m talking about a subject that’s near and dear to my heart… saving money on laundry.
Here is a short “laundry list” of money saving tips:
- Don’t use too much detergent. Too much is not only wasteful, but it can also irritate your skin if not rinsed completely. This is particularly important when using a front load washer. I’ve had to experiment with the right amount for my loads and washer… too little and the clothes come out dingy, too much and the clothes are itchy.
- Speaking of detergent, last month I switched to Arm and Hammer Plus Oxiclean Power Gel Detergent. Even with the upswing of dirty summer laundry, it continues to impress. Arm and Hammer detergent is already economical, but using coupons makes it an awesome deal. Just click over to Arm and Hammer’s Savings Center to download coupons.
- I never use fabric softener. Baking soda is a good fabric softener when added to the load. So is vinegar when added to the rinse. Both options are cheaper… and work wonderfully.
- When your washer and dryer go kaput like mine did about 4 years ago, buy a high efficiency set. We opted for a HE front loader washer and a gas dryer. We paid more than we wanted, but noticed immediate savings on our electrical and gas bills. Not only do the front loaders use significantly less water and energy, they are much gentler on clothes, so your clothes last longer. I also use MUCH less detergent than before, and that’s a big money saver too. It took some time, but our set has definitely offset the initial cost.
- Forgo the dryer and hang your clothes out on a line… because sunshine is free. I use a folding drying rack which I move outside in the summer. In the winter I use it in my family room, which you would think wouldn’t look the best, but I kinda like the homey feel… and the humidity it puts in the air. If you are looking to install a clothes line there are several options. My mom has used a Retractable Clothesline
for years. It is installed on her house and when needed, is extended to the hook on her wooden fence post. They are particularly nice because when not in use, they are completely out of the way. I’ve been wanting to install one in my backyard since my little folding stand just isn’t enough space for a whole load. Another option that I’m twitterpated over is called a Hills Hoist Clothesline. It’s on my wish list… but for now the $13 retractable line will suit me just fine
- Last but not least head over to the Arm and Hammer Switch and Save Challenge website, where you can find money-saving coupons and be sure to enter for a chance to win $25,000!
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This is a sponsored post for Church & Dwight Co., Inc, the maker of ARM & HAMMER branded products, who is compensating me to try different products. Save $1.00 on any 2 ARM & HAMMER Laundry Detergents. And be sure and head over to The Switch & Save Challenge for the chance to win $25,000.
Hubby just fashioned me a clothesline –LOVE IT!!
I don’t know how much money it will save you, but my suggestion is to make sure you’re taking care of your washer and dryer properly! I have an HE washer as well, and the pump is supposed to be drained and cleaned every two weeks, and the self-clean cycle is supposed to be run with bleach every month. On my poor washer, that hadn’t been done for a year and a half. Oops! I’m also trying to make sure that I dry out the rubber seal properly every time I do a load of laundry.
Drying things outside is the best…just washed an old family quilt that had been stored in mothballs:( Used vinegar in the rinse cycle but then hanging it outside totally got rid of the last of the mothball smell. My clothesline is actually a plastic chain (from hardware dept at Wal-Mart) hung on nails. I can take it up and down easily and I can hang stuff on it on actual hangers in the links.
I love Arm & Hammer + Oxy Clean powder. Keeps your clothes from smelling moldy as fast if you accidentally leave it in the washer. Thanks for the other tips!! I’m excited to try the baking soda :)
Do you find that drying outside fades clothes faster? Or makes them not last as long? Just want some opinions.
I have a Hills Hoist and I LOVE IT! Totally worth the money and the customer service we had in the States was wonderful! Worth looking into! Thanks for the tips, I have considered switching detergents now! Just need to finish up the stuff we have now. :)
I have had a retractable clothesline as long as I’ve had a house of my own. When we moved to our present home my husband made one out of a hand winch and clothesline with a hook at the end. Love it. I also have a pulley clothesling in the garage. DH is a little sorry he put that one up for me. AND a folding rack for indoor drying on very windy days.
Have you checked out the awesome wood drying racks at Homesteaddryingracks.com? They are wonderful and worth their weight in gold, in space to dry. I adore mine. My friends have a cottage indusyry selling these, and they are quite nice. (The racks AND the people. ) :) They also do givaways. Take a look, and tell them I sent you.
My friend and I started a wash and fold laundry service from our homes. When we started out we were using Tide for everything. After a few months we realized quickly we needed to find something more cost effective with the same quality. We tried several different brands and now always use Arm & Hammer! We also use white vinegar in the rinse cycle as our fabric softner. Great info in your post!
http://www.laundrycare.biz
I need to save money but I want these kicks lol
just saw your post.
I’m using a great laundry soap that I made from scratch that saves me loads of cash.
1 part borax (20 mule team)
1 part washing soda (arm and hamer)
2 parts grated soap (dove white)
mix together. Done.
Use 1 Tablespoon per reg load 2 if heavy soil or large load
lynni