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Shockingly, it’s been a while since I’ve shared a fresh batch of laundry hacks here on the blog, so I thought I’d rectify that situation today! This post will be a little different, as we’ll be focusing specifically on laundry hacks that can save you money.
With tips that range from saving on supplies to extending the lifespan of your clothes, these frugal laundry hacks will help you keep your clothes clean while keeping more money in your pocket!
8 Money-Saving Laundry Tips
1. Use Dryer Balls
If it feels as though it takes forever for your clothes to dry in your dryer, a few wool dryer balls may be all you need to solve the problem!
Wool dryer balls are not only a natural, eco-friendly alternative to dryer sheets, but they also help to speed up drying times. As dryer balls tumble around a dryer, they separate the items and create channels for airflow that help dry laundry up to 25% faster.
And with a lifespan of up to 1,000 loads, there’s no question that dryer balls are a more cost-effective option than dryer sheets or fabric softener!
I can’t live without the colorful wool dryer balls that are available in my shop and I’m not alone! Here is what just a couple of my customers have to say:
Best idea ever. I don’t know why it took me so long to try these but my laundry dries much faster and far less wrinkling. Even when I forget to unload right away. I have given sets away and use mine all the time. Love love love them!!!!
Rozellace
I use these dryer balls every time I dry clothes. They are so handy, can be used over and over (unlike disposable dryer sheets that just get tossed after use), and the colors are bright, cheery, and easy to locate when I’m unloading clothes from the dryer. I liked them so much I bought my daughter a set and she really likes them, too.
Terri C.
I decided to try these felt dryer balls as a substitute for commercial dryer sheets. Boy am I glad I did! They help dry my clothes and minimize wrinkles without heavy perfume. They will be a money saver as I won’t have to buy dryer sheets anymore.
Nicole G.
For the next 48 hours, my set of six colorful wool dryer balls is on sale for just $20 (regularly $34.99)! Plus, when you buy three sets, you’ll get a fourth set completely FREE, bringing the price down to just $15 per set!
OGT Plus members get an extra 20% off their purchase AND free U.S. shipping! Current member? Get your discount! Not a member? Join OGT Plus today!
2. Wash In Cold Water
With a few exceptions (such as towels, whites, and heavily soiled items), I wash everything in cold water. Not only does this help extend the lifespan of my clothes and linens, but it’s also better for treating stains since hot water can cause certain stains to set permanently into fabrics.
3. Make Your Own Detergent
If you’re looking for ways to save money, making your own laundry detergent is a no-brainer! For around $30 in supplies, you can make enough powdered laundry detergent to last you the rest of the year (if not longer!)
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And best of all, my favorite homemade powdered laundry detergent is just as effective as the store-bought stuff. Check out even more money-saving laundry DIYs here.
4. Fight Fading With Salt
You don’t need an expensive detergent or a fancy laundry booster to fight fading and keep colors bright and vivid. All you need is a couple of tablespoons of kosher salt!
Adding salt to the wash cycle when washing colors will help set the dyes into the fibers of your clothing. It’s an easy and inexpensive way to prevent fading and keep your clothes looking new longer.
5. Save Shrunken Clothing
Another reason why I prefer to wash my clothes in cold water is that it makes it much less likely I’ll accidentally shrink something. But even if I did shrink something, I could always use this easy 3-step process for unshrinking clothing!
It involves soaking the item in sudsy water, gently stretching it back into shape, and then allowing it to air dry to avoid any re-shrinking. I’ve used this method to revive several of my treasured clothing items, and I think it’s well worth the time for anyone to learn!
6. Brighten & Deodorize With Baking Soda
From smelly work uniforms to smoky camping clothes, tough odors can prove just as tricky to get rid of as stains! But when it comes to deodorizing smelly clothes, nothing I’ve tried works quite as well as good old baking soda.
Just add about 1/2 cup of baking soda to the washer along with your clothes. Not only will it help eliminate lingering odors in the fabric, but it will also help brighten colors and whites too!
7. Dissolve Residues With Vinegar
Much like I rely on baking soda for tackling odors, I always reach for vinegar when I’m dealing with stubborn residues. When absorbent items like towels don’t get rinsed well enough in the wash, fabric softener and detergent residue can build up on the fabric and form a stubborn film that detergent alone can’t remove.
But luckily for us, acidic vinegar can cut through that buildup and revive your towels. When you put those musty towels in the wash, add your normal amount of detergent and 1/2 cup of vinegar, and they’ll come out much fresher and cleaner!
(Want to avoid residue and buildup becoming an issue in the first place? Make sure you’re using the recommended amount of detergent for your load size, and add an extra rinse cycle for good measure!)
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8. Read Tags Before Buying
There’s a lot to consider when shopping for clothes and linens, but taking the time to check the tags could save you a lot of frustration in the long run. If the tag says “dry clean only,” it’s good to know that before you buy it instead of realizing it after you’ve taken the tags off!
Related: How to Wash Silk The Right Way
By choosing clothes that you can wash and care for at home, you can save plenty of money on dry cleaning services over time.
Share your favorite frugal laundry hacks in the comments below!
