Cutting household expenses in every way possible will always be a good idea.  One way to work toward spending less of your hard earned money? Save on laundry.

I have two boys and three dogs (not to mention my husband and I) and a massive mountain of laundry just about any day of the week.

While using coupons for your laundry detergent is a great idea (especially if you are Tide loyal) there are other ways to save as well.  If you’re not particular about your brand (and even if you are!) you should try these tips to lowering your laundry expense.

Ways to Save Money on Laundry

1. Make your own laundry detergent  

I first started making laundry detergent over a decade ago, while Paul and I were cutting every corner we could in order to pay off our debt. Saving on laundry = more money for credit card payments.

I have always used this recipe for homemade laundry detergent, and it works wonders.  If you’re not into making your own, definitely look for coupons for your favorite brands, and watch for sales.

2. Use a clothesline or a drying rack

The clothes dryer can be an energy sucking demon.  While it is not possible to hang your clothes out to dry on a clothesline year-round (at least not here, it’s not) you could use a drying rack like this one that folds away easily.

Even separating the load between the drying rack and the dryer (for socks and onesies for example with a hanging rack like this) will cut down on the length of time needed to dry.  Less drying time = less energy use.

3. Save it for the full loads

Now this seems nearly impossible in my household, but try to wait until you have a full load of laundry before you start a load.  We could wait an entire two hours at my house (or chip away at the “laundry mountain” as it have been called) but if you have a small family or live solo, save it up and wash fuller loads.  Less energy = money money in your pocket.

4. Wash in cold water

Why heat up the water unless you absolutely must? Unless you’re trying to kill a virus or a stomach bug (then you should definitely use hot water), water is water is water, and water will all get your clothes clean. Heating up the water = energy cost = less money staying in your pocket.

5. Stock up on vinegar

Did you know that vinegar used in place of fabric softener will not only soften up your clothes, but it will make your towels fluffy again AND your laundry won’t smell like it’s been pickled?!  Use about 1/4 cup in the rinse cycle and voila!

Fantastically fluffy, soft and clean laundry at a fraction of the cost. Vinegar is great for so many things.  We use it in our Homemade Window cleaner, and to spiff up our leather shoes!

Check out 33 Ways to Lower Your Utility Bills – Without Spending a Dime